Spain to extend validity of job seeker visa from 3 months to 12

Updated: Nov 24th, 2024


Amid the increasing uncertainty of visas for Indians in countries including Canada, the US, and Australia, Spain has announced extending the validation of its job seeker visa from three months to one year under the revised Immigration Law.

As per reports, the move is likely to benefit both job seekers and Spain’s economy, providing foreign nationals more time to get employment and transition to legal residency.

Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz reportedly announced that the country will regularise 300,000 undocumented migrants each year through 2027. She stated, “This regulation unlocks previously closed opportunities using three key elements: education, employment, and family.”

What is a job seeker visa?

The job-seeking visa, or employment-seeking residence permit, is an authorisation based in Spain that would allow aspirants to access a job suitable to their field and level of studies or, to create a start-up once they have finished their official high-level studies, according to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 

This is a non-lucrative residence permit and after finding a job, it would be the company itself that processes the visa change from job-seeking visa to a worker visa.

The maximum duration of the permit is up to 24 months, starting from the expiry of the previous student permit.

Also read:

Germany opens doors for skilled Indians as Canada, US, Aus restrict visas

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