What to Expect When Applying for a Student Visa and Working in Spain

Moving to Spain to study and work is an exciting prospect! Whether you’re planning to take a Spanish course, do a TEFL certification, or join a university program, navigating the visa process can feel like a challenge at first. This guide is here to walk you through what to expect when applying for a student visa and looking for work opportunities once you arrive.

If you’re looking for a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the paperwork involved, download our Student Visa Guide — it includes all the necessary documents and templates to make your application as smooth as possible.

Start Early and Double Check the Requirements

First things first: every Spanish consulate can have slightly different requirements when it comes to student visas. The documents, the requirements, and even the appointment system might vary depending on where you apply.

So, even if you've heard from a friend what they did in their application — double-check with your local Spanish consulate. Read their student visa section carefully and don’t be afraid to contact them directly if anything is unclear.

Our Tip: Give Yourself 3 Months

As a general rule of thumb, give yourself at least 3 months between the day you start preparing your documents and your intended arrival date in Spain. You’ll need time to gather translations, legalisations, financial statements, proof of enrolment, and more — plus, visa appointment slots can book up fast.

Being prepared and starting early means less stress and a smoother process overall.

Applying for the Student Visa

Once you’ve got your documents in order, you’ll need to submit your application to your local Spanish consulate.

Most consulates require you to apply in person, which usually means travelling to the nearest major city where the consulate is located. However, some consulates allow you to apply by mail — again, check your consulate’s website carefully.

After you submit your documents, you’ll typically wait anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for a decision, though this can vary.

When your visa is approved, you’ll receive a Type D visa, and the sticker in your passport will mention 90 days.

This often causes confusion, so let’s clear it up.

“Type D – 90 Days” Doesn’t Mean Your Visa Only Lasts 3 Months

When you receive your visa, it will state Type D – 90 days, which tends to alarm people. Don’t worry — this doesn’t mean your visa is only valid for 90 days.

What it actually means is this: you have 90 days from the date you enter Spain to complete the second part of the visa process, which is picking up your official TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) — your Spanish residency card.

You’ll make an appointment at a local police station, have your fingerprints taken, and then return a few weeks later to collect your card. This TIE is what officially gives you permission to stay in Spain for the duration of your studies. The appointments can be notoriously hard to book, so we include this service for you in most of our course packages.

So while your passport visa gets you in the door, your TIE is what lets you stay.

Working on a Student Visa in Spain

When you finally pick up your TIE, you might notice something disheartening: it says “no autoriza a trabajar”, meaning not authorised to work.

But don’t panic! This is normal, and there are ways to work legally while on a student visa. It just requires a bit of paperwork.

There are two main ways students can work in Spain:

1. Work Authorisation from an Employer

Once you’ve arrived in Spain and received your student card, an employer can apply for your work authorisation on your behalf.

This means they fill out a request with Spanish immigration to allow you to work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) while you study.

Not all employers are willing to go through this process, but at TEFL Iberia we work with language schools and businesses who are happy to help students with their work authorisation. We can help you connect with employers who understand the system and can walk you through the steps.

Keep in mind:

• You need to have a valid student visa and TIE before the employer can start the process.
• The job should be compatible with your course schedule — your studies must remain the priority.
• The work authorisation is only valid for the duration of your student visa.

2. Convenio de Prácticas (Internship Agreement)

Another option — and often an easier one — is to work under a “convenio de prácticas”, which is essentially an internship agreement tied to your course of study.

Let’s examine it:

What is a “Convenio de Prácticas”?

A convenio de prácticas is a formal agreement between your school, the company, and yourself, allowing you to do a paid or unpaid internship as part of your education.

It’s often used by students in universities or professional programs, including TEFL courses. In this setup:

• You don’t need a separate work authorisation.
• It’s usually quicker and more straightforward than a standard job contract.
• You can earn money.
• The hours and conditions are tied to the duration and focus of your studies.

This is a great option for students who want to gain work experience in Spain without the complexity of the standard work permit application.

We help many of our students set up a convenio de prácticas with local employers — it’s a great way to ease into the job market and get a foot in the door.

Final Thoughts: Yes, It’s Worth It!

The process of applying for a student visa and figuring out how to work legally in Spain might feel overwhelming at first — but thousands of students do it every year, and so can you.

The key is to start early, stay organised, and ask for help when you need it. At TEFL Iberia, we’ve helped hundreds of international students through the visa process and into work placements — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're planning your move and want to know more about studying or working in Barcelona, get in touch with us or download our free Student Visa Guide — it’s full of checklists, detailed guides, and useful tips.

Good luck!