Spain has extended the validity of its job seeker visa from the previous three months to up to 12 months, granting professionals more time to search for jobs.
The decision became effective yesterday, on May 20, in a bid to attract more skilled workers from other countries and help the country to deal with labour shortage gaps, noticed in several industries, Schengen.News reports.
However, those interested in applying for Spain’s new 12-month search visa are required to follow some specific conditions in order to be qualified.
The rules for Spain’s job seeker visa differ from those of Portugal’s job seeker visa, which is valid for 120 days and can be extended for another 60 days.
Requirements for Benefiting From the New Visa
In order to be qualified for Spain’s new visa, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions, according to a report from Publico:
- Have studied at a Spanish university
- Be the son or grandson of a Spanish citizen
- Work in a qualified profession that is in demand in Spain
In addition, applicants are also required to prove they can cover their stay financially for 12 months. In this regard, the CEO of Aliança Global Group, Fábio Knauer, told Publico that they will need at least €600 per month, or €7,200 in a year.
From the moment that a person gets a formal job, the work search visa will be converted into a work visa, with all the obligations to the country’s Social Security and the Tax Authority.
The rules for the work search visa are a result of changes to Spain’s Foreigners Regulations. In addition to allowing people to search for work, this visa also benefits those who want to start a business in the country. In the case of Portuguese citizens, transit through Spain is free, without the need for a visa.
In similar cases, the requirements for obtaining a visa are the following:
- Undergraduate, master’s, or doctorate degree obtained from a Spanish institution
- Health insurance that is valid in Spain
- Declaration of financial resources
- Absence of criminal record in Spain and in previous countries of residence
- Application made while the study permit is still valid or within 90 days after it expires
New Changes to Immigration Regulations
The government of Spain introduced new changes to the Immigration Regulations on May 20, in a bid to make the process of entry and residence for migrants from non-EU countries easier.
The new changes aim to make the process more flexible and also regularise the stay of about 300,000 migrants each year.