Gerard B.·August 29, 2025·9 min read
Spain Job Seeker Visa: How to Move to Spain Without a Job Offer and Find One
In May 2025, Spain updated its Immigration Regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024) to make it easier for certain non-EU nationals to live in Spain temporarily without a prior job offer. There are now two distinct legal pathways often referred to as the Job Seeker Visa or Job Seeker Authorization:
- A residence authorization (applied for within Spain) for non-EU students who finish an official higher education degree in Spain.
- A new consular job seeker visa (applied for abroad) for children/grandchildren of Spaniards of origin and for foreign professionals in high-demand occupations or regions selected under annual quotas.
Both options grant 12 months (non-renewable) to stay in Spain while searching for employment or developing a business idea. You can start working only when you convert into a work/residence permit.
Key Takeaways
- The job seeker permit has two separate pathways: A residence authorization for graduates of Spanish universities, and a consular visa for Spanish descendants or professionals in shortage occupations/regions.
- Duration: Both options grant a non-renewable stay of 12 months.
- Financial means: Graduates → 100% IPREM (~€7,200/year in 2025). Consular applicants → sufficient funds with the exact amount published annually in the BOE Ministerial Order. In practice, IPREM (€7,200) for Spanish descendents and 400% IPREM (€28,800/year) for other categories.
- Application place: Graduates apply from Spain at the Oficina de Extranjería. Spanish descendants & professionals apply from the Spanish consulate in their country of residence.
- No immediate work rights: You cannot work during the 12-month search period. You must switch to a residence/work permit to be allowed to work.
- After approval, you must register your address (]empadronamiento) and apply for a TIE (foreigner ID card) in Spain.
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1. What Is the Spain Job Seeker Visa & Residence Authorization?
Spain’s new immigration regulation Real Decreto 1155/2024↗ introduced a 12-month job search pathway for non-EU nationals to move and live in Spain without a job offer. There are two distinct legal routes:
- Job Seeker Residence Authorization (in Spain): For non-EU students who complete an official higher education degree in Spain (Grado, Máster oficial or Doctorado). They can apply within Spain to stay for up to 12 months to look for work or prepare to start a business.
- Job Seeker Visa (from abroad): A new consular visa, limited to children/grandchildren of Spaniards of origin and foreign professionals in shortage occupations/regions defined each year by the government. This allows entry and 12 months of residence to find employment.
In both cases, the permit is non-renewable and does not allow work. Once you find a suitable job, your employer must apply for a work/residence authorization.
2. Who Can Apply for the Job Seeker Pathways?
Spain created two different tracks to stay or move to Spain without a prior job offer. Both share common requirements with specific conditions.
✅ Common Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
- Clean criminal record for the past 5 years (apostilled + officially translated if issued abroad).
- Private health insurance valid in Spain for 12 months with no copayments or deductibles.
- Sufficient financial means to cover the 12-month stay (threshold depends on the track).
🎓 Graduates in Spain – Job Seeker Residence Authorization (DA 17ª, Ley 14/2013)
- Completed an official higher education degree in Spain (Grado, Máster oficial or Doctorado).
- Applying within 60 days before or 90 days after your student stay (estancia por estudios) expires.
- Financial means: At least 100% of IPREM (≈ €7,200 in 2025).
🌍 Applicants Abroad – Consular Job Seeker Visa (Art. 43, RD 1155/2024)
- Belong to one of these categories:
- Children or grandchildren of Spaniards by origin (labour-market test waived under LO 4/2000, Art. 40).
- Qualified professionals included in the annual quotas for shortage occupations or priority regions, as defined by a SEPE shortage list↗.
- Financial means: The amount is set in the annual Ministerial Order. In practice, between IPREM (~€7,200) for descendants and 400% IPREM (~€28,800/year) for others.
- Application must be filed through the Spanish consulate or its external provider in your country of residence.
3. What Documents and Costs Are Required?
The documents vary depending on the pathway:
For Graduates in Spain (Residence Authorization – EX-01)
| Document | Description | Translation & Apostille Required |
|---|---|---|
| EX-01 Application Form | Official form for residence authorizations↗ | ❌ No |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 1 year. | ❌ No |
| Official Spanish Degree (Grado, Máster, Doctorado) | Proof of graduation Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos-registered↗. | ❌ No (already official Spanish title) |
| Bank Statements / Proof of Funds | Showing ≥100% IPREM (€7,200/year). | ❌ No (if Spanish bank) ✅ Yes, if foreign |
| Private Health Insurance | Full coverage in Spain with no copays or deductibles. | ✅ Yes, if issued abroad |
| Criminal Record Certificate | For last 5 years, issued in home country, <90 days old. | ✅ Yes, if issued abroad |
| Medical Certificate | Must state absence of serious diseases per WHO 2005 regulations. | ✅ Yes |
| Proof of Accommodation | Rental contract, student housing or similar. | ❌ No |
For Consular Job Seeker Visa (National D Visa)
| Document | Description | Translation & Apostille Required |
|---|---|---|
| National Visa Application Form (Type D) | Consular visa form↗ | ❌ No |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 12 months. | ❌ No |
| Proof of Spanish Descent (if applicable) | Birth/marriage certificates proving parent/grandparent Spanish by origin. | ✅ Yes |
| Proof of Qualification/Experience (for high-demand professions) | Degrees, diplomas or certificates. | ✅ Yes if foreign |
| Proof of Funds | Sufficient financial means (as per annual Ministerial Order). | ❌/✅ depending on source of funds |
| Private Health Insurance | Full coverage in Spain with no copays or deductibles. | ✅ if issued abroad |
| Criminal Record Certificate | From countries of residence (past 5 years), <90 days old. | ✅ Yes |
| Medical Certificate | Health certificate per WHO 2005 standards. | ✅ Yes |
Costs:
- Visa application fee: typically €75–€150.
- Apostille + sworn translations: €200–€300.
Pro Tip
Always check the latest BOE Ministerial Order↗ and your local consulate’s website, as quotas, eligible professions, and documentation details can change each year.
4. How to Apply in 2025
The application procedure depends on your pathway:
For Graduates in Spain (Residence Authorization – EX-01)
- Timing: Apply within 60 days before or up to 90 days after your student stay (estancia por estudios) expires.
- Submit EX-01 application↗:, selecting "Titular de estancia por estudios superiores que cesa, para búsqueda de empleo (DA 17ª Ley 14/2013)" and file electronically via Mercurio platform↗ or at the Oficina de Extranjería↗ of your province.
- Attach documents: Degree certificate (official Spanish), proof of funds, health insurance, criminal record, medical certificate, accommodation.
- Pay fees: Modelo 790 código 052 (Autorización de residencia para estudiante para la búsqueda de empleo o para emprender un proyecto empresarial (DA 17ª L. 14/2013), Fee of €10.94).
- Wait for resolution: Decision within 20 working days. Your student stay remains valid during processing.
- Apply for the TIE card: If approved, book an appointment for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) within 1 month, follow the procedure here↗.
- Job search period: You can now legally reside in Spain for up to 12 months to find a job or start a business.
For Spanish Descendants & High-Demand Professions (Consular Job Seeker Visa)
- Check Ministerial Order: Review the latest SEPE shortage occupation list↗ and the annual Ministerial Order in the BOE↗ to see if your profile is eligible.
- Consular appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate (or BLS/VFS center) in your country of residence.
- Prepare documents: Submit passport, visa form (Type D)↗, proof of funds, insurance, criminal record certificate, and proof of eligibility (Spanish descent or high-demand occupation qualifications).
- Pay the visa fee: Typically €75–€150, depending on the consulate.
- Processing time: Normally 4–8 weeks, some consulates may require interviews.
- Enter Spain & register: Once the D visa is issued, travel to Spain and register your residence (empadronamiento)↗ and apply for your TIE card↗. The 12-month period starts on your date of entry.
5. What to Do After Arrival
Once in Spain:
- Register your address (empadronamiento): Do this at your local town hall within 30 days. Step-by-step guide here.
- Apply for your TIE card: Follow these steps↗ to book a cita previa and file EX-17 form with your visa/authorization approval, fingerprints and fee.
- Register with SEPE: Search jobs here↗ and access public employment offers.
- Start your job search: Use platforms like InfoJobs↗, Tecnoempleo↗, Jobandtalent↗, LinkedIn↗ or attend networking events.
🔄 Converting to a Work or Business Permit
- Once you secure a job, your employer files an initial residence & work authorization (Art. 73.2 RD 1155/2024). For job-seeker visa/authorization holders, the labour-market test is waived .
- If you launch a business, you may apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur (Startup Law – Ley 14/2013)↗.
- After approval, you must register with Social Security within 1 month and then you can legally begin working.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusing the consular Job Seeker Visa (abroad, quota-based) with the post-study Job Seeker Residence Authorization (inside Spain).
- Using travel insurance instead of full private health insurance.
- Providing bank statements with large last-minute deposits instead of consistent savings.
- Missing the application deadline (must apply before or within 90 days after student stay expiry for the graduate route).
- Assuming family can join immediately — dependents are not allowed on job seeker permits/visas.
- Ignoring the annual Ministerial Order that sets quotas and eligible occupations/regions.
7. Comparing Spain’s Job-Seeker and Work Visa Options (2025)
| Visa / Permit | Where to Apply | Who Can Apply | Job Offer Needed? | Duration | Financial Means | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Residence Authorization (DA 17 of Ley 14/2013) | In Spain (Oficina de Extranjería, via EX-01) | Non-EU graduates of Spanish universities (Grado, Máster, PhD) | ❌ No | 2 years (non-renewable) | 100% IPREM (~€7,200/year 2025) | ❌ No, until converted to work permit |
| Job Seeker Visa (Art. 43, RD 1155/2024) | Spanish consulate/BLS abroad | Spanish descendants (children/grandchildren) OR selected candidates for shortage occupations/regions | ❌ No | 12 months (non-renewable) | “Sufficient means” (set by annual Ministerial Order) | ❌ No, until converted to work permit |
| Standard Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena) | Spanish consulate abroad (employer applies first in Spain) | Non-EU with Spanish job offer | ✅ Yes | 1 year (renewable) | Salary from employment | ✅ After social security registration |
| Highly Qualified Professional Visa (Ley 14/2013) | Consulate or UGE-CE (fast-track) | Managers or specialists with high salary offers | ✅ Yes | Up to 3 years (renewable) | Salary thresholds (30–40k€+) | ✅ Immediately after approval |
| EU Blue Card | Consulate or UGE-CE | Non-EU with degree or 5 years experience + ≥1.0-1.6 avg. salary | ✅ Yes | 2 years or contract + 3months (renewable) | Salary from employment | ✅ Immediately upon approval |
| Non-Lucrative Visa↗ | Consulate/BLS abroad | Non-EU with sufficient passive income/savings | ❌ No | 1 year (renewable) | 400% IPREM (~€600/month or €28,800/year in 2025) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Entrepreneur Visa↗ | Consulate or UGE-CE | Entrepreneurs with innovative/startup project endorsed by ENISA/DGIPYME | ❌ No | Up to 3 years (renewable) | Proof of funds for business viability | ✅ Yes, self-employment allowed |
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Gerard B.
An expat who's done it, so you don't have to!
After spending years in Spain and thousands of euros on lawyers, tax advisors, and residency applications, only to realize that doing it yourself is often easier, cheaper, and just as effective. Gerard is an expat on a mission to help others avoid the same costly mistakes. By creating LiveLoveSpain, Gerard aims to share first-hand experiences, practical tips, and plenty of "Why didn't anyone tell me this?!" moments. Whether it's filing taxes, understanding visas, or just mastering the art of the sobremesa, he's here to help fellow expats integrate seamlessly without breaking the bank.