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- Spain allows international students to work up to 30 hours per week on a student visa, giving employers an opportunity to engage emerging global talent.
- HR and mobility teams can hire foreign students without applying for a separate work permit, as long as the job fits the student’s academic schedule and visa terms.
- This creates a strong talent pipeline for future skilled positions once students transition to full‑time employment after graduation.
- The regulation supports companies looking to diversify their workforce and fill skill gaps in tech, business, and engineering fields.
- Jobbatical’s platform simplifies compliance by helping employers verify eligibility and handle immigration transitions from student to full‑time residence permits.
Spain’s international student visa system now allows part‑time work of up to 30 hours per week, giving employers new opportunities to access skilled international talent already studying in the country. For HR and global mobility teams, this regulation simplifies how you can engage with potential future hires — even before graduation.
Why This Matters for Employers
Spain continues to attract international students from across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, many of whom are enrolled in STEM, business, and engineering programs. These students hold valid study permits that now include work authorization for up to 30 hours per week, provided the job aligns with their field of study or supports their professional development.
For employers, this means you can:
- Hire international students part‑time during their studies without a separate work permit.
- Build a long‑term recruitment pipeline for full‑time roles after graduation.
- Support diversity and global mobility goals while filling skill shortages in tech, finance, and innovation-driven sectors.
Key Conditions HR Should Know
To employ international students legally under Spain’s student visa framework, HR teams need to ensure:
- The work contract does not exceed 30 hours per week.
- The employment complements the student’s academic schedule.
- The authorization period does not extend beyond the validity of the study visa.
- The employer registers the contract with Spanish social security as per standard labor laws.
These conditions make compliance straightforward while offering flexibility for both sides.
A Strategic Talent Pipeline
Partnering with international student talent offers more than temporary coverage for junior roles or internships. It creates a pipeline for high‑potential employees who are already familiar with Spain’s work culture, your organization, and local compliance requirements. Once they graduate, these individuals can easily transition to full‑time work permits — either through the post‑study job search visa or the highly qualified professional residence permit (EU Blue Card).
This recruitment path minimizes onboarding time, reduces relocation barriers, and fosters retention among international hires.
How Jobbatical Can Help
Jobbatical’s immigration technology platform helps employers manage every step of the process — from verifying work eligibility under student visas to converting student employees to full‑time residence permits. Our platform ensures compliance with Spain’s mobility regulations while improving the experience for both HR teams and international talents.
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