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Spain's plan to introduce a new job seeker visa for foreigners to live and work after studying
Take out the stress of navigating Spain's new Job Seeker Visa
Starting in May 2025, significant amendments to the Foreign Nationals Regulation will take effect in Spain, officially bringing in a new job seeker visa. This visa will grant foreign nationals the ability to reside in Spain for up to 12 months while looking for employment or establishing a business.Until these modifications come into force, existing regulations will continue to apply, allowing residence authorisation for students who have completed their studies in Spain and wish to transition to a work or entrepreneurial status.
There are lots of types of visa and residency avenues you can apply for to live in Spain, such as the Non-lucrative Visa (NLV), the Digital Nomad Visa and a student visa to work in Spain.
The following provides an overview of the upcoming job seeker visa in Spain, its current framework and the forthcoming changes under the revised foreign nationals regulation in 2025. It also outlines the eligibility criteria for obtaining this authorisation and how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity to develop their professional careers in Spain.
Understanding Spain's Job Seeker Visa
As of May 2025, Spain is introducing the Job Seeker Visa, a residence permit designed to attract global talent. This visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for up to 12 months while seeking employment or planning to start a business venture. It's a golden opportunity for professionals aiming to establish themselves in one of Europe's most vibrant economies.
Until such time as the Job Seeker Visa is introduced, Spain does provides a residence authorisation rather than a specific visa for job seekers. This permit, known as the “Authorisation of residence for job seeking or starting a business project (HI 106),” is available to individuals already in Spain on a student visa.
This means that after completing their studies, students can switch their immigration status from a study permit to one that allows them to seek employment or start a business. Family members accompanying the student in Spain can also benefit from this authorisation.
Initially introduced in 2018 and updated in 2022, this permit enables graduates to remain in Spain for up to 24 months to find a job aligned with their academic background or to launch an entrepreneurial venture.
Key features of Spain's news Job Seeker Visa:
- Duration: Grants a 12-month residency in Spain.
- Purpose: Facilitates the search for employment aligned with your qualifications or the development of a business project.
- Eligibility: Applicants are required to have completed higher education (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) within Spain. 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.
- Financial & health requirements: Applicants must have valid health insurance during their stay and declare sufficient financial resources to support themselves throughout the residency period. While detailed proof of funds isn't mandatory, a self-declaration of adequate means is required.
Why choose Heniam for your visa process?
Relocating to a new country is a significant decision, but with the right support, it becomes an enriching experience. Heniam & Associates is a distinguished legal firm renowned for its expertise in immigration law, property transactions, company formations and more.
Navigating the visa application process can be complex, but with Heniam by your side, you can proceed with confidence. They offer:
- Personalised consultation to assess your individual circumstances to provide tailored advice, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Document preparation, meticulously handling all necessary documentation, from proof of education to financial declarations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Application submission to manage the entire submission process, liaising with relevant authorities on your behalf to facilitate a smooth application experience.
- Post-approval support, offering continued assistance as you settle into your new professional life in Spain, including guidance on employment contracts and business setup.
In addition to immigration assistance, Heniam offers a wide array of legal services to ensure all aspects of your relocation are covered, including conveyancing services for property transactions, making last wills and testaments for expats in Spain, review and drafting of employment and business contracts, community administration and lots more besides.
Reach out to Heniam for a personalised consultation and discover how they can assist you in making Spain your new professional home.
