Modify Residence / Student Visa to Work Permit

What do you need to know about modifying your residence or student visa to a work permit

• How long do I need to stay on the Non-Lucrative Visa before I can get a work permit?

  Normally you would need to live in Spain for 1 year. Afterwards, you can apply for a simple renewal or for a modification to a work permit without leaving Spain. However, if you received a job offer or had a brilliant business idea before this first year ends, we can assist you to apply for a modification earlier, but it would need to follow the rules for an initial application (depending on the conditions of your future employment or type of business you want to start, we would evaluate if it is obligatory to file through the Spanish Consulate in your country of usual residence, or if it is possible to apply from Spain).

• Do I need to stay on a student visa for 3 years before applying for a modification to a work permit?

  Since Spain carried out the Immigration Law reform in August 2022, it is no longer necessary. We can assist you in modifying your student visa into a work permit after you successfully finish your studies for which the student visa was granted.

• How long does it take to modify my student or residence visa to a work permit?

  If your job offer or business project qualifies under the fast-track procedure of International Mobility Act 14/2013, it takes 20 working days. If your application goes under the regular Immigration Law 4/2000, it takes 3 months. You always must remember that in Spain patience is required as delays occur frequently.

• Can my family members get a work permit too?

  If you apply to modify your student visa to a regular work permit, your family members that already lived with you in Spain on a permit as “family members of the student” can modify their student visas to a residence permit through family reunion. This permit will allow them to work too. We always recommend arranging an initial consultation to evaluate your circumstances to make sure you fulfil the requirements of the applicable procedure.