Converting a student visa to a work visa, also searched as changing a student visa to a work permit, cambio de estudiante a trabajo or student to work visa, means moving from a student stay in Spain to a residence and work authorisation. It is for people who studied, researched or trained in Spain and now want to stay and work there. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Convert Student Visa to Working Visa”.
The most common case is a graduate with a job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer normally files the application with the foreigners' office of the province where the person will work, with an employment contract and the graduate's documents. Some graduates of higher-level studies may also be able to look at a period to search for work or to start a business. Another option is self-employment, as described on the self-employed visa page. The rules for changing status have been revised in recent years, so older advice online can be out of date.
The application is made from inside Spain, so the person does not return to the home country. The timing is linked to the validity of the current student permit, so applications are best prepared before it expires. After approval, the worker registers with Social Security and requests the new residence card, as set out on the TIE card application page.
English-speaking registered lawyers can check which route fits the situation, review the contract against the requirements, prepare the file with the employer and follow it up. For the general rules on employment permits, see the work visa page. Fees and timing depend on the case and change over time.
For the employee route, yes. Other options exist for some graduates, such as a period to look for work or self-employment.
For employment, usually the employer, with the worker's documents.
The change is normally made from inside Spain.
Before the student permit expires. A lawyer can say which window applies to the case.
Yes. After approval the foreigner identity card is issued for the new status.
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