Date Published: 10/03/2025

Spain's plan to introduce a new job seeker visa for foreigners to live and work after studying

Take out the stress of navigating Spain's new Job Seeker Visa

Starting in May 2025, significant amendments to the Foreign Nationals Regulation will take effect in Spain, officially bringing in a new job seeker visa. This visa will grant foreign nationals the ability to reside in Spain for up to 12 months while looking for employment or establishing a business.

Until these modifications come into force, existing regulations will continue to apply, allowing residence authorisation for students who have completed their studies in Spain and wish to transition to a work or entrepreneurial status.

There are lots of types of visa and residency avenues you can apply for to live in Spain, such as the Non-lucrative Visa (NLV), the Digital Nomad Visa and a student visa to work in Spain.

The following provides an overview of the upcoming job seeker visa in Spain, its current framework and the forthcoming changes under the revised foreign nationals regulation in 2025. It also outlines the eligibility criteria for obtaining this authorisation and how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity to develop their professional careers in Spain.

Understanding Spain's Job Seeker Visa

As of May 2025, Spain is introducing the Job Seeker Visa, a residence permit designed to attract global talent. This visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for up to 12 months while seeking employment or planning to start a business venture. It's a golden opportunity for professionals aiming to establish themselves in one of Europe's most vibrant economies.

Until such time as the Job Seeker Visa is introduced, Spain does provides a residence authorisation rather than a specific visa for job seekers. This permit, known as the “Authorisation of residence for job seeking or starting a business project (HI 106),” is available to individuals already in Spain on a student visa.

This means that after completing their studies, students can switch their immigration status from a study permit to one that allows them to seek employment or start a business. Family members accompanying the student in Spain can also benefit from this authorisation.

Initially introduced in 2018 and updated in 2022, this permit enables graduates to remain in Spain for up to 24 months to find a job aligned with their academic background or to launch an entrepreneurial venture.

Key features of Spain's news Job Seeker Visa:

Duration: Grants a 12-month residency in Spain.
Purpose: Facilitates the search for employment aligned with your qualifications or the development of a business project.
Eligibility: Applicants are required to have completed higher education (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) within Spain. These studies do not need to have been entirely completed in Spain. However, it is mandatory that they were finished in the country, enabling access to a Spanish diploma.
Financial & health requirements: Applicants must have valid health insurance during their stay and declare sufficient financial resources to support themselves throughout the residency period. While detailed proof of funds isn't mandatory, a self-declaration of adequate means is required.

Why choose Heniam for your visa process?

Relocating to a new country is a significant decision, but with the right support, it becomes an enriching experience. Heniam & Associates is a distinguished legal firm renowned for its expertise in immigration law, property transactions, company formations and more.

Navigating the visa application process can be complex, but with Heniam by your side, you can proceed with confidence. They offer:

Personalised consultation to assess your individual circumstances to provide tailored advice, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria.
Document preparation, meticulously handling all necessary documentation, from proof of education to financial declarations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Application submission to manage the entire submission process, liaising with relevant authorities on your behalf to facilitate a smooth application experience.
Post-approval support, offering continued assistance as you settle into your new professional life in Spain, including guidance on employment contracts and business setup.

In addition to immigration assistance, Heniam offers a wide array of legal services to ensure all aspects of your relocation are covered, including conveyancing services for property transactions, making last wills and testaments for expats in Spain, review and drafting of employment and business contracts, community administration and lots more besides.

Reach out to Heniam for a personalised consultation and discover how they can assist you in making Spain your new professional home.

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Heniam & Associates for Conveyancing, paperwork, legal advice and immigration throughout the Region of Murcia

Catering for the needs of expats living all over Spain, and particularly in the Costa Cálida and the Costa Blanca, Heniam & Associates offer a wide range of services including conveyancing, legal and administrative advice.

At the same time, their team of dedicated professionals appreciate the need to assist you in an easy and reliable manner, allowing you as much time as possible to enjoy your freedom, relax and make the most out of life in Spain. Without sacrificing efficiency, they offer personalised services to each and every client, listening to their needs in order to provide exactly the right service and desired outcome.

In the all-important field of Legal and Administrative Services, Heniam & Associates provide help in a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Conveyancing
Legal and professional communication assistance
NIE and TIE Applications
Commercial and company set-up and licensing
Spanish health and administrative services
Support and assistance with regulatory bodies
Professional will writing services and advice on intestate inheritance laws (both in the UK and in Spain)
Contract drafting (for businesses and individuals)
Dispute resolution
Digital signatures and certificates

Whether taking advantage of our conveyancing services or any other legal matter Heniam & Associates’ business partner HeniamLegal will represent you in the best possible way, excelling especially in their conveyancing service.

When buying a property in a foreign country it can be challenging to understand all of the
steps that have to be taken. Heniam knows that buying a home can be stressful and
they want to ensure that you have the resources that you need to make sure that the
transaction is as smooth as possible so that you can start to enjoy your new home without worrying about the details and any purchase pitfalls.

HeniamLegal will be on hand to assist you with every part of the process. They have
dedicated professionals on hand to assist you every step of the way ensuring that all
of the relevant checks and investigations are carried out and, of course, negotiating on your behalf and protecting your interests. You will always have the support you need with HeniamLegal and Heniam & Associates.

Heniam & Associates In addition, translation services are provided either for written documents or for occasions such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices, and assistance is provided in finding the best deal on foreign currency transfers.