Spain has long been a popular destination for international students, thanks to its high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and the wide range of academic programs offered by its universities.
If you’re considering studying in Spain as an international student, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and the work opportunities available during your studies.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything from how to obtain a student visa, to finding a job while studying, and even how to extend your stay to work after graduation.
Student Visa for Spain
For EU/EEA Citizens
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you do not need a visa to study in Spain. You also don’t need a work permit if you want to look for a job during your studies.
However, if your stay in Spain exceeds three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and obtain a certificate of registration as an EU citizen, commonly known as the “green card” (tarjeta verde).
This document includes your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and certifies your legal residence in the country. With it, you can work without restrictions and enjoy the same rights as Spanish citizens.
For Non-EU/EEA Citizens
If you’re coming from outside the EU or EEA, you are required to obtain a student visa to live and study in Spain. The process may take some time, so it’s important to plan ahead and apply as early as possible.
To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted by a recognized academic institution in Spain.
When you apply for a student visa, you are automatically assigned a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), which will be your unique ID number in Spain.
If your studies last more than six months, you will also need to apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within the first 30 days of your arrival in Spain. This card serves as your residence permit and includes your NIE.
If your studies last less than six months, you do not need to apply for the TIE, but you will still be assigned an NIE when you apply for your visa.
In short: the NIE is always issued to you, regardless of the length of your studies.
Working as an International Student in Spain
EU/EEA Students
EU or EEA students have the same labor rights as Spanish citizens. They do not need a work visa and can work without restrictions during their stay. The only requirement is to register with the Central Registry of Foreigners if their stay exceeds three months, obtaining a registration certificate that includes the NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number).
Non-EU/EEA Students
For international students who are not from the EU/EEA, it is possible to work while studying, but there are certain regulations. As a general rule, these students can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during the holidays. However, if your studies last longer than six months and are registered with the Registry of Universities, Centers, and Degrees (RUCT), the TIE (Foreigner’s Identity Card) will already include authorization to work, without the need for additional permits.
If your studies last less than six months, you can work as long as the employer applies for a work permit on your behalf.
Converting Your Student Visa to a Work Permit
For EU/EEA Students
EU/EEA students do not need to change their visa or apply for additional permits to work after graduation. They can stay in Spain and work without restrictions once they have completed their studies, as long as they already have the NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number).
For Non-EU/EEA Students
If you are a non-EU student and wish to stay in Spain to work after completing your studies, there are several options. One of them is to apply for a residence permit for job search, which allows you to remain in Spain for up to two years after completing your studies to look for a job or start a business. This is a great opportunity to explore career options in Spain without the immediate pressure of having to leave the country.
Another option is the work permit for highly qualified professionals. If you secure a job with a company that meets certain criteria, you could qualify for this permit, which is especially common in sectors such as technology, engineering, and finance. Employers in these fields often seek recent graduates with the specialized knowledge required for the most in-demand positions.
Finally, if you wish to start your own business, Spain offers a visa for self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs. To apply for this, you will need to present a solid business plan and demonstrate that you have the financial resources to fund your project. This option could be ideal for entrepreneurial students who want to turn their ideas into reality.
When Are the NIE and TIE Needed?
Europeans (EU/EEA)
NIE: Whenever their stay in Spain exceeds three months or as soon as they want to start working, EU citizens must register with the Central Registry of Foreigners and will be assigned an NIE. This number is included in the registration certificate they receive.
TIE: EU citizens do not receive a TIE, as their registration certificate is sufficient.
Non-Europeans (Non-EU/EEA)
NIE: It is automatically assigned when applying for a student visa.
TIE: If the studies last longer than six months, students must apply for the TIE in Spain within the first 30 days. This physical card will include the NIE. If the studies last less than six months, students are not required to apply for the TIE, but they will still have an NIE.
Resources to Help You Navigate the Process
As an international student in Spain, you have access to various resources to manage your visa applications, work permits, and job searches. The Immigration Offices (Oficinas de Extranjería) are responsible for processing visas and residence permits, so it’s important to locate the nearest office.
Additionally, specialized firms such as Balcells Group and Echevarria Abogados can provide legal advice to help simplify these processes.
At Babel Profiles, we work with a wide range of job and internship offers, many of which may be of interest to international students looking to launch their professional careers in Europe. We also recommend checking your university’s job portals, as many institutions have agreements with local companies that can facilitate access to job opportunities.
Furthermore, the Barcelona Expat Life blog is an excellent resource for resolving common questions about work permits and other key topics for expats in Barcelona. By taking advantage of these resources, you can manage your paperwork and advance your career in Spain more effectively.
Conclusion
Studying in Spain not only provides a quality education but also the opportunity to gain work experience that can be invaluable for your future career. By understanding visa requirements and available work options, you can make the most of your stay. With the right visa, international students can not only study but also work part-time, do internships, and in some cases, stay in the country after graduation to begin their professional careers.
Spain offers a rich and multicultural environment that allows international students to integrate both academically and professionally. From temporary jobs during the academic year to internships linked to university programs, opportunities are plentiful. And if your goal is to stay in the country after completing your studies, there are clear pathways to convert your student visa into a work or residence permit.
