Many foreign citizens choose Spain as their destination to commence or to further their studies, and once completed, are interested in changing a student card to a work residence.
In recent years, Spain has become an ideal place for education due to the diverse range of educational institutions and training opportunities available.
Consequently, it is common for non-EU foreign citizens studying in Spain to eventually seek employment.
If they secure a job offer, they can change their student card to a Residence and Work Authorization.
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In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
Changing a student card to a work residence
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- APPLICABLE REGULATIONS »
- AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT »
- REQUIREMENTS TO MODIFY THE STAY FOR STUDIES »
- DOCUMENTATION TO MODIFY THE STAY FOR STUDIES »
- APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION »
- FAMILY MEMBERS OF STUDENTS »
- INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS:
This permission comes from the law 4/2000, concerning the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration. Approved by Royal Decree 557/2011, articles 62 to 70 and 199.
AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT:
To request a Modification of a Stay for Studies to a Residence and Work Authorization, entails securing a residence and work permit, which must be requested by the employer.
Family members living with the worker under a stay status obtained through study, research, training, or internship can also obtain residence authorization.
REQUIREMENTS TO MODIFY THE STAY FOR STUDIES:
- Prove completion of studies, research, training, or internship.
- Signed employment contract.
- Must be a registered employer.
- Individual employers must prove sufficient capital.
- Possess the required professional qualifications, duly accredited if applicable.
DOCUMENTATION TO MODIFY THE STAY FOR STUDIES:
Required documentation for changing the student card to work authorization:
- Official application form, completed and signed by the hiring company.
- Proof of necessary professional qualifications.
- Documentation identifying the employer company.
- Signed employment contract.
- Certification of study, research, training, or internship completion.
Foreign public documents must be legalized by the Spanish consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unless apostilled under the Hague Convention or exempt from legalization by international agreement.
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION:
Applications can be submitted within 60 days before the card’s expiration or within 90 days after. Timely submission extends stay authorization until resolution.
Application Resolution Time:
Applicants will be notified should the application be accepted and approved. If however three months from the date of application pass, without notification, the application may be considered as rejected. Resolutions will be announced on the TEU Notice Board and, if chosen, published electronically.
FAMILY MEMBERS OF STUDENTS:
Family members with a student card living with the foreign student may also obtain residence authorization.
INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The foreign worker is responsible for submitting the application so they need to understand the required documentation.
Required Documentation:
- Official application.
- Proof of economic means.
- Criminal record certificate.
Once permission is obtained, a fingerprint appointment will be required so that the application can be completed.
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Golden-Visa Spain (residence in Spain by investment)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (self employed expats in Spain)
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (remote worker in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
Remember that immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, it’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals specializing in immigration matters, to do this, please click-here »
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCE OR CITIZENSHIP IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.
