Legal Framework for Student Employment
As of the 2022 reforms to the Spanish Immigration Regulations (Reglamento de Extranjería), which remain in effect for the 2025/2026 academic period, international students in Spain on a study permit (estancia por estudios) are granted the right to work part-time without requiring a separate work authorization, provided certain conditions are met. This regulation aims to allow students to supplement their income while ensuring that their primary focus remains on their academic progress.
The primary restriction is the hourly limit. Students are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week. This limit applies regardless of whether the student is working for an employer (cuenta ajena) or is self-employed (cuenta propia). Furthermore, the work must be compatible with the student’s class schedule and must not interfere with the successful completion of the academic program.
Eligibility and Requirements
To exercise the right to work while studying, the individual must hold a valid Estancia por Estudios permit for higher education, vocational training, or programs leading to a professional certificate. The authorization to work is generally geographical; the work should ideally be located within the same province as the educational institution, unless the work is performed remotely or the travel does not impede study attendance.
Key requirements for students include:
- Valid NIE/TIE: The student must possess a valid Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) and the corresponding card (TIE).
- Enrollment Status: The student must remain enrolled in an accredited institution. If the student drops out or fails to renew their study permit, the right to work is automatically revoked.
- Minimum Wage: Employers must respect the National Minimum Wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional or SMI). As of early 2025, the SMI is approximately 1,134 EUR ($1,235 USD, Jan 2026) per month in 14 payments, or 1,323 EUR ($1,442 USD, Jan 2026) in 12 payments for full-time work. Student salaries are pro-rated based on their 30-hour limit.
Social Security Registration
Before commencing work, the student must be registered with the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social). The employer is responsible for the registration process for employees. For self-employed students, the individual must register themselves in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA). You can find more information on the official Social Security website.
Types of Work: Internships vs. Employment
It is important to distinguish between regular employment and academic internships, as the regulations and tax implications differ significantly.
Academic Internships (Prácticas)
These are divided into two categories: Curriculares (mandatory for the degree) and Extracurriculares (voluntary). Academic internships are governed by cooperation agreements between the university and the employer. They are not strictly considered "employment," though they may be paid. Since 2024, even unpaid interns must be registered with Social Security for insurance purposes.
Regular Employment
This refers to any job outside the academic curriculum. Under current laws, the student’s TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) often includes a notation stating "Autoriza a trabajar," which simplifies the hiring process for Spanish companies. If the card does not have this notation, the employer may need to request authorization from the local Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería).
Administrative Fees and Costs
While the right to work is often inherent in the study permit, specific administrative procedures may incur fees (Tasas). The most common fee is the Tasa 790-062, related to work authorizations.
- Standard Work Authorization Fee: Approximately 120 EUR to 210 EUR ($131 to $229 USD, Jan 2026), depending on whether the authorization is for an initial application or a renewal.
- TIE Card Issuance: Approximately 16 EUR ($17.50 USD, Jan 2026).
Detailed fee structures are updated annually and can be verified on the Ministry of Interior's official portal.
Transitioning to a Full Work Permit
Upon completion of studies, foreign nationals may transition to a residence and work permit (Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena). This transition can occur without needing to wait for three years of residency, a significant change introduced in the recent legislative updates. Students who have successfully completed their studies can apply for a job search visa (Residencia para la búsqueda de empleo) which lasts for 12 months and is non-renewable.
Note: The information provided is based on general regulations for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland have the right to work in Spain without a specific work permit under the principle of free movement.
Useful External Resources
For official forms and local office appointments, please refer to the following institutional links: