Job Seeker Visa Spain: How It Works

Starting in May 2025, important changes to the Foreign Nationals Regulation will come into effect, officially introducing the job seeker visa Spain. This new visa will allow foreigners to reside in Spain for up to 12 months while seeking employment opportunities or starting a business venture. Until these changes are implemented, the current rules remain valid, based on residence authorization for students who complete their studies in the country and wish to change their status to seek work or become entrepreneurs.

Below, we explain what the job seeker visa Spain is, how it currently works, and what will change in 2025 with the introduction of the new foreign nationals regulation. We will cover the requirements for obtaining this new authorization and how you can take advantage of the opportunity to build a professional future in Spain!

Want to live in Spain or apply for Spanish citizenship? Talk to Atlantic Bridge!

Also learn about the job seeker visa in Portugal.

How does the current job seeker visa work?

Not yet. At this moment, Spain does not have a specific visa equivalent to the job seeker visa model available in Portugal. But it will have something similar starting in May 2025. See below how the current job seeker visa model works and what will change.

What exists is not exactly a visa, but rather a residence authorization intended for those who are in Spain with a student visa. It is called “Authorization of residence for job seeking or starting a business project (HI 106).”

In other words, after completing studies, it is possible to change immigration status, replacing the study authorization with an authorization that allows seeking work or entrepreneurship in the country. Family members who are in Spain accompanying the student can also benefit from the job seeker visa.

This authorization, introduced in 2018 and updated in 2022, allows graduates to stay in Spain for up to 24 months to seek employment compatible with their academic training or start a venture. In addition to being an excellent opportunity for professional development, it also offers the chance to apply for Spanish citizenship through residence time, as foreigners from Ibero-American countries can request nationality after two years of legal residence in the country. (However, for those who do not have this benefit or are not from Ibero-American countries, the minimum time required for citizenship through residence is 10 years.) See more details in our complete article about Spanish nationality.

Requirements for the current residence authorization for job seeking in Spain

1.Diploma from a Spanish Higher Education Institution

• It is necessary to have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate in Spain. Diplomas obtained through exchanges or transfers are also accepted, as long as the studies were completed at a Spanish institution.
• Technical or technology courses are not eligible.
• These studies do not need to have been entirely completed in Spain. However, it is mandatory that they were finished in the country, enabling access to a Spanish diploma. Thus, those who entered a Spanish institution through a transfer are also eligible.

2.Health Insurance

• A valid Spanish health plan is mandatory to maintain coverage during the residence authorization.

3.Economic Resources

• Detailed proof of financial resources is not required, but the candidate must declare they have means to support themselves. A declaration by the student that they possess such resources is sufficient.
• The recommended amounts are: 100% of IPREM for single applicants, for the entire duration of residence. If accommodation has been paid in advance, the amount is 50% of IPREM. For family support, it is advisable to add 75% of IPREM for the first family member and 50% for other family members.

4.Valid Study Authorization

• The application must be made before the study authorization expires or up to 90 days after expiration.

5.No Criminal Record

• Have a clean criminal record in Spain and in countries where they have previously resided. Additionally, the candidate cannot be prohibited from entering Spanish territory or have their entry refused in other Schengen member states.

Staying with friends? See how to make a invitation letter for visitors in Spain!

What changes with the law amendments

With the recent changes to the Foreign Nationals Regulation in Spain, the job seeker visa Spain will be introduced, a new category that will allow temporary entry and residence in the country to seek employment or start a business. This change represents an evolution from the previous model, which was limited to authorization for students who completed their studies in Spain.

Who can apply for the new job seeker visa Spain?

The visa will be available in two main categories:

1. Children and grandchildren of Spanish origin

This category facilitates visa access for direct descendants of Spanish citizens, regardless of the labor market situation in Spain.

2.Qualified candidates in certain occupations or specific regions

It will be aimed at professionals with profiles compatible with market needs in strategic sectors or in locations with high labor demand.

The selection and specific requirements will be regulated by a ministerial order that will define the details for each grant cycle.

The main requirements for obtaining the new job seeker visa Spain include meeting the general criteria of the Foreign Nationals Law. They are similar to requirements for other visa applications, such as having valid documentation, no criminal record, and proving financial means. Depending on the category, children or grandchildren of Spanish origin are exempt from the national employment situation assessment, while candidates for specific occupations must prove qualification or experience in the area.

After securing a contract, the employer must request residence and work authorization, automatically extending the visa until the process is completed. Registration with Social Security must be done within 30 days to formalize the authorization.

We will soon bring more details here about the application process for the new visa.

Find opportunities in Spain!

Spain is becoming increasingly accessible for foreigners who wish to build a new life in the country, whether through the job market or entrepreneurial initiatives. With a diversified economy and an environment conducive to business and innovation, the country offers excellent opportunities for those seeking personal and professional growth.

If you want to take the first steps toward your project in Spain, count on Atlantic Bridge’s support. Our team is ready to help you plan each step, from legal and bureaucratic issues to building a solid future in the country. Get in touch and turn your plan into reality!