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Job Seeker Visa
SpainSpain•Europe
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Job Seeker Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

20 working days

Estimated Cost

EUR €27

Stay Duration

24 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Spain flag

Living in Spain

Cost of Living
26% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€22,000
Quality of Life
183/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Visa for non-EU citizens seeking employment or preparing to launch a business in Spain. Allows up to 12 months to find work or establish business without prior job offer.

The Spain Job Seeker Visa lets non-EU graduates of Spanish universities stay up to 24 months to find work or launch a business — no prior job offer required. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree (EQF Level 6) from an authorised Spanish institution and have held a long-term student stay permit.

The permit is non-renewable and does not authorize work — holders convert to a work or self-employment permit once they secure an offer or register a business. Financial means of at least €7,200 (100% IPREM) and private health insurance are required. Processing takes 20 working days; silence counts as approval.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals who studied in Spain and want time to find qualified employment or start a venture before transitioning to a long-term work permit.

Spain

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Cost Breakdown

Administrative fee (Modelo 790-052, epígrafe 2.1.6)EUR €11
TIE card fee (Modelo 790-012)EUR €16
TotalEUR €27

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)
Spain flagSpain

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Validity1 year
Processing3 months
View Visa Details
Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia)
Spain flagSpain
Closed

Self-Employed Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia)

Validity1 year (renewable)
ProcessingUp to 4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Must hold a Bachelor's degree (Level 6) or higher (Master's/PhD) from an authorized higher education institution in Spain.

Must hold a prior long-term student stay permit (estancia por estudios) in Spain.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay (100% of the IPREM index, approx. €600/month).

Must have comprehensive private health insurance valid in Spain with no copayments.

Must not have a criminal record in Spain or in previous countries of residence for the past 5 years.

Must not be in an irregular situation in Spain or prohibited from entering the country.

Must apply within 60 days before or 90 days after the student stay permit expires.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

7,200 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed and signed application form (EX-26).

Valid passport or travel document (minimum 1-year validity).

Proof of completed higher education degree (Bachelor's or higher) from an authorized Spanish institution.

Proof of sufficient financial means (responsible declaration and supporting documents showing 100% IPREM).

Private health insurance policy with coverage equivalent to the Spanish public health system.

Proof of payment of the administrative fee (Modelo 790-052).

Application Process

1

Complete studies

Obtain a Bachelor's degree (Level 6) or higher from an authorized Spanish higher education institution.

2

Prepare documents

Gather degree certificate, proof of financial means (100% IPREM), and private health insurance.

3

Submit application online

Apply telemactically via the Mercurio platform within 60 days before or 90 days after the student stay permit expires.

4

Pay fee

Pay the administrative fee of €10.94 (Modelo 790-052, epígrafe 2.1.6) within 10 working days.

5

Receive resolution

Wait for the decision (processing time is 20 working days; silence is administrative approval).

6

Apply for TIE

Once approved, book an appointment for fingerprinting and apply for the TIE card (paying the €16.08 fee via Modelo 790-012).

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Solicitud de autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo—
EX-26
Solicitud de modificación de autorización de residencia o estancia (Búsqueda de empleo / Inicio de proyecto empresarial)
Fill online

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