Is it possible to study and work in Spain as a foreigner?
The answer is yes, but when I arrived in 2021 it was not that simple. Although in theory it could work, in practice the bureaucratic system contradicted itself and was very complex. This took me and many of my colleagues by surprise, but if you are thinking of coming to Spain and studying and working here, I have good news for you: in 2022 the law changed.
Since August 2022, foreigners who come to Spain with a study visa They have a work permit as long as they meet certain requirements.
The permit gives you the possibility of working 30 hours a week, more than part-time. You have to keep in mind that your work cannot intervene with your classes. Why go to the other side of the world to study if you're not going to be able to take advantage of school?
Yes, but what can I work on? I'm not going to lie to you, it's not that there are many qualified jobs of 30 hours a week, but there are options for jobs with little training such as being a waiter or shop assistant. The good thing is that they are jobs with flexible hours that you can combine with your studies.
On the other hand, you can aim to get internships. You have to investigate if your university has an internship program. For example in TAI There is an Employment and Entrepreneurship area that seeks to help students find internships and connect them with the world of work.
Although not all internships are paid, it is a way to get to know your sector and make contacts.
There are cases in which after finishing your internship period, the company offers you an employed contract, but the reality is that nothing guarantees it. A curious fact that may interest you about the diplomas TAI is that upon completion you have a guaranteed 1-month paid contract.
Moving to another country involves a great financial effort and not everyone has the privilege of being able to live off their savings or the financial support to do so without working. In some ways, I think it's comforting to know that there are options and possibilities to survive in the attempt.
Check the requirements to study and work in Spain here
Article: Monica Ross.
