Savanna Hoffman
International students in Spain can legally work for up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. There are two main ways for international students to work in Spain: through a student visa or via curricular or extracurricular internships. Students can also work as freelancers or self-employed individuals, although this requires registering as such and submitting a business plan. The ability to work is a complement to the student visa, and students must continue to rely on other means of financial support. For non-EU/EEA international students, working in Spain is more challenging, as they may only work part-time, and their employer must apply for a work permit on their behalf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students work in Spain? | Yes |
| Work hours for students | Up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks |
| Work permit requirements | A student visa, internship agreement, or a work permit after graduation |
| Language requirements | Fluency in English or Spanish |
| Salary | €300 to €800 per month for part-time work |
| Visa type | Student visa, work permit, or entrepreneur visa |
| Visa duration | One year to live and work in Spain after graduation |
| Visa renewal | Not required if the student finds a job within one year |
| Visa costs | Not mentioned |
| Job opportunities | Hospitality, tourism, bartending, supermarkets, etc. |
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Student visa requirements
International students can work in Spain with a student visa. However, there are specific requirements and limitations. Firstly, it is important to note that the primary purpose of the student visa is to allow individuals to study in Spain, and working is considered a complementary activity. Thus, the job cannot be the student's main source of income, and they must rely on their own financial resources. International students in Spain are limited to working up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and can work full-time during academic breaks.
To obtain a student visa for Spain, there are several requirements that must be met. Firstly, the visa is only for non-EU, non-EEA citizens or those not from Switzerland. Secondly, applicants must be accepted into a full-time program at an accredited educational institution in Spain, with a minimum of 20 hours per week of study. This program should lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay and return to their home country. They must also have valid health insurance with a company authorized to operate in Spain.
When applying for a student visa, individuals may need to provide additional documentation, depending on their nationality and specific circumstances. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 90 days before the start of the course or program. The processing time for a Spanish student visa is typically between 4 and 8 weeks. After obtaining the student visa, if individuals wish to work, they must follow certain procedures. They must register with the Spanish Social Security system and comply with working hour restrictions.
There are options to transition from a student visa to a work permit in Spain. After completing studies, individuals can apply for a full-time work visa with a sponsor. Additionally, after one year as a student in Spain, individuals can obtain a work permit as a highly qualified worker if they receive a job offer as a manager or in a technical position with a salary above €40,000 per year. Alternatively, students can modify their visa to a job search visa, allowing them to stay in the country for one year while seeking employment.
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Work permits
International students in Spain can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. However, students must ensure that work does not become their primary source of income, and they must continue to have their own means of financial support.
There are two main ways for international students to work in Spain: through a student visa or an internship agreement. A student visa allows students to work a maximum of 30 hours per week and is valid for one year. To obtain a student visa, students must find a job, obtain an NIE (Foreign Identity Number), register with the Spanish Social Security system, and comply with working hour restrictions.
Students can also work through curricular or extracurricular internships, which can be paid or unpaid. In the case of extracurricular internships, an extra procedure with the Immigration Office is necessary. With the new Reform of the Regulation on Foreigners, geographical limitations have been removed, allowing students to take advantage of internship and work opportunities anywhere in the country.
After completing their studies, international students can obtain a work permit to transition to full-time employment. There are several pathways to obtaining a work permit:
- Highly Qualified Worker: After one year of study in Spain, students can obtain a work permit if they receive a job offer as a manager or in a technical position with a salary above €40,000-€45,000 per year.
- Job Search Visa: Students can modify their visa to a job search visa, allowing them to live in Spain for one year while seeking employment.
- Work Visa: If a student finds a job that matches their career aspirations, they can apply for a regular work visa.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Students can start their own company and obtain an entrepreneur visa, but they must present a detailed business plan with clear goals and financial projections.
- High-Skilled Immigrant Visa: After one year of full-time study, students may be eligible for a High-Skilled Immigrant Visa if they have a managerial role, a salary above €45,000, and skills that match an employment area on the shortage list.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a work permit may vary depending on the student's country of origin and specific circumstances.
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Internships
International students in Spain can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. This rule applies to internships as well. Students can take on internships and work opportunities anywhere in the country.
There are two main paths for international students to work in Spain: through an internship agreement or through a student visa. If you plan to work through an internship, there is a new type of visa specifically designed for students completing an internship in Spain. This visa allows students to work full-time during their internships, provided they meet certain requirements, such as having valid health insurance.
If you are working through a student visa, you can work up to 30 hours per week. It is important to note that the job cannot become your primary source of income, and you must still have your own means of financial support. This provision ensures that students do not solely depend on their income from work and can continue to access their resources.
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Summer jobs
International students can work in Spain during the summer, and there are plenty of summer job opportunities. Students can work in Spain through a student visa or through internships.
Student Visa
A student visa allows you to work in Spain for up to 30 hours per week during your studies. If your student residency card was issued after 16 August 2022, you can work up to 30 hours per week. If your card was issued before this date, you will need to apply for permission to work. You can work full-time during academic breaks, such as the summer break.
Internships
International students can also work in Spain through internships, which can be curricular or extracurricular. Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the university and the employer. Since 2022, geographical limitations have been removed, allowing students to take internships anywhere in the country. Students must meet certain requirements, such as having valid health insurance.
Summer Job Opportunities
Popular summer jobs for international students in Spain include working in hospitality, such as restaurants and bars, or handing out flyers. There are also opportunities for students with qualifications in water sports, tennis, golf, or lifeguarding.
Language Requirements
While it is possible to find work in Spain without being fluent in Spanish, knowing the language will open up more job opportunities. Students should ensure they are at least fluent in English, with a minimum of B1 or B2 level.
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Language barriers
International students in Spain face several challenges, one of the most significant being language barriers. Although Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, many international students find it difficult to learn and communicate effectively. This can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in socializing with local students, impacting their ability to make friends.
To overcome these challenges, international students can take advantage of language courses and programs offered by universities specifically designed for them. These programs aim to improve students' Spanish language skills and help them understand Spanish culture. Additionally, students can participate in language exchange programs, providing opportunities to practice Spanish with native speakers. Joining clubs, organizations, and international student associations can also help students find support and connect with like-minded individuals facing similar challenges.
It is important to note that some international students in Spain may also face language barriers in finding employment. While Spain offers work opportunities for international students, with a student visa allowing up to 30 hours of work per week, language proficiency can be a setback. Fluency in Spanish or English is often expected by employers, and not meeting this requirement can limit job prospects. However, students proficient in English still have many job opportunities in Spain, and online guides can help students learn Spanish quickly to improve their chances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Spain for up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks.
On average, international students in Spain earn between €300 and €800 per month, or €8 to €10 per hour.
Many international students in Spain work in hospitality roles, such as restaurants, tourism, bartending, and leaflet distribution. Other common jobs include working in supermarkets and department stores, and education.
International students in Spain must have a valid student visa and cannot rely solely on their income to support themselves. They must also comply with working hour restrictions and register with the Spanish Social Security system. Additionally, fluency in English or Spanish is recommended to improve job prospects.
