Studying Spanish before you move: options in your home country

Key rules

• Target level: Aim for B1 before you move, or B2 if the move is for work or study.
• Cervantes fees: Each Instituto Cervantes centre sets its own fees and start dates, and not every country has a centre.
• DELE exam: The DELE is held on set dates and registration closes weeks before, so book early.
• Nationality: A Spanish nationality application needs a DELE A2 certificate.

Aim for B1 before you go

B1 is a good target. At B1 you can phone a clinic, deal with a rental or utilities, and follow simple instructions at the foreigners' office (extranjería), the town hall and the bank. A1 to A2 is the practical minimum for greetings, shopping and simple appointments. If you are moving for work or study, aim for B2.

Many offices work only in Spanish, and official forms use formal wording. English is often not available, especially outside big cities. Big cities and tourist areas cope better with less Spanish. In Catalonia, Valencia, Galicia and the Basque Country, a second official language is also used.

Option 1: An Instituto Cervantes centre near you

Instituto Cervantes has over 80 centres in about 45 countries. Many teach all levels (A1 to C2), in person and often online, plus exam preparation courses.

To enrol, pick your city's centre on the Instituto Cervantes website. Take a placement test if you are not a beginner. Then register and pay online or at the centre. Each centre sets its own fees, course offer and start dates. Not every country has a centre, so check yours first.

Option 2: Cervantes online courses

If no centre is near you, Instituto Cervantes teaches online through its Aula Virtual de Español. It covers levels A1 to C1, with tutor-led and self-study versions. It also runs tutor-led group courses of several weeks and online exam preparation. Prices depend on level, course length and whether a tutor is included. Check the current course list and prices on the Instituto Cervantes website.

Option 3: Other online schools, tutors and apps

Prices work in three ways:

• Apps charge monthly or annual plans. Annual plans are usually cheaper per month. Apps are generally the cheapest option.
• Live group courses are mid-priced. They charge per course, depending on hours and length.
• One-to-one lessons with a tutor usually cost the most. Tutor marketplaces let each tutor set a price per lesson.

An app is good for daily habit and vocabulary. Add live lessons for speaking, because that is what you will need at an appointment. Compare current prices with each provider.

Option 4: Take an official exam at home

The DELE is the official Spanish diploma for foreign learners. You can take it in over 100 countries, at accredited centres. These are mainly Instituto Cervantes centres, universities and other approved institutions.

Exams happen on set dates, usually several times a year. Registration closes weeks before the exam, so plan ahead. Fees are set per country and level, and rise with the level. The steps are in the timeline below.

A DELE certificate gives you proof of your level. An A2 certificate is needed for a Spanish nationality application. B1 or higher is useful for some jobs and courses.

Which to choose

Use the choosing guide below. In short, pick a Cervantes centre or tutor if you want structure and speaking practice. Pick an app if you want a cheap daily habit. Add the DELE if you need a certificate.

Choosing between options

How should you study Spanish before you move?

• Instituto Cervantes centre in your city: Fits if a centre is near you and you want in-person classes at any level from A1 to C2, or DELE preparation.

• Instituto Cervantes online course: Fits if there is no centre near you and you want levels A1 to C1, with a tutor or at your own pace.

• App subscription: Fits if you want the cheapest option and are happy to study alone; annual plans usually cost less per month.

• Private tutor lessons online: Fits if you want one-to-one live lessons and can pay the most; prices are set per tutor.

• Take the DELE exam in your home country: Fits if you want an official certificate of your level before you move.

Pick a centre if one is near you, online courses if not, and add the DELE once you reach the level you need. Choose apps for the lowest cost and tutors for the most personal attention.

Prices, course offers and exam dates differ by provider and centre, so check current details with each one.

Timeline and deadlines

• Find your nearest accredited DELE exam centre and its exam dates: as soon as you decide to take the exam

• Choose your level (A1 to C2) and exam date: before the centre's registration closes, which is weeks before the exam

• Submit the registration form and ID details, and pay the fee at the centre: within the centre's registration deadline

• Sit the exam on one of the set dates: usually several times a year, commonly January or February, April, May, July, October and November

Checklist

• Check whether an Instituto Cervantes centre exists in your city or country

• Register and pay through the centre's online enrolment or at the centre

• Look at the online Cervantes courses (levels A1 to C1) if no centre is near you

• Compare prices for apps, group online courses and one-to-one tutor lessons with each provider

Frequently asked questions

What Spanish level should I reach before moving to Spain?

Aim for B1 before you move, with A1 to A2 as a practical minimum. At B1 you can phone a clinic, rent a home and deal with utilities and the bank. If you move for work or study, aim for B2.

Can I take the DELE exam in my home country?

Yes, you can take the DELE in over 100 countries at accredited exam centres, mostly Instituto Cervantes centres and universities. Exams are held on set dates several times a year. Registration closes weeks before the exam, so register early.

Does every country have an Instituto Cervantes centre?

No, not every country has an Instituto Cervantes centre. There are over 80 centres in about 45 countries. If there is none near you, its online courses are open to learners worldwide.