Job Discussion Forums

Alan Warner · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 11

Even now it's still possible to get work in Spain regardless of status BUT if you want to play it safe, get a Student Visa. You can live and work in Spain without being concerned about the (unlikely but possible) spot check.

I got one before I came back and was pleasantly surprised to find that the visa also allows me to work. There's a provision in the visa that allows you to work part-time or during fixed hours. I work 18 hours a week for a couple of academies and I've got a few hours teaching private classes. Enough to live on.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

This little loophole's been floated all year. Exactly how does one qualify for a student visa? Age limitations? Study requirements?

Alan Warner · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 11

I got mine because I am learning Spanish here.

I had to give personal documents (passport, birth certificate etc.) to the consulate along with a letter from the school where I'm studying Spanish and an application fee. I don't think there are age limitations because the person that recommended that I get one (who got one a few months before I did) is in her late 50's.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sounds like a legit loophole!
How many hours/week are you required to actually be studying? How do they ascertain that you are a student?

Alan Warner · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 11

I don't know if there's a minimum number of hours. When I applied I didn't get asked. I suppose they check everything like that after applying for the visa and before issuing it to make sure everything is OK. I had to register when I got here and then go to immigration to present all my paperwork after which I got my student NIE card.

sarahjoy · Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Arizona, USA

Alan--So you are taking classes learning Spanish as well as teaching? What school are you attending and how much is it? I didnt know you could work on a student visa...!

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

one needn't pay for classes. many neighborhood social centres offer them for free, targeting immigrant communities.

outofseoul · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Spain

I have a student visa for Spain as well so I can add a bit of information to what is already here.

There is a minimum number of hours you have to study to be elligible. I believe it is 18hours a week. While having a student visa you are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. You have to pay for your course in advance of getting the student visa. The student visa will only be issued for the duration of your courses. However, if you wish to renew your student visa a second year, you only have to be registered in 8 hours of class per week. You also have to have attended and passed all the courses of your first year.

Teaching English on a student visa can be tricky. For me, coordinating my teaching and studying schedules has been hard. You should look into your Spanish school's class schedule to see how compatible it would be with a teaching schedule.

As well, student visas don't really open up more legitimate job oppourtunities. There is still a lot of paperwork involved in hiring someone on a student visa and most schools can't be bothered with it.

Read more here:
http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/student_visas_for_spain/

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Brilliant post, outofseoul. Thanks for the concrete details.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Bumping the thread up for new poster.

Maria Kirby · Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 56

Well bumped.

Non-EU's should know about the student visa.

I didn't have any problem getting my employer to do the necessary paper-work. It probably works on a school by school basis some will and some won't. As long as there as those that will, it works out fine.

outofseoul · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Spain

Maria Kirby, have you got any recommendations on schools that will hire teachers with a student visa? Or perhaps ways to make it easier for schools to legally hire teachers on a student visa? What procedures did your school take on your behalf in order to legally employ you? Had you worked for the school beforehand? Any useful tips?

outofseoul · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Spain

Here is another little bit of concrete info that may be of use to someone.

Although on a a student visa, with permission to work, 'you' still need to solicit a work permit. You cannot do this yourself. A company must offer you a contract and apply for the work permit on your behalf. This process takes 3 months minimum. You cannot legally work until this is completed.

artichokeheart · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Do you know of any particular Spanish language schools that are legitimate and have a good reputation? I honestly don't know where exactly to look first - at least for decent-sounding locations. City isn't too important.