Working In Spain: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Spain have several opportunities to work, whether they are enrolled in a language course or another type of programme. Students can work part-time up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. The type of work international students can take on includes internships, summer jobs, and freelance or self-employed work. The process of finding a job in Spain as an international student is similar to other countries, and students can expect to earn between €300 and €800 per month.

Can an international student work in Spain?

Student visa requirements

International students can work in Spain with a student visa. However, there are certain requirements and limitations. For instance, the job cannot become the student's primary source of income, and they must continue to rely on other means of financial support. Additionally, the number of hours they can work is restricted to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and they can work full-time during academic breaks.

To obtain a student visa for Spain, individuals must meet specific requirements, which may vary depending on their country of origin. Here are the general steps and requirements for obtaining a student visa for Spain:

• Submit two completed application forms.
• Provide a valid passport with at least one blank page.
• Present two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Obtain a letter of admission from the chosen university or educational institution in Spain.
• Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. This may include bank statements, proof of scholarships, or notarized letters from parents or legal guardians assuming financial responsibility.
• Demonstrate valid health insurance coverage.
• Provide a medical certificate.
• Submit a certificate of criminal records (no older than three months).
• Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the visa type and your country of origin. For example, the Spanish student visa fee is typically €60, while US citizens must pay €132, and Canadian applicants pay €80.
• Submit the required documents to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the closest one.

It is important to note that the processing time for a Spanish student visa can range from 15 days to 3 months, so it is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any delays. Additionally, ensure that all your documents are in order to prevent visa rejection.

Work permits

International students in Spain can work part-time up to 30 hours per week on a student visa. However, it is important to remember that the primary purpose of a student visa is to allow the holder to study in Spain. Therefore, work cannot be the main source of income for students; they must have other means of financial support, such as savings or an allowance from their parents.

There are two ways for international students to work legally in Spain: through their student visa or through curricular or extracurricular internships. The former now authorises non-EU/EEA and EU/EEA citizens to work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during academic breaks. The latter can be paid or unpaid, depending on the university and company offering the internship. However, if it is an extracurricular internship, an extra procedure with the Immigration Office is required.

After graduating, international students can obtain a work permit and live in Spain for a year while looking for a job without requesting a visa extension. There are several types of work permits available:

• Work permit as an employee: This requires a job offer from a Spanish company.
• Work permit as a freelancer or self-employed individual: This requires registering as a freelancer, self-employed worker, or small business owner and submitting a detailed business plan with clear goals and financial projections.
• High-skilled immigrant visa: This requires a managerial or technical role with a salary of at least €40,000-45,000 per year and a skill set that matches a job or employment area on the shortage list.

Internships

International students in Spain can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. The student visa allows students to work in Spain, and there are also curricular or extracurricular internships, which can be paid or unpaid.

International students can find internships in nearly every field in Spain, but some of the top industries include business, tourism, and hospitality. There are also opportunities in community development, healthcare, human rights, and finance.

Some of the most popular cities for internships in Spain include:

• Madrid: As the largest city in Spain, Madrid offers internships in many fields, including business, finance, and marketing.
• Barcelona: Barcelona is known for its cultural aspects, nightlife, and Mediterranean location. Popular industries for internships include business, tourism, healthcare, and human rights.
• Seville: Seville is located in the heart of the Andalusia region and is a popular destination for travelers and young professionals. Internships are available in art, business, and tourism.
• Canary Islands: Tenerife, the largest island, offers internships in hospitality, tourism, marketing, and marine conservation.

There are a few ways to find internship opportunities in Spain. One way is to apply through a program provider that will match you to an internship based on your goals, location preferences, and field. Most universities in Spain also offer internships through the Erasmus program, a non-profit international student organization. Additionally, students can send applications directly to companies related to their profession or use LinkedIn to find internship opportunities.

Part-time work

International students in Spain are allowed to work part-time while pursuing their studies, but they must meet certain criteria and adhere to legal regulations. The regulations regarding part-time work for students are governed by both Spanish legislation and the policies of individual universities.

There are different rules for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. EU/EEA students have the same rights as Spanish students when it comes to employment and only need a signed employment contract to work in Spain. They are not subject to any restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Non-EU/EEA students, on the other hand, need to obtain the necessary work permits or authorizations from the Spanish authorities before undertaking part-time employment. They can work on a student visa for up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. However, their work cannot be their main source of income, and they must ensure that their work does not interfere with their studies.

There are several ways to find part-time work as an international student in Spain. Students can look for opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, where they can find jobs as waiters, receptionists, tour guides, sales assistants, etc. Internships are also a popular option, as they can be a part of the study program and provide credits towards graduation. Students can also find jobs within their universities, such as in cafes, gyms, or libraries. Networking and utilizing online job portals can also help in finding part-time employment.

On average, an international student working part-time in Spain can expect to earn between €300 and €800 per month. However, it is important to note that the job market in Spain is competitive, with one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe, so finding a job might not be easy.

Language barriers

International students in Spain face several challenges, one of the most significant being language barriers. Language barriers can impact an international student's ability to communicate with locals, professors, and classmates, as well as their understanding of lectures and course material. This can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in making friends and socializing with local students.

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, but many international students find it difficult to learn and communicate effectively in the language. To overcome this challenge, many universities in Spain offer language courses and programs specifically designed for international students to improve their Spanish language skills and gain a better understanding of Spanish culture. Additionally, international students can attend language exchange programs to practice Spanish with native speakers.

The ability to work in Spain is a complement to the student visa, which means that international students can legally work in the country. However, the language barrier can be a setback when it comes to finding a job. If you are not fluent in Spanish, you may face difficulties in securing employment. Nevertheless, there are many jobs in Spain that hire English speakers, so it is essential to be fluent in English.

International students can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during academic breaks. The average salary for international students working part-time in Spain ranges from €300 to €800 per month, with an hourly rate of €8 to €10. There are also opportunities for self-employment and freelance work in Spain, but this requires additional registration and considerations, such as tax payments.

Frequently asked questions