The amendment made on September 4, 2018, by the Spanish government to Law 14/2013, also known as the Entrepreneurs Law, introduces important changes for foreign university students in Spain. It establishes a new residence permit, allowing them to reside in Spain once they have completed their studies to seek employment or pursue a business project.

This residence permit will have a maximum, non-renewable duration of 12 months and does not entail a work permit.

The purpose of this permit is to provide foreign students who have completed their studies in Spain with sufficient time to search for employment appropriate to their level of education or to launch a business project.

The amendment to support entrepreneurs and their internationalization aims to incorporate aspects of Directive 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, internships, volunteering, student exchange programs, or educational projects. The objective of this Directive is to improve the European Union’s position in the global competition to attract talent and promote the EU as a global center of excellence for studies and training by removing migration barriers and improving mobility and employment opportunities.

What are the requirements to qualify for this permit?

The regulations establish that the applicant must prove that they have obtained a degree with a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree, have sufficient financial resources, and have health insurance.

When can the application be submitted?

The application can be submitted within 60 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the study permit and within 90 calendar days after the date on which the aforementioned study permit would have expired.

Submitting the application will extend the validity of the study permit until the procedure is resolved.

What should the interested party do if, during the validity of the residence permit, they receive a job offer?

Once the residence permit holder has a firm job offer, they must apply for the corresponding residence and work permit, either among those provided for in Organic Law 4/2000 (general regime) or in Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneurs Law).

What is the status of the family members of the residence permit holder?

During the validity of the residence permit for job search, the holder may be accompanied by family members as long as they have already accompanied them during their study stay.