Studying and Working in Spain. The perfect match!

One of the main reasons international students are drawn to Spain is the opportunity to combine studying with working, which helps them boost their professional experience and support their finances during their stay. If you’re considering studying in Spain, you’ve probably heard of the «stay for studies» permit. This type of authorization allows students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, but not all study programs provide this right.

What is a student permit?

It is a permit that allows you to stay in Spain for more than 90 days to pursue studies at an accredited educational institution in a full-time program leading to obtaining a diploma or certificate. This permit is required for anyone who is not a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.

What makes this type of stay stand out is that, in many cases, students are «automatically» allowed to work part-time (up to 30 hours per week). However, it’s important to note that not all study programs grant this work permission, and there are specific regulations.

Which studies allow you to work?

Generally, study programs that allow students to work are those considered academically relevant and directly linked to the Spanish job market.

For example, if you’re enrolled in higher education like a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, or in regulated vocational training aimed at obtaining a professional certification or qualification for a specific job, your study permit will come with automatic work authorization. This means you can work part-time (up to 30 hours per week), as long as the job doesn’t interfere with your studies.

Your student card will include this work authorization, so you don’t need to apply for it separately.

Procedure for Applying for Work Authorization as an Employee

Once you’ve obtained the student permit, your studies may not automatically include work authorization, as might be the case for courses to learn a co-official language. In that case, an additional procedure is required if you want to work while studying. Here’s how to do it.

It’s important to note that you do not need to apply for work authorization if you are doing non-labor internships at public or private entities that are part of your study program, as long as these internships are carried out through collaboration agreements between the institution and the educational or scientific center that issued your student permit.

1. Check if you meet the requirements

Before applying for work authorization, make sure that you have a valid student permit with enough time left to apply for work authorization. Keep in mind that your primary permit is for studies, so you must ensure that you comply with your study requirements and complete your studies before changing your permit to a different type if you want to make that transition later.

2. Apply for work authorization at the Foreigners Office or the Generalitat de Catalunya

The next step is to submit the work authorization application at the Foreigners Office in the province where you plan to work. The application must be submitted by the company or employer that intends to hire the foreign student, either through their digital certificate or through a duly accredited representative, such as a lawyer.

The work activity cannot exceed 30 hours per week and must be compatible with the purpose for which the student permit was granted, meaning it must not interfere with your studies.

The documents you will typically need to include are:

●      Application form.

●      Valid passport.

●      Student residence card (TIE).

●      Enrollment certificate that includes information about the academic program.

●      Employment contract, in line with current labor laws, signed by both parties and detailing salary and working hours. It’s important to note that the contract start date must coincide with the effective date of the work authorization, which should be specified in the contract.

●      Company documentation.

3. Wait for the resolution

Once the application is submitted, the Foreigners Office or Generalitat de Catalunya (for those in Catalonia) has a legal deadline of 3 months to decide on the approval of your work authorization. If approved, you’ll receive authorization to work part-time during your studies, and your employer can register you with Social Security within one month of the authorization being granted.

It’s important to remember that the work authorization is tied to the type of studies you’re undertaking and the duration of your student permit. Therefore, it will only be valid for the length of your studies, and if your student permit expires or is revoked, your work authorization will also end.

Similarly, if your student residence permit is extended and the circumstances that led to both authorizations remain the same, your work authorization will also be extended.

Procedure for Applying for Work Authorization as a Self-employed person.

Similarly, you can apply for work authorization as a self-employed person as long as your student residence card remains valid, with the limit of 30 hours per week, and as long as the work is compatible with the purpose for which the student permit was granted.

To apply for this authorization, you must meet the requirements set by current legislation for opening and running the intended business, as well as having the necessary professional qualifications and proof of financial means to make the investment.

You will need to prepare a business outlining the activity you plan to develop, a projected timeline, necessary licenses, and financial resources. We also recommend including details about potential clients and expected investments, which can be supported by any legally admissible means. It’s advisable to have your business plan validated by organizations like ATA, UPTA, or CIAE, among others.

The decision deadline for this application is 3 months. Once approved, you’ll have one month to register with Social Security as a self-employed person.

It’s your time to take the next step!

So, now you know—if you’re a student and have the chance to work while studying, don’t hesitate to explore this option. Always check the specific requirements and make sure that your job aligns with your student permit. Taking full advantage of these opportunities can make a big difference in your professional and personal growth.

Keep in mind that the regulations may vary depending on the type of studies you’re pursuing and the autonomous community where you are studying, so it’s always a good idea to stay well-informed before making any decisions. Studying and working in Spain is possible—we’re here to help you make it happen!