Madrid, Spain – Spain is introducing a series of progressive reforms aimed at making it easier for international students to work while pursuing their studies, as part of a broader effort to modernize its migration strategy and address labor market needs.

Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz, confirmed that the new changes—set to take effect this month—will significantly ease the bureaucratic and legal hurdles that previously limited foreign students' ability to combine work and study. Speaking to el Desconcierto, Saiz emphasized that these reforms are designed to align Spain’s migration policies with the realities of today’s labor market and educational landscape.

“The objective is to eliminate obstacles that prevent international students from studying and working simultaneously in Spain,” Saiz said, as reported by Schengen.News. She explained that the updated regulations will extend study permits for the full duration of academic programs, thus removing the risk of sudden irregularities in legal status that can currently occur mid-study.

Students Can Work Up to 30 Hours Weekly, Including Non-Study Sectors

A key component of the reform is the allowance for foreign students to work up to 30 hours per week, even in sectors unrelated to their academic fields. This represents a major shift from the existing framework, where work permits were limited in scope and often tightly linked to a student’s course of study. The minister also announced the launch of a new “fast-track” system that will allow students to transition seamlessly into the Spanish labor market upon graduation, without having to return to their home country and reapply for entry.

“Studying and working will be fully compatible under the new rules,” Saiz said. “We want to create pathways for young people who come to Spain to study and wish to build their future here, contributing to our economy and society.”

Migration as a Strategic Economic Asset

Beyond the reforms targeting students, Saiz highlighted Spain’s broader approach to migration, describing it as a vital driver of economic growth and resilience. “Spain is a beacon of light in the face of rising reactionary waves that stigmatize migration,” she stated, adding that the country’s inclusive migration model is rooted in both human rights and economic pragmatism.

According to the minister, there are currently over three million international residents in Spain who are not registered with the Social Security system but are active in the labor market. These individuals account for one in every four jobs, and their contributions span multiple sectors. In addition, approximately 500,000 self-employed foreigners are operating in Spain, increasingly concentrated in industries offering high added value.

Labor and Employment Trends Support Reform Agenda

The reforms are being introduced at a time when Spain's labor market is showing steady improvement. Recent data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy revealed that the number of registered unemployed people in Spain fell by 146,738 individuals in 2024—a decrease of 5.42% compared to the start of the year.

In December alone, unemployment dropped by 25,300 people, bringing the total number of job seekers down to 2,560,718. Meanwhile, the number of individuals registered with Spain’s Social Security system rose by 42,700 in the same month, with the total number of active workers reaching 21,344,487.

These figures underscore the growing demand for labor across a variety of sectors, particularly as Spain positions itself for continued economic expansion. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo recently noted that Spain is expected to remain the "engine of European growth" in both 2025 and 2026, reinforcing the urgency of aligning immigration and labor policies to meet the country's future workforce needs.

A Model for Inclusive Growth

The government’s latest reforms reflect a strategic shift toward leveraging migration as a tool for inclusive economic development. By making it easier for international students to live, study, and work in Spain, officials hope to attract and retain global talent, foster innovation, and fill critical labor shortages across key industries.

As Spain continues to implement its forward-looking migration strategy, the new regulations are expected to enhance the country's attractiveness as a destination for international education and long-term professional opportunities.