How to Apply for the Spain Job Seeker Visa (2025 Guide) – Step-by-Step + Requirements

Are you dreaming of working in Spain but don’t have a job offer yet? Good news! The Spain Job Seeker Visa allows international graduates to live in Spain for up to 12 months while searching for a job or planning to start a business. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including eligibility, documents, the step-by-step process, and official websites.

📌 What Is the Spain Job Seeker Visa?

The Spain Job Seeker Visa (known officially as the “Residence Authorization for Job Search”) is a temporary residence permit for non-EU international students who have recently completed a recognized degree program in Spain.

✅ It allows you to:

• Stay in Spain for 12 months

• Look for a job related to your field of study

• Apply for a work permit once you find a job

• Switch to a self-employed permit if you want to start a business

✅ Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

1. Be a non-EU/EEA citizen

2. Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD at a Spanish university

3. Apply within 60 days before OR 90 days after your student permit expires

4. Show financial means to support yourself (approx. €700/month)

5. Have health insurance in Spain

📄 Required Documents

Here’s the complete checklist:

1. EX-01 Application Form – Download it here (PDF)

2. Valid Passport (original + copy)

3. Copy of your student residence card (TIE)

4. University Degree Certificate or Confirmation of Completion

5. Proof of sufficient financial means

   • Bank statements or proof of scholarship

6. Private health insurance (must be full coverage and valid in Spain)

7. Empadronamiento certificate (proof of residence in Spain)

8. Proof of payment of the application fee (Form 790, Code 052) – Pay here

9. Recent passport-sized photo

🔍 Pro Tip: All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized/apostilled.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

✅ Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required documents listed above. Double-check that your health insurance covers full healthcare in Spain.

✅ Step 2: Fill Out Form EX-01

Download and complete the EX-01 form. It’s your official request for a non-lucrative residence permit for job searching.

✅ Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Complete and pay the Form 790 Code 052 online:
💶 The fee is around €10–15.

✅ Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your application in person at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your city or online via the Mercurio Platform.

📍 Find your local office here:

Important: You must apply before your student visa expires or within 90 days after.

✅ Step 5: Wait for Resolution

Processing time is usually 20–30 days, but it can take longer. You’ll receive a resolution via email or postal mail.

If approved, you’ll receive a favorable decision allowing you to stay in Spain for 12 months.

🛂 What Happens After Approval?

You won’t get a new residence card (TIE), but you can stay legally in Spain during the 12 months.

During this time, you can:

• Search for a job related to your degree

• Switch to a work permit (if you find employment)

• Switch to a self-employment permit (if you want to start a business)

🔁 How to Transition to a Work Permit

Once you get a job offer, you can modify your residence status:

For Employed Work:

• Submit the EX-03 form

• Include your job contract, employer’s tax ID, and other supporting documents

For Self-Employed Work:

• Submit a business plan

• Register with Spanish tax and social security authorities

🕒 Apply at least 60 days before your job seeker permit expires.

✨ Tips to Go Viral with Your Application (and Career)

1. 💼 Focus on in-demand sectors like IT, engineering, and digital marketing

2. 🧠 Learn basic Spanish – it massively boosts your chances of landing a job

3. 📄 Keep your CV in Europass format

4. 🤝 Network on LinkedIn and join local expat groups

5. 🚀 Use websites like InfoJobs, LinkedIn Spain, Tecnoempleo, and Glassdoor.es to find job openings

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Q: Can I leave Spain while on this visa?
A: Yes, but it’s best to stay in Spain to maximize your job search opportunities.

Q: What happens if I don’t find a job within 12 months?
A: You’ll have to leave Spain unless you switch to another legal status.

Q: Can I apply for this visa from outside Spain?
A: No, it must be done from within Spain after your studies.

📣 Final Thoughts

The Spain Job Seeker Visa is a golden opportunity for recent international graduates to transition smoothly into the Spanish job market — without needing a job offer first.

✨ If you’ve studied in Spain, don’t miss this chance to extend your stay, build your career, and experience life in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries.

📌 Want more visa guides like this?

Visit 👉 TripDoc.net – Your trusted source for visa tips, work opportunities, and global career hacks.