Working Hours for Students in Spain: Spain is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class education, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle. However, many students seek part-time jobs to support their living expenses while studying in Spain.
Understanding the working hours for students in Spain is essential to ensure compliance with legal regulations and maintain a healthy work-study balance. This guide explains job options, work limits, financial aspects, and tips to manage both work and academics smoothly.
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Understanding Working Hours for Students in Spain
In Spain, international students with a student visa can work up to 30 hours per week without affecting their studies. Their employer must get a work permit, and the job should not last longer than their academic course. Students can work full-time only during holidays. For your reference, we have explained all the details below, including the rules, requirements, and other important information about working hours for students in Spain.
International students from non-European Union (EU) countries must have a student visa to study in Spain. This visa also allows them to work under specific conditions:
- Maximum Working Hours: As per recent updates, students can work up to 30 hours per week during their academic term. This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
- Work Permit Requirement: Non-EU students must obtain work authorization from Spanish authorities before starting a job. The work permit should align with their academic schedule and not interfere with their studies.
- Full-Time Work During Holidays: Students can work full-time during academic breaks, provided their employment does not exceed three months and remains within the visa validity.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers hiring international students in Spain must follow legal requirements, including obtaining a work permit, ensuring the job does not interfere with studies, and keeping the contract within the student’s academic program duration.
- Submit a work authorization request to the immigration office.
- Ensure that the job aligns with the student’s education and does not negatively impact their academic performance.
- Provide employment contracts that comply with Spanish labor laws, including minimum wage and social security contributions.
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Requirements to Work in Spain on a Student Visa
When searching for jobs in Spain, students must follow specific rules based on their visa type. EU/EEA students have different work conditions compared to non-EU/EEA students. Here are the key requirements for working in Spain on a student visa:
| Category | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU/EEA Students |
| Passport | Valid passport required. | Valid passport required. |
| Foreign Identity Number (NIE) | Must obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). | Must obtain an NIE within 30 days of arrival. |
| Spanish Social Security Registration | Required for employment. | Required for employment. |
| Work Visa | No work visa needed; student visa allows work. | Must apply for a work visa after securing a job offer. |
| Work Permit | No work permit required. | Employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the student. |
| Job Application | Can apply for jobs without employer sponsorship. | Must secure a job with a Spanish employer willing to sponsor them. |
| Working Hours | Can work under the conditions of their student visa. | Limited to 30 hours per week while studying. |
| Employer Sponsorship | Not required. | Required to obtain a work permit and visa. |
| Balancing Studies & Work | Must manage work alongside studies. | Must ensure work does not interfere with academic commitments. |
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How to Find a Student Job in Spain
Students in Spain can find part-time jobs through online portals like InfoJobs and StudentJob, university career centers, and networking with peers or local businesses. Social media groups also help in discovering job openings. While applying, students must be aware of the working hours for students in Spain to ensure they follow legal limits and balance their studies effectively.
How to Work in Spain as an EU Student
- If you’re an EU student, working in Spain is quite simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find a job in Spain.
- Get an NIE (Foreign Identity Number) – This allows you to open a bank account and pay taxes.
- Register with the Spanish Social Security system to work legally.
- Follow work hour limits – You can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
How to Work in Spain as a Non-EU Student
If you’re a non-EU student, the process is a bit longer, but still manageable:
- Find a job with a company in Spain.
- Your employer must apply for a work permit (Autorización de Trabajo) on your behalf.
- Once the work permit is approved, apply for a work visa.
- After your visa is approved, you can start working legally.
- Follow work hour limits – You can work up to 30 hours per week while studying.
Best Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students in Spain
Now that you know the working hours for students in Spain, it’s time to explore the various part-time job opportunities available. Spain offers a wide range of part-time job opportunities for students, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while earning extra income. Here is a list of part-time jobs that students can explore in Spain.
| Job Category | Job Type | Details | Pay Range |
| Teaching and Tutoring | Language Teaching | Private tutoring or working at language academies | EUR 12 – EUR 20 per hour |
| Academic Tutoring | Teaching subjects like math, science, or economics | Varies | |
| Hospitality and Retail | Waiters, Baristas, Receptionists | Flexible hours, decent pay, and tips | EUR 8 – EUR 12 per hour + tips |
| Sales Assistants, Cashiers | Jobs in supermarkets or retail stores | Varies | |
| Online and Freelance | Freelance Writing, Graphic Design, Digital Marketing | Work remotely on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr | Varies |
| Delivery Services | Jobs with Glovo, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo (subject to labor laws) | Varies |
Tips to Balance Work and Studies in Spain
Managing both work and studies can be challenging, but with proper planning, students can succeed in both areas. Here are some useful tips to maintain a healthy balance:
- Prioritize Your Schedule – Plan your study and work hours in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Use a planner or apps to stay organized.
- Choose Flexible Jobs – Look for part-time jobs with flexible hours, such as tutoring, freelancing, or weekend shifts, to ensure they fit around your classes.
- Follow Legal Work Limits – Stick to the allowed 30 hours per week during the academic term and full-time only during holidays to stay compliant with Spanish regulations.
- Communicate with Employers – Inform your employer about your academic commitments so they can offer work schedules that don’t clash with your studies.
- Use University Resources – Many universities in Spain offer job boards, career counseling, and internship programs to help students find suitable part-time jobs.
- Take Care of Your Health – Balancing work and studies can be tiring, so make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and take breaks to avoid burnout.
- Improve Time Management Skills – Set deadlines for assignments, break tasks into smaller steps, and avoid procrastination to stay on top of your studies.
- Stay Focused on Academics – While earning money is important, your main goal is education. Make sure your job does not negatively impact your academic performance.
Working while studying in Spain can be a rewarding experience, offering financial independence and professional growth. However, students must comply with legal regulations, prioritize their studies, and seek jobs that provide flexibility. By understanding the working hours for students in Spain, students can make informed decisions about employment and enjoy a fulfilling academic and work-life balance in Spain.
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FAQs
International students can work up to 30 hours per week during their academic term in Spain. This allows students to gain valuable work experience while prioritizing their studies. The limit on working hours for students in Spain ensures that their academic performance isn’t compromised by excessive work hours.
No, students cannot work full-time during their regular academic year. However, they can work full-time only during academic breaks or holidays. During this time, there are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work, but it must not exceed three months and should remain within the visa validity.
An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a Foreign Identity Number required for students to work and pay taxes in Spain.
Employers must apply for a work permit on behalf of non-EU students and ensure that the job aligns with the student’s academic program.
Yes, students can find part-time jobs in various sectors, including tutoring, hospitality, and online freelancing.
Yes, non-EU international students need a work permit to work in Spain. The employer is responsible for obtaining the work permit, which must be approved by the Spanish authorities before the student can start working.
If a student exceeds the permitted working hours for students in Spain, they may face serious legal consequences. This could include penalties such as fines, loss of their work permit, or even the revocation of their student visa. Students should always adhere to the set limits to avoid such risks.
Yes, students can work remotely for companies outside of Spain. This type of work allows students the flexibility to earn money without affecting their working hours for students in Spain. They must still stay within the 30-hour-per-week limit during their studies and follow the rules for remote work.
Students can apply for jobs through online job portals, university career centers, or by networking. It is crucial to select jobs that comply with the working hours for students in Spain, ensuring that employment does not interfere with their education.
In most cases, students don’t need special permission from their universities to work in Spain. However, it’s a good idea to let the university know if the job requires a lot of time. Students should always make sure they stick to the allowed working hours and that their job doesn’t affect their studies.
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