Spain Job Seeker Visa: A Guide to Unlocking Opportunities
Job Seeker Visa Spain
If you’re dreaming of embarking on a professional journey in Spain, you’ve come to the right place. Spain, with its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and growing economy, attracts job seekers from around the world. To realize your dream of working in this picturesque Mediterranean country, you’ll need to navigate the process of obtaining a job visa as a foreign worker. Let’s explore the essential steps and insights for becoming a successful Job Seeker Visa in Spain.
Curious About the Basics? Unraveling the Essentials of Job Seeker Visas in Spain
The Job Seeking visa, or Employment seeking residence permit, is an authorization based in Spain that would allow you to access a job suitable to your field and level of studies or, if you deem it possible, to create a start-up once you have finished your official high-level studies.
This is a non-lucrative residence permit which means that you will not be able to work with it. Once you have found a job, it would be the company itself who process the visa change from Job Seeking Visa to Work Permit Visa.
The maximum durationof the permit is up to 24 months, starting from the expiry of the previous student permit, with no possibility of extension, this means you have up to two years to find a job or start your company.
Since this looking-for-work visa is intended for students with higher education (a degree, masterâs degree, doctorate), the provided time is sufficient to regularize your status as an employee.
The main drawback of this residence permit is that it does not allow you to work; it is a non-lucrative permit.
The good news, however, is that you do not necessarily have to wait the entire residency period for a job search to make the change. You must wait for 10 months before you can process a work permit modification, as you would already have been a resident for a year when you receive the resolution.
In this case, the national unemployment situation would not apply. However, if you receive an offer as a highly qualified professional, you can modify the work permit at any time.
Application period. You can request for the visa between 60 days before and 90 days after the expiration date.Â
Considering Work in Spain? What Are the Different Types of Job Visas?
Spain offers various types of job visas based on the nature of your employment:
Highly Qualified Professional Visa. Designed for skilled professionals with specialized expertise.
Work Visa. Suitable for individuals securing employment contracts in Spain.
Student Job Search visa. Enables students to seek work opportunities after completing their studies in Spain.
- Seasonal Worker Visa. Ideal for temporary labor in agriculture, tourism, or other seasonal industries.
- Blue Card. Similar to the European Blue Card, this visa targets highly skilled non-EU professionals.
- Entrepreneur Visa. Aimed at those planning to establish a business or invest in Spain.
What Legal Requirements Should You Know for Work Visas in Spain?
Job visas in Spain are subject to specific requirements, such as securing a job offer from a Spanish employer, proving your qualifications, and demonstrating financial stability. The specific criteria may vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.
- Non-EU Citizen
- Legal status in Spain
- Be title-holder of a student visa.
- Own a Spanish-based high-level official study diploma (undergrad, official master, phd).
- Medical insurance that would cover the duration of your stay.
- Own enough economic means for such period.
- Clearing criminal records from all the countries where one has resided in the last 5 years.
Embarking on the Job Seeker Visa Journey? What to Expect in the Application Process
Navigating the job visa application process in Spain involves several crucial steps:
Job search
Your journey as a job visa seeker begins with searching for suitable employment in Spain. Connect with job portals, company websites, or international recruitment agencies that specialize in Spanish job opportunities. Remember to target positions that align with your qualifications and skills.
Job Offer
Once you secure a job offer, your prospective employer plays a vital role in the visa application process. They must provide a job contract specifying the terms of your employment. Your employer may need to obtain necessary approvals from Spanish authorities as well.
Documentation
- Passport.
- Official form EX01.
- Receipt of the payment of the tax 790/052 (Option 2.1).
- High-level official study diploma (Or, in case the hard copy is missing the substitute option given to the student).Â
- The academic institution must be on the list provided by the government for the application to be accepted.
- Full-coverage medical insurance in Spain.
- Proof the economic funds IPREMÂ with the following model:Â DeclaraciÃģn Responsable Suficiencia EconÃģmica.
- Digital signature
Visa application
Submit your visa application to the immigration office in Spain or to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You may be required to attend an in-person appointment or interview.
You have two options to request this permit: either within the 60 days preceding the expiration of your student residence permit or within the 90 days following the card’s expiration.
Processing time
The processing time for job visas can vary, so be prepared for potential waiting periods. In Spain, the period for getting an answer after presenting the documents will be 20 natural days after which it will be understood as an automatic pass given by administrative silence.
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
Travel and residency
Upon arrival in Spain, you’ll need to register with local authorities and obtain a foreigner identity card (TIE). This card is essential for your legal residency and work in the country.
Finally,remember that the specifics of the job visa application process may vary based on your nationality and the type of visa you’re pursuing. Consulting with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country is advisable for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Exploring Family and Relative Status: What You Need to Know in Spain?
Your family cannot accompany you if you hold this permit.
Nonetheless, if you included your spouse in your initial application while you had a student visa, they can legally remain in Spain with you.
In simpler terms, if they joined you during your period of study, and you transition to this residence permit, your family’s stay will also be prolonged, provided they continue to fulfill the regrouping criteria.
Venturing into Entrepreneurship: What's the Landscape for Entrepreneurs in Spain?
If you are an entrepreneur and wish to initiate the process of establishing your own company in Spain, you need to apply for the initial residency authorization to work as self-employed.
Once you have this legal status secured, you can proceed with your entrepreneur visa application.
Conclusion
Becoming a Job Seeker Visa in Spain opens the door to a world of opportunities and experiences. As you embark on this journey, stay informed, prepare diligently, and embrace the vibrant professional landscape of Spain. With the right strategy and determination, your dream of working in this captivating country can become a reality.