Job Seeker Visa Spain (2026)
The Job Seeker Visa Spain is Spain’s official post-study visa (Autorización de Búsqueda de Empleo) allowing non-EU graduates to legally stay in Spain after graduation for up to 24 months after completing their studies while preparing a work or residence transition.
Its purpose is to give graduates time to find qualified employment or prepare a transition to another residence permit such as a Work Permit, HQP Visa, EU Blue Card, or Entrepreneur Visa — without having to leave Spain.
This permit is the main post-study pathway for international students who want to continue their professional life in Spain.
Important:
Private health insurance with no copayments, no waiting periods, and full hospital coverage is mandatory for the entire duration of this permit.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the Job Seeker Visa Spain?
- Eligibility Requirements (2026)
- Required Documents (Checklist)
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Validity, Duration & Renewals
- Converting the Job Seeker Visa Into a Work Permit
- Health Insurance Requirements (MAEC-Compliant)
- Family Rules
- Official Government Resources
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- FAQ — Job Seeker Visa Spain
- Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
What Is the Job Seeker Visa Spain?
The Job Seeker Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows eligible graduates to stay in Spain after completing an official higher-education program.
With this permit, you may legally remain in Spain while you:
- Search for a qualified job
- Prepare documents for a Work Permit
- Apply for the Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Visa
- Develop a project under the Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
It applies to graduates of:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programs
- Official postgraduate programs (RD 822/2021)
This permit is designed as a transitional residency option within Spain’s immigration system. To understand how it fits alongside other long-stay visas, see the complete Spain Visas Guide.
Eligibility Requirements (2026)
You qualify for the Job Seeker Visa if all of the following apply:
1. You completed an official degree in Spain
Accepted qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Official accredited postgraduate program
2. You hold or recently held a Student Visa
You must apply:
- Up to 60 days before your Student TIE expires, or
- Up to 90 days after expiration (exceptional allowance)
3. You can prove sufficient financial means
Typical guidance for 2026:
- €600–€700 per month, or
- Savings covering 12–24 months
4. You have private health insurance
Mandatory from day one until conversion to another permit
(see section 7).
5. You have a clean criminal background
This permit is ideal for graduates who want to remain in Spain without legal interruption after finishing their studies.
Required Documents (2026 Checklist)
In addition to post-study eligibility rules, applicants must comply with the standard Spain visa requirements, including financial means and continuous private health insurance coverage.
Personal Documentation
- Passport (all pages)
- EX-01 form
- Student TIE (residence card)
- Criminal background certificate
- Passport photos
- Empadronamiento (sometimes required)
Academic Documentation
- Official Spanish degree or provisional completion certificate
- Academic transcripts
Financial Proof (one of the following)
- Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Savings certificate
- Parental support letter + financial proof
- Scholarship documentation
Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital & emergency care
- Nationwide coverage
- Spanish-authorized insurer
Get compliant health insurance:
Fees
- Modelo 790 – Código 052
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
Include sworn translations and apostilles if required.
You may apply:
- From within Spain (recommended)
Via Extranjería or the official online platform. - From abroad
At the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
Modelo 790 – Código 052.
20 days
If there is no response → automatic approval
(positive administrative silence).
- If approved in Spain → book TIE appointment
- If approved abroad → collect visa and travel to Spain
After approval, graduates must complete several mandatory steps in Spain, including TIE fingerprinting, address registration (empadronamiento), and document updates. A full step-by-step overview is available in our Moving to Spain Checklist.
Validity, Duration & Renewals
- Duration: Up to 24 months
- Renewal: Not allowed
This is a one-time permit.
To remain in Spain beyond this period, you must convert it to another residence permit.
Converting the Job Seeker Visa Into a Work Permit
Most applicants use this visa as a transition pathway to:
These conversion pathways are part of Spain’s structured visa system for non-EU residents. A full overview of all available residence permits is explained in the Spain Visas Guide.
1) HQP Visa Spain (Highly Qualified Professional)
For skilled roles (managers, engineers, STEM, analysts).
2) EU Blue Card
For high-salary technical professionals.
3) Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
For innovative business projects.
After 10 months of continuous legal residence.
- Conversion is the main strategic goal of this permit.
Health Insurance Requirements (MAEC-Compliant)
You must maintain private health insurance for the entire Job Seeker period.
To understand how private health insurance works in Spain beyond visa approval — including public vs private healthcare, when you may access Social Security, and how coverage requirements change after switching permits — see our complete guide to Health Insurance in Spain for Expats.
Official requirements from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC):
Your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization & emergency care
- Nationwide validity
- Spanish-authorized insurer
Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance — 30% Off
Family Members — Who Can Join?
Family members may stay only if they were already in Spain under your previous Student Visa.
New dependents cannot be added under the Job Seeker Visa.
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
- BOE — Immigration Regulations (RD 557/2011) — boe.es
FAQ — Job Seeker Visa Spain (2026)
Can I work with the Job Seeker Visa?
No. You may work only after converting to another permit.
How long does approval take?
20 days. No response = automatic approval.
Can I apply from Spain?
Yes — and it is the recommended option.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. Full private health insurance is required throughout.
Can my family stay with me?
Only if they were already legally in Spain under your Student Visa.
Can I convert it to a Work Permit?
Yes — HQP, Startup Visa, EU Blue Card or standard Work Permit.
If you have broader questions about living in Spain after graduation — healthcare access, documents, taxes, daily life or common administrative steps — see our Spain Expat FAQ with clear answers for non-EU residents.
Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance (Required for This Visa)
Start your Job Seeker Visa with fully compliant health insurance:
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Hospitalisation & emergency care
- Accepted by Spanish immigration
Fast certificate. No pressure.
