Can international students work and stay on after studying in Spain?

Spain's student visa and stay for studies usually permits limited part-time work alongside your programme, so you can gain some experience while you study.

Staying on after graduation is well supported: there is a dedicated route to remain in Spain to look for qualified work or start a business, which eases the transition from studying to working. Once you find a role, you would typically move onto a work route such as the Highly Qualified Professional permit, the EU Blue Card for qualified jobs, or the general-regime work permit; founders can look at the Entrepreneur route.

Time spent lawfully resident also counts toward long-term residence, normally available after five years. Because work allowances and the rules for switching routes can change, confirm the current details on the official Spanish portals — and ACME can help you plan the move from student to worker or founder.