Can You Work In Spain With A Student Visa?

Spain remains one of the most popular destinations in Europe for international students — and for good reason. The lifestyle, education system, and cost of living all make it an appealing choice. But if you’re planning to study here, you might also be wondering: can you legally work while on a student visa?

In this guide, we’ll cover the full details of how to work in Spain as an international student in 2025 — including legal requirements, limits, and how to transition to a full work permit after your studies.

International students in Spain are allowed to work part-time while studying, but there are specific conditions. For visas issued before August 16, 2022, students must apply for additional authorization to work. Visas issued after that date automatically permit work for up to 30 hours per week, as long as the job does not interfere with academic schedules.

Employers hiring students must be registered with Social Security, meet tax obligations, and sign a legal employment contract. Students must also submit documentation such as the EX-12 form, a valid passport, and proof of enrollment.

Income from student work cannot be the primary means of financial support and is not considered when renewing the visa. Students can transition to full-time work permits after graduation through various legal pathways, including high-skilled employment, a job search visa, or a regular self-employment visa.

Internships are another route for students to gain experience. These are either curricular (part of a degree program) or extracurricular (for recent graduates) and may be paid or unpaid depending on the host company and arrangement with the university.

What types of jobs can students legally do?

Student visa holders in Spain can work in a wide range of sectors, but the most common include hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels), language tutoring, retail, administrative support, and digital services such as marketing or customer support. Some students also find freelance work in tech, content creation, or design — though this may require switching to self-employment status depending on the hours and earnings.

Can students freelance or work remotely for companies outside Spain?

This is a grey area. Technically, working remotely for a foreign company while living in Spain on a student visa isn't clearly regulated, but it's generally tolerated if the work is occasional and doesn't interfere with your studies. However, frequent or structured freelance work may require registering as self-employed (autónomo). This can add tax, insurance, and administrative burdens — so it's best to consult with a legal advisor before pursuing remote contracts.

Are student internships paid?

Some internships offer a stipend, especially extracurricular ones. Curricular internships (linked directly to your university course) may or may not be paid — it depends on the company and academic program. In Spain, paid internships often offer €300 to €700 per month, but this varies widely. It’s also important to check whether your visa and insurance cover your internship period and whether any contracts need to be signed through your school or the hosting organisation.

Do international students need to pay taxes in Spain?

If you earn income in Spain — even part-time — you are generally required to register with the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria). If you work under a formal contract, your employer handles this. However, if you are self-employed or earning freelance income, you’ll need to handle your own tax declarations. Spain has tax treaties with many countries (including the U.S., UK, Canada) to avoid double taxation, but you should check with a tax advisor for your specific situation.

Can student work hours increase during holidays?

Yes — during official university breaks, such as summer or Christmas holidays, students are often allowed to work more than the normal part-time limit, provided it still complies with their visa terms and does not interfere with any educational obligations. Always check with your university’s international office or your local immigration office to confirm.

How to find legal part-time work in Spain as a student

– Use your university’s job board or international office
– Check student-friendly job platforms such as StudentJob.es, InfoJobs.net, and LinkedIn Spain
– Visit local cafés, shops, and coworking spaces
– Join student Facebook groups or WhatsApp networks for informal gigs
– If you're a native English speaker, consider offering private English classes (in-person or online)

Final tips for working with a student visa in Spain

– Keep your studies as your top priority — your visa status depends on it
– Always sign a legal contract and get documentation from your employer
– Never rely on job income as your primary financial support — it won’t count for visa renewal
– Keep a record of your work hours and contracts in case immigration asks
– Be wary of jobs that offer cash-in-hand — these may violate visa conditions and affect future residency applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work full-time during the academic year?
A: No, student visa holders may work up to 30 hours per week, and only if it doesn’t conflict with class schedules.

Q: What happens if I work more than my visa allows?
A: You may lose your visa, face fines, or be denied renewal or future visas. Always stay within permitted limits.

Q: Can I convert my student visa to a work or residence visa?
A: Yes. After studying, you can apply for a job search visa, regular work visa, or self-employment permit. See your immigration lawyer or university office for details.

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