Spain stands out as a prime destination for expanding or initiating your education. With a plethora of universities, educational centers, and vocational training opportunities, many foreigners choose Spain for their academic pursuits, navigating the corresponding Study Stay Authorization. In this update, we’ll outline the various avenues available for transitioning from a study stay to a Residence Authorization in Spain.
1. Conversion from Study Permit to Residence and Employment permit: The most straightforward path to shift from a study stay to residence and employment. Applicants must provide a job offer lasting at least one year, ensuring a salary at or above the minimum wage — as of 2024, Spain’s full-time minimum wage is 1130 euros monthly. If no such offer exists, applicants can present multiple contracts totaling at least 30 hours per week in the same job category, collectively meeting the minimum wage requirement. Additionally, those with their entrepreneurial projects can request a switch to self-employed residence and employment.
2. Apply for a Job Search Residence Permit: An alternative to replacing the study stay permit is applying for a residence permit for job searching before the expiration of the study NIE or within 90 days afterward. This permit, following higher education studies, is valid for a maximum of 24 months. If not resolved within 20 days, it is considered approved.
3. Highly Qualified Worker : Another option for individuals with higher education or significant professional specialization is obtaining a contract as a Highly Qualified Professional (PAC). This contract comes with a special status, including:
- Authorization granted for the contract duration; if indefinite, it is issued for three years.
- Consideration of higher education and verifiable experience in accepting the designation as a highly qualified worker, along with details about the salary and the offering company.
- The application is submitted by the employer, not the employee.
4. Internship Residence Permit: The residence permit for internships is available to those who have obtained a higher education degree in the two years preceding the application or are currently pursuing studies leading to a higher education degree. This permit’s characteristics include:
- Having obtained a higher education degree in the last two years.
- Having a training agreement or internship contract.
- Additionally, both this internship residence permit and the authorization for internships can be processed online, with a positive administrative response within 30 days.
5. Apply for Residence as a Family Member of a Spanish or EU Citizen: In the case of having a stable Spanish or EU partner, consider applying for residence as a family member of a Spanish or EU citizen, whether through marriage, de facto partnership, or a stable relationship.
These are some of the ways that currently exist to make the change from a stay for studies to a residence in Spain, but they are not the only ones. Ideally, you should contact a team of experts in the field to evaluate your possibilities and which card is best suited to you.
