Spain Extends Job Seeker Visa to 12 Months
Spain has extended the duration of its Job Seeker visa, giving foreign professionals up to 12 months to find employment, up from the previous three-month limit.
The new rule took effect on May 20 and is part of a broader effort to attract skilled workers from abroad and address labour shortages in various sectors.
The extended visa provides applicants with more time to secure a job or even launch their own business in Spain. Once an individual secures a job, the visa can be converted into a work visa, which comes with the usual obligations to Spain’s Social Security and tax system.
This update is part of recent reforms to Spain’s Immigration Regulations, aimed at simplifying entry and residence procedures for non-EU nationals. The reforms are also expected to help regularise the status of around 300,000 migrants each year.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the new 12-month job seeker visa, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Hold a degree from a Spanish university
- Be a child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen
- Work in a high-demand, qualified profession in Spain
Applicants must also show they can support themselves financially during their stay. According to Fábio Knauer, CEO of Aliança Global Group, this means having at least €600 per month—or €7,200 for the year.
Additional Requirements
To qualify, applicants must also:
- Have a bachelor's, master’s, or PhD from a Spanish institution
- Hold valid health insurance for Spain
- Provide proof of sufficient financial resources
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in any country they’ve lived in
- Apply while their student visa is still valid, or within 90 days after it expires
With these new changes, Spain is opening its doors wider to international talent, giving skilled professionals more time and flexibility to build a future in the country. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned worker in an in-demand field, or have ties to Spain, this extended visa offers a valuable opportunity to take the next step in your career.
If you need assistance with your visa application, contact us today.
Do you have plans to move to Spain? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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