If you are about to finish your studies in Spain and you're wondering how to stay legally in the country while you find a job, the residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment may be just what you need.
This authorisation is specially designed for people like you: foreign students who wish to take advantage of their training to take the next step and start their professional life in Spain.
We know that leaving Venezuela has not been easy and building a new life in another country involves many challenges. Therefore, understanding your legal options is key to moving forward with peace of mind and security.
In this article we explain, in a clear and simple manner, when and how to how to apply for this permit, what requirements you must meetand why it can be a great opportunity for you to make your way into the Spanish labour market.
What is a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment?
The residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment is an authorisation that allows foreign students stay in Spain for two more years after completing their studies.
Its main objective is to give you time to look for a job related to what you have studied or, if you prefer, to start your own project as an entrepreneur.
In short, if you have come to Spain with a student visaIf you have completed a degree, master's or doctorate, and you do not want to return immediately to your home country because you want to start working here, this permit allows you to to remain legally in the country while you find that job opportunity or prepare your business idea.
It is important to know that this permit does not allow you to work from the first day, but it does give you the possibility to getting a job offer or setting up your own business and then change your legal status in order to start working.
For many Venezuelans who have opted for the studying in SpainThis is an excellent option for starting a new professional stage without having to start again from scratch in another country.
Permit application requirements
Request the residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment It is not complicated, but you do need to meet certain requirements. Here we explain them clearly so that you know if you are eligible for this permit:
- Have completed your studies in Spain: you must have completed a university degree, a master's degree or a doctorate. It is important that the qualification is recognised within the Spanish education system and that it is at least level 6 according to the European Qualifications Framework (e.g. a university degree).
- Have the correct visa: this permit is intended for those who were already in Spain with a authorisation to stay for study purposesnot for those who arrived as tourists or otherwise.
- Not be a citizen of the European Union: This permit is for non-EU nationals, such as Venezuelans, who need a specific permit to stay in Spain.
- No criminal record: both in Spain and in the countries where you have lived in the last five years. It is a requirement The most common in the majority of immigration procedures.
- Health insurance: it must be a private or public insurance that covers you for the year of the licence. It has to offer the same coverage as the Spanish public health system.
- Have sufficient financial means: you must show that you can support yourself for that year without working. The amount varies, but it is usually around 100% of the IPREM monthly (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is equivalent to something more than 600 euros per month. If you have savings or someone in Spain can help you, that can also count.
Fulfilling these requirements is the first step towards obtaining a permit. If you are already in the home stretch of your studies and you are sure that you want to you want to stay and look for a jobIf you do not have the necessary documents, start gathering these documents in good time to avoid complications.
Deadlines for the submission of the application
One of the most important points when requesting the residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment is to do it within the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you could miss the opportunity, so pay attention to this. You have two options for submitting your application:
- From 60 days before before your student card runs out.
- To 90 days later expiry date of the card.
That is, you have a window of almost five months to complete the procedure, but it is best not to leave it to the last minute. If you are already finishing your Master's degree or your degree, you can start to prepare your documentation and get everything ready to submit your application with peace of mind.
Remember that, even if your student card has expired, as long as you are within 90 days afterYou still have time to apply for a permit. However, during this period you cannot leave Spainbecause you would be in a irregular situation until your new authorisation is approved.
Our advice: mark the dates in your calendar and start early. If you have any doubts, you can also ask help from a migrant support association, as Venezuela Code, or talk to a lawyer specialising in foreigners.
How do I apply for a permit? Step by step
Ask for the residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment may seem complicated at first, but if you follow the steps calmly, you will see that it is not so difficult. Here we explain how to do it in a simple and clear way.
- Who can apply? the application can be submitted by you as a foreigner or, if you prefer, by a representative (e.g. a lawyer or an agent).
- Where is it presented? is presented in the form of exclusively electronicthrough the platform Mercury (Aliens Mercury Initials). It cannot be done in person or by mail. You must address it to the Government Delegation or Subdelegation in the province where you will be living during your job search.
- Is there a fee to pay? yes, there is an administrative fee that you have to pay, it's the Model 790, code 052. Please note: you do not pay before submitting your application, but only after your application has been accepted. From that moment on, you have 10 days to pay it.
- How long does the response take? the Administration has 20 days to give you an answer from the day after you submitted your application. If this time has elapsed and you have not heard anything, it is understood that the The response is positive due to administrative silence. In other words, if they do not respond, it is approved.
- And then what? Once your application has been approved, you have to apply for the Alien's Identity Card (TIE). You must do so within one month of being notified of the decision.
Duration and conditions
This permit allows you to stay in Spain up to maximum of 24 months. In other words, you will have two full years to look for a job related to the studies you completed here or to start your own project as an entrepreneur.
It is, however, a non-renewable periodThis means that once the two years have elapsed, cannot be renewed or extended.
Can I work with this permit?
No. This permit does not authorise you to work while you are looking for work or preparing your project. It only allows you to be legally in Spain while you do this process.
But don't worry: as soon as you get a job offer or are ready to start a business, you can make a change in your legal status. All you have to do is apply for the corresponding authorisation to work (employed, self-employed or as an entrepreneur), depending on what you decide to do.
What about my family?
If your relatives were already with you in Spain while you were studying (e.g. your partner or children), they can continue to accompany you during this new leave. There is no need for them to leave or to make any other arrangements, as long as they were already here legally with you.
What do I do if I find a job?
Great! In that case, you have to modify your permit, i.e. cto apply for a residence authorisation with the right to workaccording to the type of job or activity you are going to do.
In short, this permit is an excellent opportunity to plan well for your future in SpainBut it is essential that you make good use of the time, because you will not be able to extend it once it is over.
From CuriaraWe hope that all this information about the residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment has been useful to you and will help you to take firm steps on your way to a new professional life in Spain.
We know that the process of adapting to another country is not always easy, but we also know that with the right information and a little patience, anything is possible. Good luck in your job search and in this new stage you are about to start!
Curiara, uniting families.
