Living in Spain

Sheet 58 - Modifications from residence permits for higher education, secondary education, training activities or specialized health training

* The content of this page is for guidance only. Only the provisions of the regulations in force at the time of submission of the application are applicable. 

Last Updated: April 2026

Index of contents

  • A authorization of residence and work for someone else
  • A residence permit and self-employment
  • A residence permit with the exception of work
  • A autorización de residencia por reagrupación familiar a favor de familiares en situación de autorización estancia larga duración como familiar de estudiante
  • A residence authorization for job search or to undertake business project in accordance with Law 14/2013

 

A RESIDENCE AND EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR AN EMPLOYED PERSON

Type of authorisation

It is an authorization of temporary residence and employment for others that may be obtained by the foreign person who is in Spain in a situation of stay for higher studies, secondary education, training activities or specialized health training.

Basic regulations

  • Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (articles 36 and 38).
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (Article 190.2)

Requirements

  • Have obtained the qualification or certificate corresponding to the studies or training carried out.
  • The foreign student does not have to have been scholarship or subsidized by public or private agencies within Spanish or country of origin programmes of cooperation for sustainable development or humanitarian action.
  • It is not found, where appropriate, within the commitment period of no return to Spain that the foreign person has assumed when voluntarily returning to their country of origin.
  • Lack of criminal record in Spain and in the countries where he has resided for the last five years, for crimes existing in the Spanish legislation.
  • Not to appear as rejectable in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this regard.
  • Not to be found, where appropriate, within the commitment period of no return to Spain that the foreign person has assumed when voluntarily returning to their country of origin.
  • Do not pose a threat to public order, safety or public health.
  • Submit a contract signed by the employer and worker that guarantees the worker a continuous activity during the period of validity of the authorization to reside and work. The date must be conditional on the moment of effectiveness of the authorization of residence and employment for others.
  • The conditions set in the employment contract must be adjusted to those established by the current regulations. If the contract is part-time, the remuneration must be equal to or greater than the minimum interprofessional salary for a full day and in annual computation.
  • The employer must be registered in the Social Security system and be aware of the fulfillment of their tax and social security obligations.
  • The employer must have sufficient financial, material or personal means for his business project and to meet the obligations assumed in the contract against the worker.

If the employer is a natural person, he must prove, once the payment of the agreed salary has been deducted, 50% of the SMI if there are no dependants.

If the family unit includes two members, 100% of the SMI. If the family unit includes more than two people, 25% of the SMI for each additional member must be added to the previous amount.

  • Possess the training and, where appropriate, the professional qualification legally required for the exercise of the profession, where appropriate duly approved.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

In any case, it will be the employer who will assume the payment of the fee.

 

Exigible documentation

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application.

  • Application form in official model (EX-26), duly completed and signed by the holder of the authorization for studies or, where appropriate, by the employer.

          Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Full copy of the passport or travel document in force or, where applicable, the alien’s valid registration card.
  • Certification accrediting to have passed the studies or the training carried out.
  • Certification by the competent authority of the country of origin that the foreign person has not been awarded or subsidised by public or private bodies within programmes of cooperation for sustainable development or humanitarian action or, proving the impossibility of obtaining it, responsible declaration.
  • A copy of the documentation that proves that it has the training and, where appropriate, the professional qualification legally required for the exercise of the profession, where appropriate duly approved.
  • Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country or countries in which you have resided during the last five years prior to your entry into Spain.
  • Documentation that identifies the company:
    • If it is an individual entrepreneur: copy of the NIF or NIE, or consent to check identity data through the Identity and Residence Data Verification System.
    • If it is a legal person (S.A., SL, Cooperative, etc. ):
      • Copy of the company’s NIF and copy of the deed of incorporation duly registered in the corresponding Registry.
      • Copy of the public document that proves that the signatory of the authorization request holds the legal representation of the company.
      • Copy of the NIF or NIE or consent to verify identity data through the Identity and Residence Data Verification System of the signatory of the application.
  • Signed employment contract.
  • Accreditation that the company can guarantee economic solvency, material or personal, through: copy of the IRPF declaration, or VAT, or Corporation Tax or Company Working Life Report (VILE), referred to the last three years. Likewise, a descriptive memory of the occupation to be carried out must be provided.

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.

On the other hand, any foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document has been issued or, where appropriate, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation except in the case where the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.

Information on translation and legalization of documents.

 

Procedure

  • Subject entitled to submit the application: the holder of the authorization for studies or, where appropriate, the employer.

         Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

                   Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public.

  • Corresponding fee: will accrue at the time of admission to processing the application, and must be paid within ten working days:
    • Model 790 code 052, heading 2.5 “modification of the situations of foreign persons in Spain”.

    • Model 790 code 062, heading 3.2.1 “work authorization for initial authorization of temporary residence of work for employed persons”.

The form for the subscription can be downloaded from this page.

  • Deadline for the resolution of the application: three months from the day following the date on which it entered the register of the competent body for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having made the notification, it may be understood that the application has been dismissed by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution, it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified).
  • The effectiveness of the authorization of residence and work will be conditioned on the discharge of the worker in the corresponding Social Security regime.
  • Within one month of the worker registering for Social Security, he/she must personally request the identity card of a foreigner at the competent Police Station or police services of his/her place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

          https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34

  • The authorization will be valid for one year.

 

A RESIDENCE PERMIT AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Type of authorisation

It is an authorization of temporary residence and self-employment that may be obtained by the foreign person who is in Spain in a situation of stay for higher studies, secondary education, training activities or specialized health training.

Basic regulations

  • Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (articles 36 and 37).
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (article 190.3).

Requirements

  • Have obtained the qualification or certificate corresponding to the studies or training carried out.
  • The foreign student does not have to have been scholarship or subsidized by public or private agencies within Spanish or country of origin programmes of cooperation for sustainable development or humanitarian action.
  • Not to be found, where appropriate, within the commitment period of no return to Spain that the foreign person has assumed when voluntarily returning to their country of origin.
  • Do not pose a threat to public order, safety or public health.
  • Comply with the requirements that current legislation requires nationals for the opening and operation of the planned activity.
  • Have the professional qualification required or accredited experience, sufficient in the exercise of the professional activity, as well as, where appropriate, the tuition when required.
  • Be able to demonstrate that the planned investment is sufficient and the impact, where appropriate, on job creation, including as such self-employment.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

 

Exigible documentation

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application.

          Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Copy of the full passport or travel title, or, where applicable, valid registration card.
  • Certification accrediting to have passed the studies or the training carried out.
  • Certification by the competent authority of the country of origin that the foreign person has not been awarded or subsidised by public or private bodies within programmes of cooperation for sustainable development or humanitarian action or, proving the impossibility of obtaining it, responsible declaration.
  • Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country or countries in which you have resided during the last five years prior to your entry into Spain.
  • In retail commercial activities and provision of the services listed in the Annex to Law 12/2012, of 26 December, which are carried out in permanent establishments, whose useful surface area is equal to or less than 750 square meters, responsible declaration or prior communication (in the terms provided in article 69 of Law 39/2015, of 1 October) and, where appropriate, proof of payment of the corresponding tax.

             In the other activities and benefits of professional services, list of authorizations or licenses required for the installation, opening or operation of the planned activity or for the professional exercise, indicating the situation in which the procedures for its achievement are found, including, where appropriate, the application certifications before the corresponding bodies.

  • Copy of the documentation accrediting the training and, where appropriate, the professional qualification legally required for the exercise of the profession, as well as the homologation and/or recognition, and where appropriate collegiation, for the exercise of the profession in the case of regulated professions in Spain.
  • Copy of the documentation that proves the sufficiency of the investment foreseen for the implementation of the project and on the incidence, where appropriate, in the creation of employment, including as such self-employment.

By way of example and regardless of their justification by other means admissible in law, the last two paragraphs can be accredited by the valuation report issued by one of the following organizations:

  • National Federation of Employers' and Self-Employed Workers' Associations (ATA).
  • Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers (UPTA).
  • Intersectoral Confederation of Spanish Self-Employed Persons (CIAE).
  • Organization of Professionals and Self-Employed Persons (OPA).
  • Union of Associations of Self-Employed Workers and Entrepreneurs (UATAE).

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.

On the other hand, any foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document has been issued or, where appropriate, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation except in the case where the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.

Information on translation and legalization of documents.

 

Procedure

  • Subject legitimated to submit the application: the foreign person, personally.

          Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Place of presentation:
  • In person, in the Immigration Office corresponding to the province in which the foreign person has established or is going to establish his/her effective residence.

                   Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public.

  • Corresponding fee: will accrue at the time of admission to processing the application, and must be paid within ten working days:
    • Model 790 code 052, heading 2.5 “modification of the situations of foreign persons in Spain”.

    • Model 790 code 062, heading 3.2.1 “work authorization for initial authorization of temporary residence of work for employed persons”.

The form for the subscription can be downloaded from this page.

  • Deadline for the resolution of the application: three months from the day following the date on which it entered the register of the competent body for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having made the notification, it may be understood that the application has been dismissed by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution, it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified).
  • The effectiveness of the authorization of residence and work will be conditioned on the discharge of the worker in the corresponding Social Security regime.
  • Within one month of the entry into force of the authorization, the holder must personally request the identity card of a foreigner at the competent Police Station or police services of his place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

                   https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34

  • The authorization granted will have a duration of one year.

 

A RESIDENCE PERMIT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WORK

 

Type of authorisation

It is an authorization of temporary residence with the exception of the work authorization that may be obtained by the foreign person who is in Spain in a situation of stay for higher studies, secondary education, training activities or specialized health training.

 

Basic regulations

  • Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration.
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (Article 190.4)

 

Requirements

  • Have obtained the qualification or certificate corresponding to the studies or training carried out.
  • The foreign student does not have to have been scholarship or subsidized by public or private agencies within Spanish or country of origin programmes of cooperation for sustainable development or humanitarian action.
  • Not to be found, where appropriate, within the commitment period of no return to Spain that the foreign person has assumed when voluntarily returning to their country of origin.
  • Do not pose a threat to public order, safety or public health.
  • Certify that it is in any of the cases of exception of the work authorization.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

 

Exigible documentation

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application.

             Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Full copy of the passport, travel certificate or registration card.
  • Certification accrediting to have passed the studies or the training carried out.
  • Documentation accrediting the case of exception to the work authorization.

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.

On the other hand, any foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document has been issued or, where appropriate, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation except in the case where the document has been apostillado by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.

Information on translation and legalization of documents.

 

Procedure

  • Subject legitimated to submit the application: the foreign person personally.

             Information sheet on legitimated subjects

                   Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public.

  • Corresponding fee: will accrue at the time of admission to processing the application, and must be paid within ten working days:
  • Model 790 code 052, heading 2.5 “modification of the situations of foreign persons in Spain”.

The form for the subscription can be downloaded from this page.

  • Deadline for the resolution of the application: two months from the day following the date on which it entered the register of the competent body for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having made the notification, it may be understood that the application has been dismissed by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution, it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or if you are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified).
  • Within one month of the entry into force of the authorization, the holder must personally request the identity card of a foreigner at the competent Police Station or police services of his place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

          https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34

  • The authorization granted will have a duration of one year.

Excepted activities and their accreditation

  • Technicians, researchers and scientists, invited or hired by the State, the Autonomous Communities, universities, local bodies or bodies whose purpose is the promotion and development of research promoted or participated by the majority of the previous ones.
  • Directed to: foreign persons who by their knowledge, specialization, experience or scientific practices are invited or hired by one of the cited Administrations for the development of a technical, scientific or general interest activity or program.
  • It is accredited: by presenting an invitation or work contract signed by the person who has attributed the competence or the corresponding legal representation of the body, where the description of the project and the required professional profile are recorded.
  • Professors, technicians, researchers and scientists invited or hired by a Spanish university.
  • Directed to:Foreign teachers who are invited or hired by a Spanish university to carry out teaching, research or academic tasks.
  • It is accredited: presenting the invitation or work contract for the exercise of the aforementioned activities, signed by the person who has attributed the legal representation of the Spanish university.
  • Managerial, teaching or research personnel of cultural institutions or teachers dependent on other States or private individuals of recognized prestige, officially recognized by Spain, who develop in our country cultural and teaching programs of their respective countries, as long as they limit their activity to the execution of such programs. The studies, programs, degrees or diplomas issued must be valid and recognized by the countries on which they depend.
  • It is accredited: presenting the documentation that justifies the validity in the country of origin of the degrees or diplomas issued in Spain, of the employment contract, or designation for the exercise of activities of the activities. And, in the case of private entities, also of the documentation that justifies their official recognition in Spain.
  • Civil or military officials of foreign state administrations in activities under cooperation agreements with a Spanish Administration.
  • It is accredited: with the presentation of the certificate issued by the competent foreign state administration and the justification of such aspects.
  • Foreign media correspondents who carry out their information activity in Spain, duly accredited by the Spanish authorities, as correspondents or as special envoys.
  • It is accredited: with the presentation of the accreditation issued by the Spanish authorities.
  • Members of international scientific missions in work and research authorized by the competent state or regional administration.
  • It is accredited: with the presentation of the authorization of the State or regional administration competent to carry out the work or research and the documentation accrediting to be part of the international scientific mission.
  • Ministers religious ministers and members of the hierarchy of the different churches, denominations and religious communities, as well as religious professions of religious orders. These requirements must be met:

1st. That they belong to a church, confession, community or religious order that is registered in the Register of Religious Entities of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts.

2nd. That they have, effectively and currently, the status of minister of worship, member of the hierarchy or religious professed to meet the requirements established in their statutory norms.

3rd. That the activities they are going to carry out in Spain are strictly religious or, in the case of professed religious, are merely contemplative or respond to the statutory purposes of the order; labor activities that are not carried out in this field are expressly excluded

4th. The entity to which they depend undertakes to bear the expenses caused by their maintenance and accommodation, as well as to comply with the requirements required in accordance with the regulations on Social Security.

  • It is accredited: the provisions of paragraph 1, by certificate of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts; those expressed in paragraphs 2 to 4 will be accredited by certificate of the religious entity, with the agreement of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, and the presentation of a copy of the Statutes of the order.
  • Seminarians and persons in preparation for religious ministry, as well as persons associated with a religious order in which they have not yet professed, are expressly excluded from this article.
  • Foreign persons who are part of the representative bodies, government and administration of internationally recognized trade unions and business organizations, if their activity is limited to the exercise of such functions.
  • It is accredited: by certificate issued by the union or business organization.
  • Foreign persons who have a valid work permit in a Member State of the European Union and are displaced to Spain in the framework of a transnational service provision, in the terms defined by Law 45/1999, of 29 November, on the movement of workers in the framework of a transnational service provision.
  • It is accredited: through the communication of the displacement by the employer that displaces the workers, before its beginning and regardless of its duration, to the competent Spanish labor authority due to the territory where the services are to be provided.

 

A AUTORIZACIÓN DE RESIDENCIA POR REAGRUPACIÓN FAMILIAR A FAVOR DE FAMILIARES EN SITUACIÓN DE AUTORIZACIÓN DE ESTANCIA DE LARGA DURACIÓN COMO FAMILIAR DE ESTUDIANTE

Type of authorisation

It is an authorization of temporary residence by family reunification that the foreign person may apply for in favour of the relatives in a situation of stay, in accordance with Article 56 of the Regulations, who are living with it at the time of the application, provided that financial sufficiency and availability of adequate housing are proven.

Basic regulations

  • Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration.
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (articles 56 and 190.5)

Requirements

  • Have obtained the qualification or certificate corresponding to the studies or training carried out.
  • In the case of any of the family members listed in Article 56 of the Regulation:

     

    • Spouse, registered partner or duly proven stable partner of the holder of the authorization of long-term stay for studies. A stable couple means a couple that proves the existence of a lasting bond. In any case, the existence of this link will be understood if a marital coexistence time of at least one continuous year is accredited, unless they have common offspring, in which case the duly proven stable coexistence accreditation will suffice.
    • Minor children not married, or who have not constituted their own family unit, of the holder of the authorization of long-term stay for studies or of their spouse, registered partner or stable partner.
    • Adult children who are not married, or who have not constituted their own family unit, of the holder of the authorization of long-term stay for studies or of their spouse, registered partner or stable partner who have specific and personalized support needs due to disability or illness.
  • That the family member is holder of a long-term stay authorization for studies in force in accordance with the provisions of Article 52.1(a) of the Regulations.
  • That the relatives coexist at the time of the application with the foreign person who requests the residence authorization in their favor.
  • That the family or kinship bond is accredited.
  • In the event that the relative is over the age of criminal and the stay exceeds six months, that he/she has no criminal record in Spain and in the countries where he/she has resided during the five years prior to the submission of the application for crimes provided for in the Spanish legislation.
  • That the family member does not pose a threat to public order, public safety or public health.
  • That they are not found irregularly in Spanish territory.
  • That the family unit of coexistence has sufficient economic means for the maintenance of the family unit.
  • To have an adequate housing.
  • Have a health insurance.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

 

Exigible documentation

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application.

Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Full copy of the passport in force or travel title.
  • Certification accrediting to have passed the studies or the training carried out.
  • Copy of the documentation accrediting the family or kinship ties.
  • Documentation accrediting the availability of medical insurance.
  • Documentation accrediting the economic means of the family member or resident.
  • Documentation that proves the availability of an adequate housing.

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.

On the other hand, any foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document has been issued or, where appropriate, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation except in the case where the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.

Information on translation and legalization of documents.

Procedure

  • Sujeto legitimado para presentar la solicitud: la persona estudiante extranjera, personalmente o a través de representante.

Information sheet of legitimated subjects.

Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public.

  • Corresponding fee: it will accrue at the time of admission to the processing of the application, and must be paid within ten working days:
    • Model 790 code 052, heading 2.5 “modification of the situations of foreign persons in Spain”.

The form for the subscription can be downloaded from this page.

  • Deadline for the resolution of the application: three months from the day following the date on which it entered the register of the competent body for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having made the notification, it may be understood that the application has been dismissed by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution, it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or if you are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified).
  • This authorization may be requested in the two months prior to or three months after the expiration of the authorization to stay for studies or training activities or to obtain the degree or certificate corresponding to the studies or training carried out. The submission of the application within that time limit shall extend the validity of the previous authorisation until the notification of the termination of the procedure.
  • Within one month of the entry into force of the authorization, the holder must request the identity card of a foreigner, personally, at the Police Station or competent police services of his place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34

  • The effectiveness of the residence permit granted to family members shall be conditional on that of the principal permit and its validity shall be linked to that of the principal permit.

 

A RESIDENCE AUTHORIZATION FOR JOB SEARCH OR TO UNDERTAKE BUSINESS PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW 14/2013

Type of authorisation

It is a residence authorization that may be obtained by the foreign person who has completed the studies in a higher education institution or institution, reaching at least Level 6 according to the European Qualifications Framework, corresponding to the degree accreditation, for a maximum non-extendable period of twenty-four months in order to seek suitable employment in relation to the level of the completed studies or to undertake a business project.

During the validity of the residence authorization for the search for employment or to undertake a business project, you are not authorized to work.

 

Basic regulations

  • Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, internships, volunteering, pupil exchange programmes or educational projects and au pair placement.
  • Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration.
  • Organic Law 2/2023, of March 22 of the University System.
  • Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization (seventeenth additional provision).
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (article 190.10).
  • Instruction DGM 1/2018, on the transposition into the Spanish legal system of Directive 2016/801/EU: Authorization of residence to the student for the search of employment or to undertake a business project.

Requirements

  • Do not pose a threat to public order, safety or public health.
  • Lack of criminal record in Spain and in the countries where he has resided for the last five years, for crimes existing in the Spanish legislation.
  • Be the holder of a long-term stay authorization for studies.
  • Have completed studies and have reached at least Level 6, according to the European Qualifications Framework, corresponding to the university degree accreditation.
  • Not to suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health consequences in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations of 2005.
  • Have a public or private health insurance arranged with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.
  • Have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of residence.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

 

Exigible documentation

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application.

Information sheet on legitimated subjects.

  • Responsible declaration detailing the means by which it certifies the sufficiency of economic resources.
  • Documentation certifying that you have finished your studies, having obtained at least the university degree.
  • Copy of the passport in force or travel title, recognized as valid in Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
  • Documentation accrediting the availability of medical insurance.
  • If the authorization of stay for studies was for a duration of less than six months:
    • Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin or the country in which you have resided for the last five years.

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.

On the other hand, any non-Community foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document was issued or, as the case may be, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, except in the case where the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.

Information on translation and legalization of documents.

 

Procedure

  • Subject legitimated to submit the application: the foreign student person.

Information sheet of legitimated subjects.

Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public.

  • Deadline for submitting the application: during the sixty calendar days prior to the expiration date of the validity of your authorization of stay for studies and during the ninety calendar days after the date on which the validity of said authorization of stay has ended, without prejudice to the possible initiation of the corresponding sanctioning procedure.
  • Corresponding fee: it will accrue at the time of admission to the processing of the application, and must be paid within ten working days:
    • Model 790 code 052, heading 2.5 “modification of the situations of foreign persons in Spain”.

The form for the subscription can be downloaded from this page.

  • Deadline for the resolution of the request:  twenty days from the day following the date of submissionn.Transcurrido of the said deadline without the Administration having made the notification, it can be understood that the request has been estimated by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution, it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or if you are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified).
  • The alien must personally request the alien identity card within one month from notification to the competent police station or police services of his/her place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34