Working while studying: what you can actually do
What the law says
The regulation RD 1155/2024 (in force since 20 May 2025) grants students on programmes leading to an official qualification the right to work up to 30 hours per week without a separate work permit VERIFY · lawyer. HOTR0508 — a level-2 certificado de profesionalidad, listed in the national catalogue RD 1256/2009 — falls into that category.
Before the 2025 reform, students could work up to 20 hours per week and only with a separate employer authorisation. The new rule simplifies things — hiring proceeds as a normal contract with registration in Seguridad Social.
How it works in Valencia's hospitality
Hospitality is the fastest route into the local job market for our students. From module one you're behind the bar in classroom 7B, and on MP0057 (80 hours of practical placement) you join a real bar or café as part of the team. Many of these venues hire our graduates directly.
- · Ruzafa and central Valencia — dense bar and café scene, constant demand for runners, camareros, ayudantes de barra.
- · Old-town and marina hotels — regularly hiring baristas and bartenders on shift schedules.
- · Summer season (June–September) — peak demand, above-average pay.
What a student status via a certificado de profesionalidad unlocks
We are a school, not an immigration agency — so we simply lay out the rules. All three points need a final check with a lawyer before you plan the move.
Under RD 1155/2024 (in force since 20 May 2025), students on programmes that lead to an official qualification can combine studies with work — up to 30 hours per week VERIFY · lawyer. HOTR0508 is exactly such a programme.
The single-renewal cap on student status applies to language courses. Professional training is a separate category, so this cap does not apply VERIFY · lawyer. Certificate levels (nivel 2 → nivel 3) give a legal path for successive renewals.
Converting a student card into a residence permit with the right to work requires completing professional training or a university degree. HOTR0508 — an official certificado de profesionalidad — is exactly that required step VERIFY · lawyer.
Honest limits
- · Work must not interfere with study — attendance is a condition of renewing the student card.
- · 30 hours per week maximum — overtime can be grounds for a renewal refusal.
- · Always an official contract, registered with Seguridad Social. Working under the table risks both a fine and your status.
- · The right to work starts on the TIE issue date, not on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Learn a trade that pays already during study
HOTR0508 is hands-on: from month one you're behind the bar, not in theory. Many students pick up part-time work before the diploma is even issued.
This information is provided for reference only. Requirements set by Spanish consulates and immigration authorities can vary by country and change over time; the final decision on your case rests with the consulate or the competent authority. This material is not legal advice. Before submitting documents, verify current requirements against official sources (exteriores.gob.es, extranjeria.inclusion.gob.es, BOE) and, if needed, consult an immigration lawyer.