If you’re an international student in Spain, you’ve likely applied for a study stay permit to reside and complete your studies in the country. However, it’s important to note that this permit has an expiration date, and you will need to renew it if you wish to continue your studies. Additionally, if you have finished your studies or if your personal or professional circumstances have changed, you might consider modifying your study stay permit to another type of permit, such as a work or residence permit.
In this article, we’ll explain the process of renewing your study stay permit in Spain, as well as the possibilities for modifying your study permit to another type of permit, like a work permit or residence permit. This will allow you to continue residing legally in Spain, adapting your status to any new circumstances you might experience after completing your studies or pursuing job opportunities.
Renewing the Study Stay Permit
The study stay permit in Spain is usually issued for a limited period, typically for one year or the duration of the academic program. As the expiration date approaches, you must initiate the renewal process in a timely manner to avoid legal issues or falling into an irregular status. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this process.
When should I renew my study stay permit?
You should submit your renewal application within the 60 days prior to the expiration of your current study stay permit. If you miss this deadline, you have an additional 90 days to apply, although this could result in a fine.
Requirements for renewing the study stay permit
To renew your study stay permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment in an accredited educational institution: You need to provide proof that you are still enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Spain, either to complete your current course or to start a new academic program.
- Satisfactory academic performance: If you are renewing after completing a previous course, you must show that you have met the academic requirements, such as passing a substantial number of subjects.
- Sufficient financial means: You must prove that you have the financial resources to cover your living expenses in Spain for the extended period. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of the IPREM (Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects) for each month of stay. If you have family members accompanying you, the required amount increases.
- Health insurance: You are required to have valid health insurance in Spain, whether public or private. The insurance must cover all medical contingencies during your stay.
- Absences from Spanish territory: You should not have been absent from Spain for more than six consecutive months, or accumulated more than 10 months outside the country during your previous stay.
Step-by-step renewal process
- Prepare your documentation: Gather all the necessary documents before starting the renewal process. This includes the completed EX-00 application form, valid passport, proof of enrollment, health insurance, financial resources, and academic records showing satisfactory progress.
- Submit the application: You can file the renewal application online through the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration’s electronic office. Alternatively, you can submit it in person at the local immigration office.
- Pay the fees: A mandatory administrative fee applies to the renewal process. Ensure that you complete this step, as your application will not be considered complete without it.
- Wait for the decision: The immigration authorities have 30 days to issue a decision regarding your application. If no decision is made within this time frame, your application is considered approved due to positive administrative silence.
Modifying the Study Stay Permit to Other Types of Permits
If you have completed your studies or are interested in entering the workforce, you may want to modify your study stay permit to another type of permit, such as a residence or work permit. This transition is crucial if you plan to stay in Spain long-term without having to leave and re-enter the country.
Requirements for modifying the study stay permit to a work permit
- Completion of studies: You must have completed your academic program and obtained an official degree from a Spanish institution. In some cases, you can apply for this modification if you are in the second year of a master’s or doctoral program.
- Job offer: If you want to switch to a work permit, you must have a formal job offer from an employer in Spain. The employment contract must comply with local labor conditions, including wages and working hours.
- Financial resources: If you wish to start a business or work as a freelancer, you will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary financial resources to launch and sustain your activity.
- Legal status: You must be in legal status when submitting the application, meaning that your study stay permit must still be valid at the time of the application.
Step-by-step process for modifying to a work or residence permit
- Submit the new permit application: The application for modifying your study stay permit to a work or residence permit must be submitted through the Immigration Office. The specific application form depends on the type of permit you are applying for (EX-03 for residence or EX-07 for work).
- Provide supporting documents: The required documentation includes your passport, academic degree, employment offer (if applicable), health insurance, and proof of financial means.
- Decision period: The authorities will have 30 days to respond to your application. As with the renewal process, if you do not receive a decision within this period, it is considered approved through positive administrative silence.
- Issuance of the new permit: Once the modification is approved, you will receive a new permit that allows you to live and work in Spain. The duration of the new permit will depend on the terms of the job or activity you plan to undertake.
Benefits of Modifying the Study Stay Permit
Switching from a study stay permit to another type of permit offers several benefits, especially if you plan to stay in Spain long-term. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Legal employment opportunities: Modifying to a work permit allows you to access the Spanish job market legally and start working in your chosen field.
- Continued legal residence: You won’t need to leave Spain at the end of your studies, ensuring continuous legal residence without interruptions.
- Family reunification: Certain types of work or residence permits also allow for family reunification, meaning that your spouse, children, and other dependents can join you in Spain legally.
Conclusion
Renewing your study stay permit or modifying it to another type of permit is a critical step for international students who wish to continue residing in Spain after completing their studies. While the process may seem complex, it is relatively straightforward as long as you meet the requirements and provide the correct documentation. Planning ahead and applying before your current permit expires will ensure that you can continue your stay in Spain smoothly, whether you are pursuing further studies, seeking employment, or starting a business.
So, the first step is to understand your situation, and explote options. You can contact us or make an appointment to discuss this with us.
