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Job search visa

Complete guide to the Spain job seeker visa: 12 months to look for work, eligibility requirements, required documents, and how to convert it into a work permit. Updated 2026.

Ingresos mínimos €2,402/month (400% IPREM) for the duration of the stay
Duración inicial 12 months (non-renewable)
Tiempo resolución 20–45 business days
¿Permite trabajar? ✗ No
¿Con familia? ✗ No
Tasa 2026 Form 790 code 052: €38.28

📋 Does not permit employment — job searching only. Upon finding work, it must be converted to a residence and work authorization.

Proceso paso a paso

The application is submitted at the Spanish consulate. Once employment is found in Spain, the authorization must be converted to a residence and work permit.

1
Gather required documents
Prepare all required documents. Pay particular attention to demonstrating sufficient financial means for 12 months.
2
Schedule a consulate appointment
Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
3
Submit the application
Attend the consulate with your complete documentation. The application is processed through the UGE (Large Business and Strategic Sectors Unit).
4
Decision
The UGE issues a decision within 20 business days. Failure to respond within the deadline is deemed a positive administrative decision.
5
Enter Spain and begin your job search
Once the visa is granted, travel to Spain and begin your job search: interviews, networking, job fairs. Maximum period of 12 months.
6
Find employment and convert your authorization
Upon signing an employment contract, apply to convert your authorization to a residence and work permit for employed or self-employed activity.
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Errores que llevan a la denegación

⚠️ Beginning work before obtaining the conversion to a residence and work permit

Consecuencia: Serious violation that invalidates the visa

Solución: Do not engage in any work until the conversion is granted. This visa only permits job searching, not employment.

⚠️ Finding a job but failing to apply for the conversion before the visa expires

Consecuencia: Irregular immigration status upon expiry of the 12-month period

Solución: Apply for the conversion as soon as the employment contract is signed. Do not wait until the final months of the visa.

⚠️ Lacking the required academic qualifications or qualified professional experience

Consecuencia: Visa refusal

Solución: A university degree, vocational qualification, or a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable professional experience in the relevant field is required.

Fuentes oficiales

🔗 Ley 28/2022 (Ley de Startups) → 🔗 UGE - Unidad de Grandes Empresas → 🔗 SEPE - Ofertas de empleo → 🔗 Ministerio de Inclusión, SS y Migraciones → 🔗 Sede electrónica Policía Nacional - Cita TIE →

Última actualización: 2026-04-15

ℹ️ La información de esta web es orientativa y de carácter general. No constituye asesoramiento jurídico. Para tu caso concreto, consulta con un abogado especializado en extranjería o con la oficina oficial correspondiente. Emigra España nunca aconseja actuar fuera de la legalidad.