Many British and non-EU citizens arrive in Torrevieja with a student visa to learn the language or take higher courses. However, upon completing their training, a large number of them wish to stay and work on the Costa Blanca indefinitely. Following recent legal reforms, the process to make this leap has become much more agile and accessible.
Therefore, we explain below how to change your student visa to work permit spain without needing to leave the country.
Goodbye to the obligation to wait three years
In the past, the law required foreign students to remain in Spain for a minimum of three years before applying for a work permit. Fortunately, that restriction no longer exists. Currently, you can request the modification of your visa as soon as you successfully finish your studies, provided you have a real job offer.
The two paths of modification: Employed or self-employed
Depending on your professional goals on the Costa Blanca, you can choose between two different legal paths:
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Modification to work for a company (Employed): You will need a work contract signed by an employer. The company must prove financial solvency and be up to date with the Tax Agency and Social Security.
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Modification to be self-employed: You must present a solid business plan. This project must prove that your economic activity will generate enough income to support you in the country.
Electronic submission to speed up deadlines
The Immigration Office processes these applications 100% digitally. Submitting a flawless file, with approved degrees and correct contracts, is vital to avoid delays that jeopardize your job offer. At Orihuela Solicitors, we manage your legal status change directly to guarantee a favorable and fast resolution.
