This information is for orientation only. Working without autorización de compatibilidad or beyond permit limits is a serious infringement with risk of TIE revocation. Always verify on inclusion.gob.es and with your international office.

Student work roadmap

  1. Valid permit
  2. Compatibility authorisation
  3. Contract
  4. SS registration
  5. Payslip
  6. Renta (IRPF)
  7. After graduation (modificación or búsqueda empleo)

Student checklist — before accepting a job

  • Valid TIE or EU certificate with compatible work permission.
  • Autorización de compatibilidad required for many non-EU students (application on extranjería portal).
  • Hour limits: for estudios superiores often up to 30 h/week in term time; check current regulation.
  • Written contract registered — no «cash only» informal work.
  • SMI respected — €1,221/month in 2026 (14 pagas).
  • Red flags: cash-only pay, no nómina, employer refuses compatibilidad.

Rules for working during studies

ProfileIndicative limitNote
Estudios superiores (non-EU)Up to 30 h/weekRequires autorización compatibilidad
Non-university studiesStricter limitsCheck course type
Practicas curricularsUniversity–company agreementDoes not always count as extra work
EU with certificado registroEmployed/self-employed with EU rightsSS registration like other workers

Last updated: May 2026 — Extranjería — compatibilidad actividad laboral

Autorización de compatibilidad

  1. Job offer or hiring intent — Some offices require contract or employer letter.
  2. University certificate — Enrolment and schedule compatibility.
  3. Application — Sede electrónica / extranjería (current form).
  4. Fee — Form 790 if applicable.
  5. Await decision — Do not start paid work if regulation explicitly requires waiting.

Contracts and rights

  • Contrato temporal / indefinido: hours, pay, probation period.
  • Contrato a tiempo parcial: common for students — check holiday calculation.
  • Convenio colectivo: may improve sector minimum (hostelería, commercio).
  • Licencia retribuida / baja médica: SS coverage after waiting period.

Salario mínimo interprofesional (SMI 2026)

ItemAmount
Monthly SMI€1,221 (14 annual pagas)
Annual SMI€17,094
Hourly payDerived from agreement and contract hours

Last updated: May 2026 — BOE — RD 126/2026 SMI

Seguridad Social and nómina

  • Alta — Employer registers with NIE/NUSS; you receive registration document.
  • Nómina — Gross, SS (~6.35% employee + employer share), IRPF withheld.
  • Vida laboral — Contribution history available online.
  • Desempleo — Students with limited contributions: restricted SEPE access — verify.

IRPF (income tax)

  1. Monthly withholding — On payslip based on declared situation.
  2. Renta (April–June) — Annual return if mandatory or beneficial.
  3. Threshold — Low incomes may be exempt or lightly taxed — depends on CCAA and deductions.
  4. Cl@ve — AEAT portal access for draft and filing.

Where to find work

  • InfoJobs — Main portal.
  • Indeed España, LinkedIn — Tech and internships.
  • Hostelería / retail — CV in person with flexible hours.
  • Campus / university job board — Tutoring, research, events.
  • SEPE — Offers and guidance (sepe.es).

After graduation

  • Modificación a cuenta ajena — Permanent or temporary contract with employer.
  • Autorización búsqueda empleo — Window to search without an immediate offer.
  • Cuenta propia — Self-employed path with distinct requirements.
Siesta offices

Morning or late afternoon for practices — do not go 2–4 pm without an appointment.

Quick reference

Safe in general; theft of telephones in the metro, rental scams. 112 unique. Occasional events.

  • 112
  • 091 local police
  • Attention tourist pickpockets
  • AC and heat: hydration

Day-to-day safety

Newspaper

  • Backpack in front on the subway
  • Copy of TIE and passport
  • Don't leave items on the beach

Common scams

Fake rentals, telephone "police", fake exchange rates.

  • Visit Piso always

Emergencies

  • 112
  • Consulate
  • Police report for theft

If something goes wrong

Rights

National rule

Deposit refund law. HOURS of work TIE. Community rules coexistence.

Deep dive (optional)

Go deeper

Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.

Main contract types (summary)

TypeNote
Permanent / fixed-termIndividual employment under the Workers’ Statute plus sector convenio colectivo
Internships (prácticas)University–company agreement; check pay and social-security registration
Self-employed (autónomo)TGSS + AEAT registration, invoicing, and client withholdings where applicable

Minimum wage & collective agreements

SMI

The national minimum wage (SMI) is updated by Royal Decree; sector agreements can set higher floors.

Payslips & withholding

IRPF withholding and social-security bases appear on your nómina—keep PDF copies.

SEPE & unemployment

Benefits depend on contributions, reason for termination, and lawful stay—verify eligibility on SEPE.

Non-EU students working

Paid work must match your TIE conditions and any work authorisation—hour caps and sectors change with law.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Sources · Last verified: 2026-05

  • National Police (official link being updated)
Trusted sources we used for this content

Spanish and EU public sources: Eurostat, sede.gob.es, INSS, SEPE, the Tax Agency, Ministry of Health, and MAEC. Confirm rules on the official portal.