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 an internship agreement. Students with a student visa must ensure that work is not their primary source of income and that they have other means of financial support. Internships can be curricular or extracurricular, and they may be paid or unpaid. The new Reform of the Regulation on Foreigners has eliminated geographical limitations, allowing students to take advantage of work opportunities anywhere in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students work in Spain? | Yes, international students can work in Spain for up to 30 hours per week. |
| Work visa requirements | Student visa, work permit, or internship agreement. |
| Work permit requirements | A job offer from a Spanish company, or starting your own company. |
| Work opportunities | Summer jobs, self-employed work, internships, and part-time jobs. |
| Average salary | €300 to €800 per month for part-time work. |
| Language requirements | Fluency in English or Spanish is preferred by some employers. |
| Social benefits | Improved Spanish language skills, expanded social circle, and cultural immersion. |
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Student visa requirements
To study in Spain, international students must obtain a student visa. The requirements for a Spanish student visa vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the length of their course.
For courses longer than six months, international students need a long-term student visa. This visa permits students to enrol in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs and reside in Spain for the duration of their studies. The application process for this type of visa is more extensive than for shorter courses. Applicants must provide proof of financial resources and medical insurance, as well as a letter of admission from their chosen university. After obtaining a long-term visa, students should apply for a student residence card within a month of their arrival in Spain.
The specific documents required for the long-term student visa application include:
- Two completed application forms
- A valid passport
- A valid identification card
- Two recent passport photographs
- Proof of health insurance
- A bank account statement
- Proof of financial aid/scholarship
- A notarized letter from parents/legal guardian accepting financial responsibility
- Proof of fee payment
- A medical certificate
- A certificate of criminal record (no older than three months)
The processing time for a Spanish student visa typically ranges from one to three months, and the cost varies depending on the applicant's country of origin and visa type. It is recommended to apply well in advance to avoid potential delays.
For shorter courses, such as semester or academic year-long programs lasting less than 90 days, the visa requirements may differ. U.S. citizens, for example, do not need a visa for short-term programs, while students from other countries should consult the Spanish embassy in their country of residence for specific visa requirements.
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Work permits
International students in Spain can work on a student visa, which authorises them to work up to 30 hours per week. However, if the card was issued before 16 August 2022, the student must apply for compatibility with studies to be allowed to work. Additionally, the income received from work must not be the student's primary source of income, and they must continue to rely on other means of financial support.
There are two main ways to obtain a work permit as an international student in Spain:
- Through employment: After completing a course, international students can apply for a work permit if they have received a job offer from a Spanish company. The employer can then submit the required documents for the work permit. It is important to note that the job offer must be for a managerial role or a technical position with a salary of at least €40,000 to €45,000 per year.
- As a freelancer or self-employed worker: This option requires applying for a freelancer visa, which can be challenging. A detailed business plan, clear goals, and financial projections are necessary for this path.
It is worth noting that international students can also take advantage of internships, which can be curricular or extracurricular. These internships can provide valuable work experience and make students more competitive in the job market. However, only extracurricular internships require an extra procedure with the Immigration Office.
Recent changes to Spanish immigration laws have made it easier for international students to obtain work permits and transition to work visas after completing their studies. For example, students can now live in Spain for an additional year after graduation while they search for a job without needing to extend their current visa.
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Internships
Spain is a captivating country filled with proud cultural traditions, a buzzing culinary scene, and miles of coastline. Interns in Spain will have the opportunity to live and work in a centre of European business and culture, all while practising the third most widely spoken language in the world.
International students can work in Spain, and internships are available in nearly every field. The most common industries include business, marketing, finance, accounting, tourism, architecture, healthcare, arts, design, innovation, hospitality, and human rights.
There are two types of internships in Spain: curricular internships (student internships) and extracurricular internships (graduate internships). A curricular internship is a requirement for graduating from university and must match your academic field. It contributes to your grades and is meant to add valuable work experience before you enter the job market.
EU citizens do not need a visa to intern in Spain. However, non-EU citizens generally need a student visa for internships longer than 90 days. This visa requirement also applies to unpaid internships. Non-EU citizens must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their stay in Spain and provide proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage.
To find an internship in Spain, you can explore opportunities through university career centres, Erasmus internships, or networking with acquaintances, friends, family, university colleagues, and professors. LinkedIn is also a popular platform for finding internships, and you can discover offers through Spanish online organisations such as Primer Empleo and Internship Makers.
In 2023, Spain introduced reforms aimed at providing more flexibility and opportunities for non-European Union (non-EU) students seeking internships in the country. These reforms increase the number of hours that foreign students can work during their internships, allow full-time work during holidays, and remove geographical limitations.
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Part-time work
International students in Spain are allowed to work part-time, but there are some restrictions. The Spanish government has set a limit of 30 hours per week for part-time work during term time, and students are allowed to work full-time during holidays. Students must also ensure that their work does not interfere with their studies.
There are different rules for EU/EEA and non-EU students. EU/EEA students only need a signed employment contract to work in Spain, and they are not restricted in terms of working hours. Non-EU students, on the other hand, need a valid student visa and a signed agreement between their host company and university to work part-time. They may also need to register with the city hall if they stay in Spain for longer than three months.
International students in Spain can typically expect to earn between €300 and €800 per month from part-time work. However, it is important to note that this income cannot be their main source of income when applying for or renewing a student visa. Students must continue to rely on their own financial means to support themselves.
There are several ways for international students to find part-time work in Spain. Networking is always a great option, as is checking with the university's career centre for available positions. The retail and service sectors are popular among students, and internships are also an option, either as part of a study programme or extracurricularly.
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Language barriers
International students in Spain face several challenges, one of the most prominent being language barriers. Although Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, many international students find it challenging to learn and communicate effectively. This language barrier can hinder their ability to communicate with locals, professors, and classmates, impacting their social life and well-being. It can also make it difficult to understand lectures, write essays, and sit for exams.
The language barrier can also affect their ability to navigate daily life and complete necessary paperwork. For example, a student visa holder must follow specific procedures to work legally in Spain, and a language barrier could make understanding and completing these procedures difficult. Additionally, while finding a job as an international student in Spain is similar to any other country, a non-fluent Spanish speaker may face difficulties securing a position. However, being fluent in English can be advantageous, as many jobs in Spain hire English speakers.
To overcome language barriers, international students can take advantage of language courses and programs offered by universities specifically designed for them. These programs help improve their Spanish language skills and enhance their understanding of Spanish culture. Additionally, language exchange programs provide an excellent opportunity to practice Spanish with native speakers. Joining clubs, organizations, and international student associations can also help international students improve their language skills and integrate into the local community.
It is important to note that practicing the target language as much as possible is key to overcoming language barriers. International students should not be afraid to make mistakes and can utilize drawing, painting, music, or acting classes as alternative means of communication. Furthermore, finding support from international student associations can provide a sense of community and assistance in navigating the challenges of studying and living in a new country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Spain for up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during academic breaks.
On average, international students in Spain earn between €300 and €800 per month, or €8 to €10 an hour.
Students often find temporary work in hospitality, tourism, bartending, leaflet distribution, supermarkets, or department stores. Students can also apply for internships, which may be paid or unpaid.
