In Spain, the permit granted for study is not legally a residence permit but a long-term stay authorisation (autorización de estancia de larga duración por estudios). Its main purpose is study; work is possible only to the extent that it is compatible with your studies. The new Regulation on Foreign Nationals (Real Decreto 1155/2024), in force since 20 May 2025, made significant changes in this area.
The basic rule: no more than 30 hours a week
Under Article 57 of the Regulation, work on a student permit may not, as a rule, exceed 30 hours a week. For intensive vocational training, sector-specific legislation may set different arrangements. Exceeding the limit is a ground for the student permit to be terminated, so the risk concerns not only your job but your right to stay in Spain.
If you have more than one job, the limit applies to your total hours. Work must also be compatible with your studies: attendance and exam results can be examined when the permit is extended.
The Regulation requires working conditions to comply with Spanish employment law and the applicable collective agreement. When you work for an employer, the minimum wage and the collective agreement apply to you as well; make sure your contract is in writing and states your working hours clearly. When the permit is extended, you document progress in your studies and that you still meet the means requirement; since your permit allows you to work, income from a valid employment contract can count as a source of means.
Who can work without a separate permit
The Regulation divides students into different groups:
- Higher education students: Those on a full-time programme leading to a recognised qualification at a recognised higher education institution in Spain (bachelor's, master's, doctorate and similar) can work both as employees and self-employed. This right comes automatically with the student permit; no separate work permit application is needed.
- Other students: For other groups, such as upper secondary education, language courses or certain vocational training, a separate permit application is needed to work. Either the employer or the student can apply, and the work must be compatible with the studies.
- Compulsory internships: No additional permit is needed for internships that form part of the study programme and take place under an agreement between the institution and the host organisation.
The Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones has issued instructions explaining how the rules on student permits are applied. Check which group your programme falls into with your institution's international office and the information sheets of the Ministerio de Inclusión. Whichever group you are in, your employer must register you with social security before you start; working unregistered causes problems for both the employer and you.
Geographical limit and social security
The right to work is limited to the autonomous community (comunidad autónoma) where your student permit was granted. Working in border towns of a neighbouring region is possible. An exception to this limit can also be made where the workplace location does not require constant travel that would interfere with your studies.
When you start working, you are registered with social security. The Regulation states that in that case the health insurance requirement for the student permit is treated as met through social security registration. Even so, given the period before registration and possible gaps in employment, it is sensible to check your position before cancelling your private insurance. If you choose self-employment, you must register in the scheme for self-employed workers (RETA) and notify the tax agency that you have started an activity.
Family members who accompany a student, on the other hand, may not work while the student permit is in force, under the Regulation.
After graduation
When your studies end, there are two main routes:
- Moving directly to a work permit: Those who complete higher education and certain vocational programmes can switch, without a visa, to a permit to work as an employee or self-employed, or to another type of residence. The application is made within the two months before or the three months after the student permit expires or the qualification is obtained. Once the application is accepted for processing, a provisional permit allowing full-time work applies until the decision. The new text no longer contains the three-year study requirement of the previous regulation.
- Job-search permit: Graduates with a qualification at level 6 or above of the European Qualifications Framework (bachelor's level) can apply for a residence permit of up to 24 months to look for work or start a business. The application is made electronically within the 60 days before or the 90 days after the student permit ends.
When moving to a work permit, you can also apply for residence for family members living with you, under family reunification; you must show sufficient income and suitable housing.
How your years of study count towards the five years required for long-term residence later on is governed by separate rules. Take this into account when planning for the longer term.
When advice is worth getting
If you work close to 30 hours a week, have more than one job, are considering self-employment, or your studies will take longer than planned, it is worth assessing your situation in advance so as not to put the extension of your permit at risk. If you plan to move to a work permit after graduating, start preparing early, given how short the application window is. Applications are made to the immigration office (oficina de extranjería) in Spain or to the competent body of the relevant autonomous community.
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This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Legislation and case law may have changed since it was written.