Spain Extends Job Seeker Visa Validity to 12 Months to Attract Skilled Workers

Spain has extended the validity of its job seeker visa from three to twelve months, effective May 20, 2025. The goal is to attract more qualified foreign professionals and address labour shortages in key industries, according to Schengen.News.

New Policy in Effect

Previously, the visa allowed for a 3-month stay. Now, job seekers will have up to 12 months to secure employment or even launch a business in Spain.

“Once a formal job is secured, the visa automatically converts into a work permit,” explained Fábio Knauer, CEO of Aliança Global Group.

The change is part of Spain’s overhaul of its Foreigners Regulations, aiming to regularise 300,000 migrants annually and make the system more accessible.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility criteria for Spain’s new job seeker visa include:

Holding a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) from a Spanish university.

Being a descendant of Spanish citizens (children or grandchildren).

Belonging to a high-demand professional sector in Spain.

Other requirements:

Proof of financial means: at least €7,200 per year (€600/month).

Valid health insurance in Spain.

Clean criminal record.

Application submitted before or within 90 days after a student permit expires.

Comparison with Portugal & Broader Immigration Reform

By contrast, Portugal’s job seeker visa is valid for 120 days with a one-time 60-day extension. Spain’s 12-month window now sets a new EU benchmark for visa flexibility.

The change comes alongside broader immigration reforms introduced on May 20, aiming to streamline entry and residence procedures for non-EU migrants, boosting economic inclusion and demographic resilience.