What to watch for in Work and stay
- Work limits depend on the type of student residence permit; verify the official rule.
- Do not plan for work rights to cover all living costs.
- Post-study stay options depend on conditions; research them early.
Spain
Spain: Work and stay
Working while studying in Spain and staying after graduation.
Work rights and after graduation
Holders of a study authorisation for higher education may work as employees or self-employed automatically if compatible with studies, up to 30 hours per week, limited to the autonomous community of issue (plus neighbouring localities). Curricular internships need no extra permit. Exceeding 30 hours is grounds for losing the authorisation. Social Security registration replaces the medical insurance requirement while working.
After graduation: After obtaining the degree, holders can switch to residence and work (employee or self-employed) or residence without work authorisation without a new visa (art. 190), applying within the two months before or three months after the study permit ends or degree completion; not available to people funded by Spanish or home-country development-cooperation scholarships. The application extends the permit as provisional work authorisation.
Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.
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