Spain student work authorization: requirements and rules

Who can apply and work rules

You can work if you have a long-term stay authorization for studies, training, or volunteering. Your work must be compatible with your studies and cannot exceed 30 hours per week.^[1][2]

Your work authorization is limited to one autonomous community. You can only work outside this area if the job is in a bordering town of another community.^[3][4]

Documents you need to provide

You must submit copies of all documents and show the original versions when you apply. Any foreign public documents must be legalized through the Spanish Consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, unless they have an apostille or are exempt. You must also get a sworn translator to translate any foreign documents into Spanish or a co-official language.^[5][6][7][8]

All applicants must provide a full copy of their valid passport or travel document. You must also show proof that your studies are compatible with your work activity.^[9][10][11]

If you are applying for employed work, you need the official application form EX-00 signed by your employer. You must also provide the employment contract on the official model, the employer's tax ID, and proof of the employer's financial means to meet the contract. You must also show your training or professional qualifications.^{[12][13][14][15][16]}

If you are applying for self-employed work, you must sign the EX-00 form yourself. You must show you have enough investment for the project and its impact on jobs. You must list the required licenses and their status. If you run a retail business up to 750 square meters, you must submit a responsible declaration and proof of tax payment.^{[17][18][19][20]}

Costs and fees

If your employed work authorization is for six months or more, your employer must pay the required fee. This fee must be paid within 10 business days after the application is admitted.^[21]

If your self-employed work authorization is for six months or more, you must pay the required fee yourself. You have 10 business days to pay this fee after your application is admitted.^[22]

Processing times

You must wait up to three months for a decision on your application. This processing time starts the day after you submit your application.^[23][24]

Checklist

• Submit a full copy of your valid passport or travel document.^[9][10]
• Provide proof that your work is compatible with your studies.^[11]
• Translate all foreign documents into Spanish using a sworn translator.^[8]
• Legalize foreign public documents unless they are apostilled or exempt.^[6][7]
• Bring original documents to show when you submit your copies.^[5]

Questions people ask

This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.