People from across the world come to Spain to pursue higher education, but if their course, internship, training, or voluntary work lasts for longer than the 90 days a tourist visa allows, then they must obtain a Spanish student visa to legally stay in the country. This also applies to secondary school exchanges, au pairs, and language assistants.
Those studying in Spain for a longer period of time might want to pick up a part-time job to earn some extra money and meet more people. Working allows students to experience local culture outside of their studies, practising the language and gaining professional experience at the same time – but are they allowed to work on a student visa?
Prior to the passing of a new decree in 2022, international students from outside the EU/EEA would have to apply for a separate permit to work in Spain while staying in the country on a student visa. Now, foreign students are allowed to work automatically, as long as they maintain the conditions of their student visa.
So, what are the rules for working in Spain on a student visa? What happens when you complete your studies and want to continue to work in Spain? This blog explains the basics of working on a Spanish student visa.
Requirements for working in Spain on a student visa
As the individual’s primary reason for being in Spain is to study, their academic course takes precedence – the ability to work is a complement to the student visa and not the main purpose. This means you cannot work a full-time job.
Foreigners with student visas are allowed to work part-time in any field for up to 30 hours a week. The role doesn’t have to relate to their studies, but the job must be compatible – so their working hours must not overlap with classes.
Another limitation is that this part-time job cannot be the student’s primary source of income, as it won’t count towards the visa’s minimum financial requirements. To be able to maintain and renew a student visa, you must meet the economic standard using savings, income from your home country, or other sources, such as a scholarship.
This means students must already have 100% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) to support themselves during their stay – which is currently around 600€ a month. Any earnings from a job in Spain can’t be included.
Your authorisation to work will also only last as long as your studies do. Once your course finishes, or if you leave your course, you will not be allowed to work in Spain on your student visa, because it will no longer be valid.
If your course is shorter than 90 days, you will be staying in Spain on a tourist visa instead, which does not permit you to work while studying in the country. To work legally, you must have a student visa.
If your course is shorter than 90 days, you will be staying in Spain on a tourist visa instead, which does not permit you to work while studying in the country. To work legally, you must have a student visa and work as an employee or be self-employed.
Converting a student visa to a work permit
If you are planning to apply for a job after your studies are complete, you can switch your student visa to a work permit that allows you to continue living in Spain and doesn’t limit your working hours or schedule.
There are several different routes available, but the most suitable would depend on the individual’s circumstances. For example, you could apply for a highly qualified worker permit if you obtain an eligible role, a job search visa allowing non-lucrative residence while you look for employment, or an internship residency.
However, the most common types of work authorisations transitioning from student visas are for employment by a company in Spain or self-employment, which have slightly different requirements and application processes.
Working as an employee
If you are doing professional work related to your course, any authorisations should be provided by your university or institution. In the case of part-time or full-time employment by an employer in Spain, they must apply for approval on your behalf, which requires providing certain documents and paying a small fee.
These documents include the application forms, identification for the individual and employer/business, proof that the employee has the necessary qualifications/experience to do the job, and a copy of the signed contract.
It can take up to 3 months to receive authorisation from the Spanish immigration authorities. If your application is approved, you can start working, and your employer can start to pay your social security contributions.
Earning as a self-employed worker
If you would rather work for yourself in Spain instead of seeking employment through a Spanish company, the process is a bit more complex. You must compile a business plan for your occupation to present to the immigration office, showing your self-employment is viable and within the requirements of your visa.
You must apply for authorisation yourself by submitting the form and documents to the immigration office, proving your identity and circumstances, and showing you have the necessary experience, licences, and knowledge of local legislation to operate the professional activity. Again, it can take up to 3 months to receive approval.
It’s important to note that self-employment requires paying your own social security contributions. These are progressive, so the cost depends on what you earn, but the lowest rate is currently 225€ a month.
Need advice from Spanish lawyers?
Studying in Spain is an exciting experience, and working in Spain can help to expand the new world of opportunities available to you. However, this can also be an overwhelming and stressful time initially, with so much paperwork and so many requirements to think about – especially when another language is involved.
It can help to seek guidance from English-speaking Spanish lawyers who are up to date on the country’s immigration laws, like Manzanares Abogados. We can help you to identify and follow the right process to work as a student or convert your visa into a work permit that suits your situation, so you can pursue your goals with confidence.
Don’t forget that earning income in Spain also opens you up to tax liabilities – if you need advice on working out your Spanish tax rate, or submitting a tax return and paying a tax bill, we can also help with this at Manzanares Lawyers.
To contact us, you can call one of our offices in Spain or fill out our enquiry form and we will be back in touch soon.
