Work in Spain While Studying and After Graduation (2026 Rules)

Yes, international students in Spain can work. A long-stay study authorization for higher education automatically allows work of up to 30 hours, as long as it is compatible with your studies. After graduating with at least a Grado-level degree, you can apply for a 24-month residence permit to look for work or start a business.

This guide explains both rules, the limits that can get students into trouble, and your options for further study, using the official Ministry of Inclusion information sheets.

Working while you study

Under the Ministry of Inclusion's rules (Hoja 4 bis), a long-stay study authorization for higher education automatically lets you work as an employee or self-employed person, with no extra procedure. Key conditions:

• Up to 30 hours. Exceeding this limit is grounds for cancelling your stay authorization.
• Compatible with studies. Work must not get in the way of your studies, which you must keep up to renew your permit.
• One region. The work permission is limited to one autonomous community (plus bordering localities).
• Same duration as your permit. It lasts as long as your study stay authorization.
• Internships. Curricular internships that are part of your study plan need no separate permit.

Finding a job as a student

We cannot give verified figures for student wages or job availability. Honestly, the biggest factor is language: many part-time jobs and internships require Spanish, even if your program is in English. Use your university's careers service and internship office, and read your contract carefully to stay within the hours limit.

After graduation: the 24-month job-search permit

Graduates who held a study-stay authorization and finished at least EQF level 6 (Grado) at an authorized Spanish higher-education institution can apply for a residence permit to look for work matching their studies or to start a business (Hoja 20).

1. 1

   Track your permit expiry date

   Your study authorization runs until fifteen days after the end of your studies. Note the 60-day window before that date.

2. 2

   Prepare insurance and funds

   You need health insurance and proof of 100% of IPREM per month (50% if your accommodation is prepaid).

3. 3

   Pay fee 790 code 052

   Use section 2.1, as stated in the official information sheet.

4. 4

   Apply online with form EX-26

   Submit through the online immigration platform (Mercurio) to the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation.

5. 5

   Search for work or build your business

   Look for a job matching your studies, or prepare your business project, within the 24 months.

6. 6

   Switch to a work permit

   Once you find a suitable job, change to a work permit; the job-search permit does not itself let you work.

Looking for a job or starting a business

The same permit covers two goals: finding a job that matches your studies, or starting a business project. Either way, the 24 months are a bridge. When you have a suitable job offer, or your business is ready, you move to the matching work or self-employment authorization under the rules in force at that time.

What if you miss the window?

The official sheet sets the window as the 60 days before your study authorization expires. You can still apply up to 90 days after expiry, but you may face a sanction for the late application. Do not count on that grace period: mark the date as soon as you know when your studies end.

Why this matters for students from Afghanistan and Pakistan

The job-search permit is requested online from Spain, to the Government Delegation or Sub-delegation, not at a consulate abroad. For students whose visa process at home was long and difficult, such as Afghans who had to apply through Islamabad or Tehran, this is an important advantage: if you qualify and apply on time, you do not have to start again with a new consular visa to look for work after graduating.

Mistakes that cost students their rights

• Working more than 30 hours. This is grounds for cancelling your stay authorization, which also affects your post-study options.
• Taking a job in another region. Student work permission is limited to one autonomous community plus bordering localities.
• Letting the study permit lapse. Renew each year in the two months before or three months after expiry, and request a new TIE within one month of approval.
• Choosing a non-official degree. The post-study permit needs at least a Grado-level degree from an authorized Spanish institution.
• Starting work on the job-search permit. That permit is for searching; you need a work permit before you start a job.

Continuing your studies in Spain

Many students stay on for a master's or a PhD. While you continue studying, you renew (prórroga) your study authorization each year:

• Apply during the two months before, or the three months after, your authorization expires.
• Apply online to the Oficina de Extranjería of the province that granted it.
• Show continued enrolment, sufficient funds, health insurance and the fee payment.
• Each extension covers the course you are enrolled in, up to one year; then request a new TIE within one month of notification.

For a PhD, note that doctoral candidates are treated as researchers for immigration and need a researcher visa or permit rather than a study visa. Check the rules with your university's international office before you finish your master's.

Planning ahead from day one

The post-study permit requires a degree of at least Grado level completed in Spain, so a full bachelor's or official master's is what counts. If staying in Spain after graduation is important to you, consider these steps while studying:

1. 1.Choose an official degree (check the RUCT register) at an authorized institution.
2. 2.Learn Spanish to at least a working level during your studies.
3. 3.Use curricular internships, which need no separate permit, to build Spanish work experience.
4. 4.Keep your permit renewals on time and your hours within the 30-hour limit.
5. 5.If your profession is regulated in Spain (for example doctor, nurse, architect or engineer), research homologation early on the NARIC Spain page.

A simple timeline for your final year

Honest limits to know

We have not included rules on long-term residence or citizenship because they depend on your later permits and personal situation; check the Ministry of Inclusion's current information sheets when the time comes.

Start with the right program: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, and read the Spain student visa guide and our honest pros and cons of studying in Spain.