Spain: Guide to Converting Student Visa into Work Permit

Spain’s Directorate General for Migration has issued new criteria aimed at facilitating the process for foreign students to transition from a student residence permit to a work residence permit.

These regulatory measures have been officially adopted across various immigration offices to clarify the pathways available for graduates to integrate into the Spanish labor market.

Below, we review the available options and the conditions associated with each:

Options for Converting a Student Visa into a Work Permit in Spain

Spanish law has opened up various avenues for students, including the following main pathways:

1. Work Permit as an Employee (The Most Common Option)

This is the primary procedure that allows a student to become a salaried employee with a work contract. The requirements are:

• Successful Completion of Studies: The student must have successfully completed their period of study.
• Work Contract: Obtaining a permanent work contract that guarantees at least the minimum wage in Spain.
• No Specific Grants: The student must not have benefited from grants or financial aid within cooperation or development programs from their country of origin.
• Permit Duration: This permit is granted for one year and is renewable.

2. Self-Employed Work Permit (For Freelancers)

This option allows the student to establish their own business and work freelance. The requirements include:

• Submitting a clear and detailed business plan for the project.
• Demonstrating the necessary investment and financial capacity to cover the project’s costs.

3. Residence Permit for Job Search

This permit is designed for students who have obtained a higher education qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) and wish to remain in Spain to look for a job opportunity or launch their own business.

• Conditions: It requires proof of sufficient financial resources and comprehensive health insurance.
• Important Note: This permit does not allow for direct employment but grants its holder legal residency for a full year to search for a job.

4. Residence Permit for Internships

Aimed at students who have obtained a higher education degree within the two years prior to applying.

• Main Advantage: It allows them to enter the internship market in Spanish companies without being subject to the conditions of the national employment situation, making it easier to gain practical experience.

Application Procedures and Important Notes

• Where to Apply: The application must be submitted at the immigration office in the city where the student currently resides or plans to reside and work.
• Initial Authorization: Upon acceptance of the change request, the student receives a temporary residence and work authorization. This allows them to prove their new legal status to an employer or the Social Security institution in order to begin working immediately.

With these procedures, the new regulations provide clear pathways for students residing in Spain, whether they aspire to secure a job, launch their own business, or gain practical experience through training.

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