The reform of the Spanish Immigration Regulations in 2025 has brought several changes, some more relevant than others. While many of the announced modifications have not significantly altered key aspects of the immigration framework in Spain, there is one update that has gone unnoticed by many but represents a real breakthrough for international students in the country: the new process allowing a nearly immediate, operative transition and modificantion from study stay to a work residency.
What was the situation before the Immigration Regulations reform?
To understand why this change is a major step forward, it’s important to consider the context prior to the reform on May 19, 2025. Before this date, international students wishing to change their status from a study stay to a work permit—either as an employee (accounted employment) or self-employed—had to submit an application with a valid job offer or a business plan.
However, during the processing of the application—often exceeding the standard three-month period established by the regulations (in some provinces taking up to seven or eight months)—the applicant was not allowed to begin working. That meant students had to wait passively for a favorable resolution, unable to carry out any work activity, while employers were left unable to legally onboard the new hire.
This administrative bottleneck not only caused frustration among applicants but also acted as a barrier to the professional integration of highly trained individuals educated in Spain. The inefficiency discouraged companies from hiring international students and hindered the transformation of talent into productive value for the country.
What does the new Immigration Regulation say about the New Modification from Study Stay to Work Residency in Spain?
The new Immigration Regulation, effective since May 2025, introduces a key improvement through Article 190.7, which outlines the new framework for modifying study stays:
“Once the application is admitted for processing and until the procedure is resolved, the study authorization— and that of accompanying family members, if applicable—shall become a provisional residence and work authorization, either as an employee, self-employed, or a residence without a work permit. If the application is denied, the provisional authorization will automatically cease to be valid, without the need for an express administrative decision.”
This provision implies a radical shift in the process: from the moment the modification application is admitted, the international student automatically obtains a provisional residence and work permit. In other words, they no longer need to wait for a final resolution to start working—they can begin immediately.
Why is this reform so important for international students?
This measure, while legally simple, deeply transforms the experience of thousands of foreigners in Spain. The new system enables a smoother transition from a study stay to a residency with work rights, directly impacting the applicant’s professional, economic, and personal development.
By obtaining a provisional authorization upon admission of the application, the student can immediately enter the labor market, start a business, or be officially registered by an employer. This benefits both the worker and the company. Additionally, this provisional permit already counts as legal residence for the purposes of Spanish nationality by residence, a key factor for those planning long-term settlement in the country.
A strategic opportunity for thousands of foreigners in Spain
With this reform, Spain adapts to a migration reality that demands speed and efficiency, especially when it comes to retaining international talent educated in national universities and institutions. This new route for modifying a study stay will allow thousands of international students to obtain work and residence permits without long waiting periods.
The measure also aligns with the needs of the Spanish labor market, which seeks qualified professionals who are committed to the country’s economic and social development.
How to take advantage of this new legal option?
At Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer, we are specialists in Immigration and Nationality Law, and we have been advising students and international professionals for years in their regularization and permit modification processes.
Thanks to our in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the law and its practical application, we can identify the real legal opportunities available and help you make this transition smoothly and without delays. We accompany you through every step—from gathering documentation to submitting your application and following up with the relevant immigration office.
Conclusion
The 2025 Immigration Regulation reform represents a fundamental step forward in regulating the transition from a study stay to a work residency in Spain. The introduction of Article 190.7 allows foreign students to start working legally from the moment their application is admitted for processing, eliminating the long wait times previously required.
If you are an international student in Spain and are considering taking the next step toward your professional future, now is the time. This new measure may be your best opportunity to settle legally and securely in the country.
At Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer, we are ready to help you take full advantage of this new regularization pathway, with personalized, secure, and effective legal guidance.
