🇪🇸 Spain Job Seeker Visa Guide
Your complete guide to Spain's Job Seeker Visa for international graduates
What is the Job Seeker Visa?
Spain's Job Seeker Visa (also known as the Green Card for Job Seekers) is designed for international graduates who want to come to Spain to search for employment. Unlike traditional work visas, you don't need a job offer to apply - you just need to demonstrate financial means to support yourself during your job search period.
Perfect For:
- • Recent university graduates
- • Those wanting to explore Spanish job market
- • International students completing studies
- • Professionals seeking career change
Key Benefits:
- • 1-year residence permit for job searching
- • No job offer required to apply
- • Can work once you find employment
- • Family reunification rights
⏰ Job Seeker Visa Timeline
12-Month Window
You have 12 months to find employment. If you find a job during this period, you can convert your visa to a work permit.
Months 1-6
- • Apply to 20+ positions weekly
- • Attend networking events
- • Take language courses
- • Build professional network
Months 7-9
- • Attend job interviews
- • Negotiate job offers
- • Apply for work permits
- • Prepare for transition
Months 10-12
- • Secure permanent employment
- • Convert to work permit
- • Extend visa if needed
- • Plan departure if unsuccessful
Note: The visa can be extended once for an additional 6 months if you can demonstrate active job search efforts. However, you must leave Spain if you don't find employment within the total 18-month period.
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Academic & Personal Requirements
- ✓University DegreeBachelor's degree or higher from accredited institution
- ✓Financial Means€2,130 per month (€25,560 total for 12 months)
- ✓Health InsurancePrivate health insurance covering Spain
- ✓Clean Criminal RecordPolice clearance certificate
Documentation & Other Requirements
- ℹ️Valid PassportValid for at least 3 months beyond planned stay
- ℹ️Birth CertificateApostilled birth certificate
- ℹ️Medical CertificateCertificate of good health
- ℹ️Address in SpainProof of accommodation in Spain
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documentation:
- University degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of financial means (€25,560 for 12 months)
- Private health insurance certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth certificate and passport copy
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
Apply for Visa at Spanish Consulate
Submit application at Spanish consulate in your country:
- Schedule appointment at Spanish consulate
- Submit completed visa application form
- Pay visa fee (varies by nationality, typically €80-100)
- Attend visa interview if required
- Processing time: 1-3 months
Receive Visa & Enter Spain
Travel to Spain with your Job Seeker Visa:
- Enter Spain within visa validity period
- Register with local police (extranjería) within 30 days
- Apply for residence card (TIE) within 30 days
- Complete medical examination
- Register with social security system
Begin Job Search & Report Progress
Start your job search and maintain visa compliance:
- Register with local employment office
- Keep detailed records of job applications
- Report job search progress quarterly
- Maintain health insurance coverage
- Renew residence card as required
Find Employment & Convert Visa
Convert to work permit when you find employment:
- Secure job offer from Spanish employer
- Employer completes labor market test
- Apply for work permit conversion
- Receive new residence permit
- Begin permanent employment
🎯 Job Search Strategies in Spain
Effective Job Search Methods
- ✓Online Job Portals: InfoJobs, Indeed, LinkedIn are most popular
- ✓Networking: Attend industry events and join professional groups
- ✓Temporary Agencies: Use staffing agencies for contract positions
- ✓University Career Services: Leverage alumni networks and career centers
Target Cities & Industries
- 🏙️Madrid: Finance, consulting, technology, government
- 🏖️Barcelona: Tech, design, tourism, creative industries
- ☀️Valencia: Video games, biotech, sustainable energy
- 🌊Malaga: Fintech, tourism technology, remote work
🎯 What You Can Do on Job Seeker Visa
Job Search
Full-time job search and networking activities
Language Learning
Take Spanish courses to improve employability
Start Working
Work legally once you secure employment
Travel Freely
Travel within Schengen area
Family Reunification
Bring spouse and unmarried children
Long-term Stay
Path to permanent residency through employment
🏠 Path to Permanent Residency
Year 1
Job Seeker Visa
Years 2-3
Work permit
Year 5
Long-term residency
Year 10
Permanent residency
Key Milestones:
- • Find employment within 12-18 months
- • Work permit for 2-3 years
- • Apply for long-term residency after 5 years continuous work
- • Permanent residency after 10 years
- • Path to Spanish citizenship after residency
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Financial Proof: Must prove €2,130 monthly income for 12 months (€25,560 total)
- • Active Job Search: Keep detailed records of applications and maintain job search activity
- • Reporting Requirements: Report job search progress to authorities quarterly
- • Health Insurance: Must maintain private health insurance throughout stay
- • Extension: Visa can be extended once for 6 additional months if actively searching
- • Language: Spanish skills improve job prospects significantly
- • Competition: Madrid and Barcelona have high competition for graduate positions
- • Official Sources: Always check exteriores.gob.es and labor.gob.es for latest information