Guide to Work and Internship Permits in Spain: Is it Possible to Earn Money with a Student Visa?

You've come to Spain for your education; classes have started, the city is wonderful, the tapas are delicious... But the Euro exchange rate is a factor. 📉 Many students and researchers ask this question to ease their tuition costs or earn some pocket money: "Can I study and work at the same time?"

Answer: Yes, but only if you follow the rules.

Working in Spain on a student visa is a complex issue full of grey areas. One wrong step can even lead to your visa being revoked. This guide explains legal working hours, internship (prácticas) processes, and post-graduation opportunities in the clearest way possible.

Ready? Let's open your career file in Spain! 💼👇

🎓 1. Is it possible to work in Spain with a student visa?

Yes, you can work. However, the Spanish government doesn't want you to forget that your priority is "education." Therefore, there are some restrictions.

What are the rules?

• ⏳ Time Limit: You are allowed to work a maximum of 30 hours per week. (Previously 20 hours, relaxed with new regulations).

• 📚 Avoiding Conflicts with Education: Your work hours should not conflict with your class hours.

• 📝 Formal Contract: An employment contract (contrato) is mandatory. Working "without insurance" (en negro) is a crime and carries the risk of deportation.

⚠️ Important Note: A student visa does not automatically grant you the right to work "full-time". While full-time work is permitted during holiday periods, it must be part-time during the academic year.

📄 2. How to Obtain a Work Permit? (The process works in reverse)

The "let me get my permit first, then look for a job" mentality that exists in Türkiye doesn't work here. In Spain, the process works like this:

1. First, you find an employer who will hire you.

2. Your employer will apply to the Immigration Office (Extranjería) on your behalf.

3. "I'm hiring this student part-time, it won't affect their studies," he guarantees.

4. You can start working if the government approves.

In other words, the company that will hire you submits the application, not you. This bureaucracy may make some employers hesitant to hire students.

💼 3. Internship (Prácticas) Topic: Do I Need Leave of Absence?

Internships are easier to obtain than work permits and involve less bureaucracy. They fall into two categories:

A) Compulsory Internship (Curricular)

If your internship is part of your university curriculum (i.e., you are earning credits):

• ✅ No additional work permit is required.

• A tripartite agreement (Convenio) is signed between the university, the company, and the student, and then you begin.

B) Voluntary / Post-Graduation Internship (Extracurricular)

It's not mandatory in the course curriculum, but if you're doing it for experience:

• An agreement should be made through the university again.

• The process is more flexible for Erasmus+ trainees, but a grant document and a Learning Agreement are required.

🚀 4. Post-Graduation: Job Seeker Visa (Stay Back Option)

Have you completed your undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Spain and want to stay? We have great news.

You can obtain a "Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Entrepreneurship" (Residencia para la búsqueda de empleo).

• 📅 Duration: This gives you the right to stay in Spain and look for a job for 12 months .

• 🎯 Objective: If you find a job in your field or start a company during this period, you can change your status to "Work Permit".

• ⚠️ Important: You must apply for this permit before your student visa expires (usually 60 days before). Don't miss the deadline!

🔎 5. In Which Fields Do Students Find Jobs Most Easily?

Finding a job without speaking Spanish is difficult, but not impossible. Your chances are particularly high in the following sectors:

• ☕ Tourism & Services: Waiters/bartenders fluent in English are wanted in locations such as Barcelona and Madrid.

• 🏫 Language Schools: Offering private lessons in English or Turkish (though rarely).

• 💻 Start-up & Technology: If you are a software developer or digital marketer, the language barrier is lower.

• 👶 Au Pair / Babysitting: Childcare provided by a host family.

🛑 6. The Most Common Mistakes and Risks

The following mistakes could end your Spanish adventure prematurely, so be careful:

1. Working Illegally (Trabajo en Negro): Offers like "Let's not provide insurance, let's pay in cash" may seem appealing, but if caught, you will be deported and will never be able to obtain a Schengen visa again.

2. Exceeding 30 Hours: Don't attempt to work full-time on a student visa.

3. Neglecting Classes: When renewing your visa, you will be required to provide a "certificate of academic performance" from your school. If you fail classes while working, your visa will not be renewed.

4. Working Without NIE/TIE: No one can legally hire you without your residence permit.

💰 7. Banking and Social Security

The moment you start your job, you will need two things:

1. Spanish Bank Account: For salary payments.

2. Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social): You receive this once, and it's valid for life. Your employer uses this number when insuring you and includes you in the health system.

Conclusion: It's Possible with the Right Steps

Working while studying in Spain can help save money and speed up your Spanish practice. Just be aware that bureaucracy can be a bit slow, and do everything according to the rules.

Stay tuned to the blog for more tips on career opportunities and life in Spain!