Come along with us as we walk you through the official rules about student jobs in Spain, including the 30-hour work week, to help you understand your options for working while you study.
Are you thinking about working part-time to support your studies in Spain? This is a great way to earn money, practice your Spanish, and gain valuable international work experience. The good news is that for most long-term international students, it’s possible to work while you study.
However, there are important rules and regulations you need to follow based on your type of study. Understanding your working rights is a key part of your pre-departure strategy; see where it fits into your timeline in our practical guide to planning your Spanish language studies.
This guide will clearly explain the 30-hour limit, who needs special authorization, and where to start your job search.
(Last Updated: February 2026)
Key Takeaways
- Yes, non-EU students with a student visa can work, but the rules are different depending on your course type.
- You can work up to 30 hours per week, as long as the work does not interfere with your studies.
- Students in Higher Education (like university degrees or some university language courses) are automatically authorized to work.
- Students in most non-university Language Studies must apply for a separate work authorization after they find a job.
- Your ability to find a part-time job will be significantly higher if you have at least a conversational level of Spanish.
- Academic internships (prácticas) that are part of your study program have different regulations than a standard part-time job.
Does a Student Visa in Spain Allow You to Work?
The Spanish student visa allows non-EU students to work part-time, however there are varying regulations for different types of students.
This is one of the most common questions from international students, and the overall answer is yes, you can get a job in Spain while you are here for your studies, provided you follow the requirements and regulations that suit your category as a student.
Path 1: Automatic Authorization (Higher Education Studies)
Under current regulations, if you are enrolled in Higher Education Studies (such as a university degree or a language course offered by a higher education institution), your valid student visa automatically authorizes you to work up to 30 hours per week. Your work must still be compatible with your studies.
Path 2: Requires Separate Authorization (Most Language Schools)
If you are enrolled in Language Studies at a non-higher education institution (this includes most private language schools, even if they are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes), you must apply for a separate Work Authorization. This application is typically submitted by you or your employer after you have a job offer.
Summary on the Need for Work Authorization
| Type of Stay | Legal Classification | Can They Work Directly (Without Additional Authorization)? | Legal Basis |
| Higher Education Studies (Including language studies offered by higher education institutions) | Long-term stay for studies (Art. 52.1.a) | YES, automatically. | The authorization allows both self-employed and employed work, as long as it is compatible with the studies. |
| Language Studies (Non-higher education) or Training Activities (Art. 52.1.e) | Long-term stay for training activities | NO, an express authorization is required. | The corresponding work authorization (for employed or self-employed work) must be submitted. |
Provided that your employer follows all official procedures and that your studies always remain your primary reason for being in Spain, it is possible to work. It is important to stay up to date with government regulations, as they can be subject to change.
For a detailed explanation of the next steps you need to take, read our guide on how to work with a student visa in Spain.
How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Spain?
You can legally work up to 30 hours per week, as long as it does not interfere with your academic studies.
One of the most important rules to abide by is this 30-hour weekly limit. Your work contract cannot exceed this amount.
Another key condition is that the work must be compatible with your class schedule. For example, if you have classes every morning, you could work in the afternoons or on weekends. Your academic commitments must always come first.
Your right to work is tied directly to the type of permit you hold. If you haven’t applied yet, make sure you follow our step-by-step guide to the Spanish student visa to ensure your paperwork is in order.
Is it Easy to Get a Job in Spain for International Students?
Finding a job is possible, but it requires effort. Your success will depend heavily on your Spanish language level, the workplace you are applying for, and the city you live in.
It is important to have realistic expectations. While there are opportunities, the job market can be competitive.
- Can I get a job if I only speak English? It is challenging, but not impossible, especially in major tourist hubs like Barcelona or the Costa del Sol, or for roles like tutoring English. However, your options will be very limited. Having at least a conversational level of Spanish will dramatically increase your opportunities.
- Location Matters: It is generally easier to find part-time work in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where there are more jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
What Kind of Part-Time Jobs Can International Students Find?
The best way to get a job is by using online portals and networking, but your opportunities will depend heavily on your Spanish language level.
Some of the most popular student jobs that Go! Go! España team sees are in English teaching or Au Pair jobs. These are great options for native English speakers and are highly sought after by international students.
It is important to set realistic expectations for finding a job. Some other common student jobs in Spain include:
- Restaurant/café work
- Retail
- Hotel and tourism roles
- Tutoring (especially English)
- Delivery services
Strong Spanish language skills will significantly increase your job opportunities.
The Go! Go! España team recommends using well-known job platforms in Spain, including InfoJobs and Trabajos.com, to find employment opportunities.
For a full list of online portals, see our guide to the best websites for finding a job in Spain.
What About Internships (Prácticas)?
An academic internship that is part of a study program has different rules than a standard part-time job.
It’s important to understand the difference between a part-time job and an academic internship.
An internship is considered part of your education and is usually arranged through an agreement between your school and a company.
- Prácticas curriculares are part of your curriculum.
- Prácticas extracurriculares are not part of your curriculum.
Each may have different rules, so it’s important to check with your school. It is also worth noting that prácticas are usually unpaid opportunities.
FAQ About Finding Student Jobs in Spain
1. How much can international students earn in Spain?
You should expect to earn the Spanish minimum wage for part-time work, which in 2025 was 9.26 €/ hour. This is enough to supplement your budget but not to cover all of your living expenses.
2. What is considered a good salary in Spain for international students?
For part-time student work, a “good” salary is one that helps cover your monthly leisure and living expenses. A comfortable budget to set aside to cover living expenses in Spain would be approximately €700 to €1,100 per month.
3. Can international students work part-time in Spain?
Yes, the student visa serves as automatic authorization to work for Higher Education Studies (Including language studies offered by higher education institutions). Language Studies (Non-higher education) or Training Activities must submit an application for authorization to work. If approved, you can legally work up to 30 hours per week on a student visa, as long as it does not interfere with your studies.
4. Is it easy to get a job in Spain for international students?
It can be challenging and requires effort, especially without strong Spanish skills, but it is definitely possible, particularly in larger cities where there is a higher volume of opportunities and more English-speaking jobs.
5. What is the difference between a job and an internship (prácticas)?
An internship is an official part of a study program that is usually unpaid and has different rules than a standard paid part-time job which you would find independently.
Conclusion: Ready to Start Your Search?
Working part-time while you study in Spain is a fantastic way to earn money, practice your Spanish, and immerse yourself more deeply into the local culture. By understanding the rules and being proactive in your search, you can add a valuable professional experience to your study abroad adventure.
Let us handle the school and visa paperwork so you can focus on your studies and settling in.
Contact Go! Go! España for free support!
