International students in Spain can stay and work after finishing their studies. You can do this by applying for a modificación de autorización (modification of authorization) from a student status to a residence and work permit. This guide explains the process and the required documents.
The student visa modification rules
Under recent updates to the Spanish immigration law, the transition from a student visa to a work permit is much simpler.
- No waiting period: You no longer need to wait 3 years in Spain on a student visa before modifying. You can apply as soon as you successfully complete your studies.
- Finished studies: You must have completed your degree, master’s, or PhD program. You cannot modify if you are still studying or if you failed your courses.
- Timing: You must submit your modification request during the 60 days before your student card (TIE) expires, or during the 90 days after it expires. We recommend applying before it expires.
How to apply for a residence permit
Types of work permits
You can apply for two different types of work permits depending on your job situation.
- Cuenta ajena (Employee): You have a job offer from a Spanish company. The company must sponsor your application and submit their financial records to prove they can pay your salary.
- Cuenta propia (Self-employed): You want to start your own business or work as a freelancer. You must submit a detailed business plan approved by a Spanish business association.
How to register as autónomo in Madrid
Document checklist for the transition
You must gather documents from both your university and your future employer before submitting your application.
Document checklist
- Your physical passport (must be valid)
- Your current student TIE card
- Your official university degree certificate or transcript showing you passed all courses
- A copy of your signed work contract (must be for at least 30 hours per week)
- The official company registration documents (CIF, tax registration, and social security payments)
- Proof of payment of the administrative processing fees (Tasa 790 052 and Tasa 790 062)
Step-by-step application process
You must submit your application electronically through the Mercurio online portal of the Ministry of Migration.
Steps to modify your status
- Request your official final transcript and degree certificate from your university.
- Get the signed work contract and company tax documents from your employer.
- Access the Mercurio portal using your digital certificate.
- Select the option for “Modificación de la situación de estancia por estudios a la situación de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena”.
- Fill out the application form with your personal details and employer details.
- Upload all documents from the checklist in PDF format.
- Pay the two administrative fees (Tasa 790) online or at a bank branch, and upload the receipts.
- Submit the application. The immigration office (Extranjería) has up to 3 months to process your file.
- Once approved, you have 1 month to register with the Spanish Social Security system and book an appointment to get your new TIE card.
How to get a Spanish digital certificate
Questions and answers
Can I work while my application is processing?
Only if your student card is valid. If your student TIE is still valid and you have a student work permit, you can continue working up to 30 hours per week. If your student card has expired, you cannot work until you receive the official approval letter.
What happens if the application is rejected?
You can appeal. You have 1 month to submit a recurso de reposición (administrative appeal) to dispute the decision, or you can apply for a job seeker visa if you qualify.
Can I modify to a freelance (autónomo) permit?
Yes. You can modify to a cuenta propia permit. You must submit a business plan, proof of sufficient financial savings, and professional qualifications.
Does the modification count toward citizenship?
Only after modification. Time spent in Spain on a student visa (estancia por estudios) only counts as “stay”, not “residency”. It counts as 50% for permanent residence, but does not count toward the years needed for Spanish citizenship. Once you modify, your time counts 100% as residency.
