Change from student visa to job permit

Spanish student residency to work residency  

On 26 July 2022 the Spanish government published a law amending the Immigration Statute with several major changes to immigration policy. The new law will come into force in mid-August 2022. Today we will tell you about the latest conditions and list of documents for exchanging student residency for work residency.    

It is important to note that student residency can be used for part-time work under certain circumstances.

Therefore, students who wish to work do not necessarily need to apply for a work permit. Instead, this article is aimed at students who are about to graduate or have already graduated. If you wish to stay in Spain after graduating, it is very convenient to apply for a work permit. 

Note: the conversion of a student residence into a work permit is not the same as a work permit for a student residence.    

1. You need to have graduated. 
2. No previous criminal record. 
3. A work contract from the company is required.   

The application must be made within 60 days before the student’s stay expires, or within 90 days of the expiry date.   

With the introduction of the new immigration regulations, it is no longer necessary to have 3 years of residence or to prove that you have not received a scholarship.

 Documents needs for application

1. Official application form (Form EX-03).

 Note: The application for work residence should be made by the company and not by the student.    

2. A copy of the student’s full passport. 

3. Documents relating to the company: in the case of a self-employed person, a copy of the owner’s residence, or in the case of a registered company, the company’s articles of association with the tax code (NIF). It is also necessary to submit copies of the documents of the person signing on behalf of the company.   

4. Work contract. A work contract is an employment agreement signed by the employer and the employee. The Spanish Ministry of Labour has a special template that can be filled in according to the agreement between the two parties.    

5. the company’s various tax returns. The main purpose is to prove that the company is financially viable, but you can also submit bank statements, books of accounts, etc. if you are able to do so. These documents are provided by the company’s accountant or firm.   

6. Student’s graduation certificate. A temporary certificate of graduation is also acceptable.  

7. Notary certificate of non-criminality.   

How to apply for student residency for work residency    

1. Most regional immigration offices require a prior appointment time. Click here to go to the official government website to make an appointment.   

2. On the day of the appointment, you will need to submit your documents at the immigration office. The specific address for each region can be found at the time of the appointment.  

3. In addition, you will need to submit the administrative fee payment form TASA-052 (student fee) and TASA 790-062 (company fee) at the time of application.  

4. The approval time is 3 months.   

5. After the approval, you will need to go and apply for a residence card (handstamped) within a month. Please see the article: Steps to apply for a residence card (fingerprint) for all types of residence.   

Note: Students may not start working during the approval period. Full employment is required once the work permit has been approved and the student is covered by social security