Spain Extends Job Seeker Visa to 12 Months in 2025: Eligibility & Application Guide

Spain has exciting news for skilled foreign professionals! Starting in 2025, the country will offer a Job Seeker Visa valid for 12 months. This visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while searching for a job or starting their own business. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility, and required documents.

Major Changes to the Job Seeker Visa

As of May 20, 2025, Spain has significantly increased the duration of its Job Seeker Visa from 90 days to a full 12 months. This change aims to attract talented workers from outside the European Union to address labor shortages in various sectors. Unlike Portugal’s job seeker visa, which lasts only 120 days, Spain’s new visa provides much greater flexibility for job seekers.

Overview: Spain Job Seeker Visa

The Spain Job Seeker Visa allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain for up to one year while they look for work. If you secure employment during this time, you can convert your visa into a work permit, enabling long-term residency and legal employment. This visa also welcomes those who want to start a business, enhancing Spain’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Hold a university degree from a Spanish institution
• Be a child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen
• Work in a high-demand profession in Spain

Financial Requirements

Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their 12-month job search. The minimum required funds are:

• €600 per month
• €7,200 for the entire year

This requirement ensures visa holders can sustain themselves without relying on public assistance.

Required Documents for the Application

To apply for Spain’s Job Seeker Visa, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Proof of education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a Spanish university)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain
• Proof of financial resources (bank statements showing €7,200)
• A clean criminal record certificate from Spain and previous countries of residence
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of legal stay or a valid study permit (or apply within 90 days after it expires)
• A motivation letter outlining your job search plans and career goals in Spain

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Job Seeker Visa:

• Check your eligibility based on your qualifications and profession.
• Gather all necessary documents, including health insurance and proof of funds.
• Apply through the Spanish immigration office or a Spanish consulate in your home country.
• Submit your application while your study visa is still valid or within 90 days of its expiration.
• Wait for approval and receive your 12-month visa to start your job search in Spain.
• Once you find a job, you can switch from the job seeker visa to a work visa and register with Spain’s Social Security and Tax Authorities.

Spain’s Immigration Reforms

This visa extension is part of broader reforms to Spain’s Immigration Regulations, also effective from May 20. The government aims to simplify the entry process for non-EU nationals, potentially helping up to 300,000 migrants regularize their status annually. These reforms highlight Spain’s commitment to attracting talent and promoting entrepreneurship in sectors facing labor shortages.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s extension of the Job Seeker Visa is a fantastic opportunity for skilled foreign nationals seeking new horizons in Europe. With a full year to search for employment or launch a business, Spain is rapidly becoming a prime destination for global talent. For job seekers, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates, now is the perfect time to pack your bags and your resume for an adventure in Spain!