How to Work in Spain After Studying : Complete Guide 2025

Saturday, March 1, 2025

How to Get a Work Permit in Spain After Finishing Your Studies

The first pathway to change from student to resident status is through Article 199 of the Immigration Regulations. This procedure allows foreigners who have completed their studies in Spain to obtain a residence permit for employment or self-employment.

Main Requirements:

Have completed the training or internship for which the student stay was granted.

Submit the application within 60 days before or 90 days after the expiration of the student card.
If opting for employment-based residence, there must be a job offer with a contract of at least one year and salary conditions in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.
For self-employment residence, a viable business plan must be presented and economic solvency must be demonstrated.

Advantages of This Pathway:

It is not required that the job be related to the studies completed.
The previous requirement of having spent three years as a student has been eliminated.
Facilitates access to professional and labor life in Spain.

2. Residence for Job Search

If a foreign student completes their studies in Spain but does not have an immediate job offer, they can apply for residence for job search. This option is especially useful for those who wish to stay in the country while looking for a job that matches their qualifications.

Key Requirements:

Have completed bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies at a Spanish university.
The application must be submitted 60 days before or 90 days after the expiration of the student card.
Proof of sufficient economic resources to stay in the country (100% of the IPREM).
Have health insurance.

Important Features:

A non-lucrative residence permit for one year is granted.
It does not allow direct employment but facilitates subsequent conversion to a work residence permit.
It is exclusive to studies at levels 6, 7, or 8 of the European Qualifications Framework.

3. Residence for Professional Internships

For those students who have recently completed their studies, another viable option is residence for professional internships. This modality allows recent graduates to carry out internships in companies under a contract or training agreement.

Conditions for Application:

Have completed higher education studies within the last two years or be currently studying.
It can be obtained through a paid internship contract with a company or via a training agreement.
It is granted for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of later modification to another type of residence permit.

Benefits of This Pathway:

Enables gaining professional experience in Spain.
Facilitates labor insertion through an internship contract.
Can be requested even from the country of origin.

Other Pathways to Obtain Residence in Spain

Although these are the three main pathways to change from student status to residence, there are other options:

Family Roots (Arraigo Familiar): For those who marry a Spanish citizen.
Investor Residence (Golden Visa): Available for those who purchase property worth at least €500,000 in Spain.
Residence for Highly Qualified Professionals: For those receiving a high-level job offer.

When to Submit the Application?

It is essential to respect the deadlines established in each case:

Modification via Article 199: 60 days before or 90 days after the expiration of the student card.
Residence for Job Search: 60 days before or 90 days after the expiration.
Residence for Internships: Can be requested up to two years after completing studies.

Required Documentation

The documents may vary depending on the type of residence you choose, but generally, you will need:

Valid passport.
Certificate of completion of studies.
Employment contract (if applicable).
Proof of financial means.
Health insurance.
Business viability justification (for self-employment).

Conclusion

Changing from student status to residence in Spain is an accessible process, but it requires proper planning. Thanks to the reform of the Immigration Regulations, the process has been simplified, providing more opportunities for international students to integrate into the Spanish labor market.

It is important to note that after the new immigration regulation reform comes into effect on May 20, 2025, some of these points will change.

If you want more information about how to change your status from student to resident in Spain, at Visal Immigration Lawyers we are ready to help you.