Working in Catalonia

There are many foreign workers who come to work in Catalonia. The European Union is a common space which allows the free movement of people and capital within the member states. Non-community foreigners must complete other legal requirements.

Exceptionally, foreign students may apply for authorisation to work in Spain, as long as this work is compatible with their studies and for the maximum period that the studies last. Students must prove on entering the country that they have the means to support themselves in Spain.

However, they may be authorised to carry out remunerated activities part time or for a given period of time, as long as it is compatible with their studies and the income obtained is not a necessary resource for their maintenance and stay.

Applications should be presented to the delegations or sub-delegations of the Government (Labour and Social Affairs) or the foreigners' offices before starting the activity.

The authorisation may not be for longer than the duration of the student card and if the students card loses validity, the authorisation does too.

Students may not work until they have obtained the authorisation. This authorisation may be renewed, but it should be requested one month in advance.