Imagine yourself stepping off a plane in Madrid or Barcelona with just a suitcase, a passport, and a 90-day tourist visa. At first, it feels like just another adventure—a chance to explore Spain’s culture, food, and landscapes. But thanks to the new Immigration Regulation that came into force on May 20, 2025, that person’s trip could turn into something much bigger: a legal pathway to residency and work in Spain.
This is what their journey would look like.
Step 1: Arrival on a Tourist Visa
The first step is simple — arrive in Spain on a short-stay visa (90 days). Under the new law, it’s now possible to apply for a student residency permit directly from inside the country.
The key requirement: submit the application while still within the legal tourist stay and at least two months before the studies begin.
That means the first 30 days in Spain are crucial for deciding whether to make the switch from tourist to student resident.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Study Program
Not every course qualifies for residency and work authorization. The new regulation clearly defines which studies are eligible:
So, if you want to stay legally, you must choose one of the recognized study paths. For example, enrolling in a Vocational Training program in IT, Tourism, or Healthcare could open the door to residency and employment.
Step 3: Submitting the Student Residency Application
Here’s where the 2025 reform truly changes everything.
- Once the application is submitted and admitted by immigration authorities, the applicant immediately receives a provisional residence and work permit.
- This means you don’t need to wait for final approval before starting to work.
From that moment, you are legally allowed to live in Spain and work up to 30 hours per week while studying.
Step 4: Living the Student + Work Life in Spain
With the student residency secured, daily life begins to take shape.
- Classes during the day in their chosen program.
- A part-time job in hospitality, IT, or retail providing income and work experience.
- A growing sense of belonging—building connections, improving Spanish, and exploring local culture.
The combination of study + work is the foundation of long-term stability in Spain.
Step 5: After Graduation – From Student to Worker
When the program finishes, the journey continues. The 2025 immigration reform offers two clear options:
- Apply for a Job Search Permit (valid for up to 12 months) to find work.
- Or, if you already have a job offer, directly convert the student residency into a work permit.
This ensures that your stay in Spain doesn’t end with graduation—it transforms into a long-term Residency with work permit in Spain.
In summary, your journey looks like this:
- Arrive on a 90-day tourist visa.
- Within 30–60 days, apply for student residency from inside Spain.
- Enroll in an eligible study program.
- Work up to 30 hours per week while studying.
- After graduation, transition to a work permit or job search permit.
Need help in finding a suitable Study Program with Work Permit in Spain?
If you’re looking for guidance on selecting the right study program in Spain and navigating the admission process, it’s a great idea to seek expert advice. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Consult Us : We are Expert Spain Study Advisors: We help you identify programs that match your interests—whether vocational training, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees—and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- University Application Support: Expert teams often assist with applications, document preparation, securing student visas, and advising on financial requirements, making the process much smoother.
- Up-to-Date Information: Regulations and admission deadlines can change, so working with a trusted agency will help you stay current on all requirements, including the new rules that allow international students to work up to 30 hours per week.
- Personalized Program Matching: We recommend schools and programs tailored to your academic background, language abilities, and career goals.
If you want a study abroad destination that offers genuine work flexibility, Spain is an outstanding choice. Thanks to its progressive 2025 rules, you can legally work up to 30 hours per week in any job across the country while pursuing your academic dreams.
