It allows someone who has been in Spain on a student stay to move to a residence and work authorisation, as an employee or self-employed person, without having to go back to their country for a visa.
There is also the option of applying for an authorisation to stay in order to look for work or to start a project after completing higher education.
- People who have been in Spain on a student stay and have completed (or are completing) their studies or training successfully.
- Having completed the studies or research and proving it with the degree or the institution's certificate.
- For employment: an employment contract in line with your degree or training, pay according to the collective agreement, and a solvent employer up to date with its obligations.
- For self-employment: an activity plan, investment and the requirements of the activity.
- No criminal record and no entry ban.
Official form EX-03 (employment) or EX-07 (self-employment), completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity. Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 052It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 062It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Student TIE or proof of the stayEvidence of your student stay status. Degree, certificate or proof that you completed your studiesIssued by the institution, stating the hours and your results. Employment contract and employer documents if applicable For a change to employment: signed contract, articles of incorporation, certificates of being up to date with the tax office and social security.Activity plan and investment if applicable For a change to self-employment.
Application for a temporary residence and work authorisation as an employee
Application for a temporary residence and work authorisation as a self-employed person
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 052 | Temporary residence authorisation | The applicant | Generate fee form |
| 790 código 062 | Work authorisation | The employer (employment) or the applicant (self-employment) | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Immigration Office of the province
Online filing through Mercurio is preferred.
- File the application while your student stay is still valid (or within the 90 calendar days after it expires, with a possible penalty).
- Decision: 3 months.
- TIE: 1 month from notification of the decision.
The current Regulation has simplified the move from studies to work: check whether a prior period of stay is still required in your case and whether the national employment situation affects you.
If you have finished your studies and do not yet have a contract, consider the job-seeking stay authorisation before your student stay expires.