Work Authorization (Student Visa)

What good is a job without work permission?

Many NALCAP participants work additional hours either through private lessons or an academy to have extra spending money. To work officially in Spain (outside of the NALCAP program), you will need work authorization and a social security number.

In the past, many auxes randomly received work authorization when applying for a TIE (individual bureaucrats interpreted the law differently). Now with the introduction of the new immigration law as of May, 2025, it should no longer be possible to get work authorization as an aux (but I have seen some exceptions).

If you want to see what auxes typically do for extra income, you can find information on my Budgeting post as well as my Extra Income – Teaching Online post.

The rest of the article includes a section on work authorization and applying for a social security number.

To legally work outside of the NALCAP program, you need work authorization and a social security number. Both are explained in this page.

Work Authorization

The TIE (residency card) will indicate if you do not have the legal right to work. “NO AUTORIZA A TRABAJAR.”

If you are a university student, you will most likely be granted the authorization to work automatically when applying for your TIE. In 2022, the work authorization was expanded to 30 hours a week from 20 hours a week.

How to Get Work Authorization in Spain
(if you didn’t automatically receive permission)

If you are not automatically given this permission, there is a means to apply for work authorization (again, not as auxes). To request work authorization, click on the link above, scroll down to “AUTORIZACIÓN DE TRABAJO POR CUENTA AJENA”, and complete the steps listed. You will need to prepare the necessary paperwork and get your prospective employer to attend an appointment with the Oficina de Extranjería.

Unfortunately, you can not apply for work permission (por cuenta ajena) on your own.

“Autorizaciones de trabajo y residencia por cuenta ajena inicial: La solicitud debe ser realizada por el empleador o su representante autorizado.”

Social Security Number

If you plan to work in Spain, you will need a social security number. Applying for a social security number is a simple and quick process. It can be done online or in person, but I will only explain the process online since in person appointments can take months to find.

How do I apply?

Seg-social.es – Based on the experiences of others, you might also need to have proof of work authorization. When I applied, I already had work authorization.

The application should be done by the company for those of you employed by a company without a social security number. Emphasis on the “should”!

In reality, having a social security number is typically a requirement for getting a job. It is something an employer would need in order to create an official job contract.

“NIE and social security is a must.”

I had a difficult time dealing with the Catch-22 of needing a company to apply for my social security number and needing a social security number to get a job.

Eventually, I found an academy that would hire me without yet having a social security number. We looked into the process together, and they had me apply online myself. It can be done through the links below.

With a digital certificate

Without a digital certificate

I completed the process with a digital certificate. I didn’t need to include any information from the academy I was working for, so this can be done on your own without yet having a company offer. If you can get a social security number before applying for jobs, it’ll make your life much easier.

Official Requirements:

A valid passport or national id card (EU Citizens)
Your TIE or residency card with NIE number
Empadronamiento
Visa with work permission (Non-EU nationals)
Employment/internship contract (again, I received my contract after getting a social security number)

Shortly after finishing the application online, you will receive an email with your social security number.

Save this document and keep it safe.

Just getting a social security number does not entitle you to receive public healthcare or the Spanish pension. As someone on a student visa, you also need to be working to receive the “alta”. Through your application, your phone number will be linked to your number, and the Tesoreria will inform you of your status with an SMS.

Personal example: Yes, I had a short acting gig in Spain.

You will need to maintain employment to stay on social security.

If you meet any of these requirements below or become a beneficiario/a of your partner, you will be able to access public healthcare.

Work is a requirement for everyone to contribute to and receive the state pension.

If you found the website useful, please Support the Page. Every little bit helps.

Back to Navigation

Spanish Bureaucracy Guides

NALCAP and Beyond

The information on http://www.residency2spain.com is provided in good faith and is intended for general informational purposes only. Residency2spain makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the content. Any decisions you make based on the information found on this site are made at your own discretion and risk. Residency2spain is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this website.