Exchange in Spain: how to work legally?
The experience of living and studying in Spain is already enriching in and of itself, but adding professional experience to the equation can transform your exchange into something truly transformative. With favorable rules for international students, competitive salaries and a welcoming culture, Spain stands out as an ideal destination for those who wish to study and work simultaneously in 2025.
Work permit for students in Spain
Spanish legislation has undergone significant changes in recent years, making it even more favorable for international students who wish to work during their exchange. Since the 2022 immigration reform (Royal Decree 903/2022), expanded in 2024, students with a long-term visa can work up to 30 hours a week during the term of office, representing a substantial increase compared to the previous limit of 20 hours. During school holidays, this limit expands to 40 hours a week, allowing full-time dedication.
The good news is that the bureaucratic process has also been simplified. All NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) cards issued after August 2022 automatically include authorization to work, without the need for additional procedures. The permit is valid for all sectors of the economy, allowing diversified experiences during your period of Study and Work in Spain. The main requirement is that work activity does not interfere with studies, and it is necessary to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% in the course.
Minimum wage and working conditions in Spain
The Spanish labor market offers attractive conditions for international students, with solid labor protections and competitive compensation. The interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) in Spain for 2025 is set at €1,184 per month for full-time contracts (40 hours per week), equivalent to approximately €8.87 per hour. This amount is spread over 14 annual payments, including two extra payments generally granted in July and December.
As an international student working the maximum allowable (30 hours per week), you can expect:
- Approximate weekly wage: €266.10 (before tax)
- Approximate monthly salary: €1,064.40 (before tax)
- Tax withholding: Between 2% and 19%, depending on your total annual income
- Tax benefit: Tax exemption on the first €6,000 per year for non-regular tax residents (less than 183 days in the previous tax year)
- Mandatory benefits: Proportional paid vacation, social security, supplements for night work
- Rest days: Minimum of 1.5 consecutive days per week
- Maximum working day: 9 hours a day, with a minimum rest of 12 hours between days
How to find a job as an international student
The Spanish labor market offers several opportunities for international students, especially Brazilians, who are valued for their adaptability and language skills. The key to finding a good placement lies in knowing where to look and how to properly prepare for the Spanish selection process. The biggest opportunities generally focus on the hospitality, tourism, customer service, and technology sectors.
Prepare properly by creating a curriculum in the European format (Europass model), highlighting your language skills and relevant experiences. Knowledge of Spanish is critical for most positions, even if your course is in English. As for documentation, it is essential to obtain the NIE and Social Security Affiliation Number shortly after your arrival, in addition to opening a Spanish bank account to receive salaries. Sign up for major employment platforms such as InfoJobs, Indeed España and JobToday, and don't underestimate the power of local networking and job fairs organized by universities.
Sectors with the highest demand for Brazilians
The presence of Brazilians in the Spanish labor market has grown consistently, with specific opportunities in sectors that value our culture and language. Knowing these areas can facilitate your job search and maximize your chances of professional success during the exchange.
- Hospitality and tourism: Bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions often seek professionals who speak Portuguese and English. Wages range from €7.30-€10.50/hour, often supplemented with tips. Hires increase significantly between March and April (preparation for summer) and in September (after the departure of seasonal workers).
- Customer service and telemarketing: International call centers such as Teleperformance, Webhelp and SYKES highly value native Portuguese speakers, with salaries between €9-€14/hour, often with productivity bonuses. They offer flexible schedules, ideal to be compatible with studies.
- Technology and startups: Expanding companies in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia offer entry-level functions in technical support, software testing, and digital marketing, with salaries between €10-€17/hour. Technology hubs such as Barcelona Tech City, Madrid's B<IVE and Valencia Startup Capital are focal points for these opportunities.
- Language teaching: Private schools and private lessons pay between €12-€20/hour for Portuguese teachers, especially for business. This option often allows for work without a formal contract in the case of private lessons.
- App economy: Platforms such as Glovo, Uber Eats and Just Eat offer incomes between €8-€15/hour, with full flexibility of schedules and weekly payments, ideal for supplementing income during studies.
Cost of living in the main Spanish cities
Understanding the cost of living in different Spanish cities it is essential to plan your budget and choose the destination that best suits your financial possibilities. Spain offers excellent value for money compared to other European destinations, especially in medium-sized cities.
The two largest metropolises, Madrid and Barcelona, have the highest costs, with a monthly budget between €950 and €1,505. Accommodation represents the biggest expense, with shared rooms costing between €450-700. Valencia and Sevilla offer a similar quality of life for significantly lower costs, between €735-1,175 per month, representing savings of approximately €300 per month compared to large cities. University cities like Granada and Salamanca are even more affordable, with costs between €625-1,030 per month, ideal for students on a budget.
In addition to accommodation, other essential expenses include:
- Food: €150-300 monthly for purchases in supermarkets
- Transportation: €20-55 per month for a student pass
- Communication: €10-20 for cell phone plan and €10-15 for shared internet
- Lazer: €100-250 for cultural and social activities
- Academic materials: €40-100 per semester
Comparison: working in Spain vs. Brazil
When we compare the experience of working in Spain receiving the minimum wage with the same situation in Brazil, the differences are substantial and clearly favor the international experience. In 2025, the Spanish minimum wage of €1,184 (full-time) is equivalent to approximately R$ 6,400 at the current rate, while the Brazilian minimum wage is around R$ 1,518, a significant difference. Even working only 30 hours a week as a student in Spain (around €1,064), the amount is still significantly higher than the Brazilian full-time minimum wage.
Practical tips for maximizing your finances
Making the most of your budget while studying and working in Spain requires some smart strategies. With proper planning, it is possible to balance studies, work, and leisure without compromising your financial health during the exchange.
To save on food, take advantage of local markets to buy fresh produce and the traditional “menu of the day”, which offers a full meal for a fixed price of between €10-15. Always use your student ID to get discounts on transportation, museums, movie theaters, and some stores. Spain offers numerous free cultural activities, such as free admission to museums on certain days and times, public festivals, and urban parks.
In university cities like Granada, take advantage of the traditional offer of free tapas with drinks in many bars, considerably reducing your food expenses. For internal trips, use low-cost bus companies such as ALSA or take advantage of Renfe's promotional fares (trains), especially with the youth card, which offers discounts of up to 75% on some routes.
The choice of accommodation significantly impacts your budget. Consider student housing (€350-700 monthly) or shared apartments (€250-700 per room) depending on the city and location. For even bigger savings, medium-sized cities like Valencia and Sevilla offer excellent quality of life at significantly lower costs than Madrid and Barcelona.
Finally, properly balance your time between study and work. Although the job opportunities are attractive, remember that your main activity must be studying, maintaining a minimum attendance of 80% so as not to compromise your visa. The job should complement your experience and budget, not become the primary focus.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support to make your dream of studying and working in Spain a reality. Our expert advisors guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the ideal course to preparing the documentation for a student visa with a work permit. We offer personalized advice to maximize your chances of approval and a smooth transition to your new life in Spain. Get in touch today and discover how we can help you start your international journey!
