Permit modifications
Your life changes and your permit can change with you. We help you move from one permit to another without being left without papers.
What it involves
Modifying your residence permit is the procedure for changing from one type of permit to another without leaving Spain: for example, from student to worker, from employee to self-employed, or from reunified family member to a permit of your own. Many people search for it as “modifying the NIE” or “the card”. Each change has its own conditions and its own timing.
Is this your case?
- You are finishing your studies in Spain and want to stay and work.
- You work for a company and want to set up as self-employed, or the other way round.
- You have a permit as a reunified family member and want an independent one.
- You have residence without permission to work and have been offered a job.
How we help
We review which permit you have now, when it expires and which one you want to move to. We tell you whether the modification is possible and when it is best to apply, because applying late can complicate everything. We prepare the documents, submit them and follow the file until you have your new card. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
If the change is so you can work, see work permits; and if you are currently studying in Spain, we help you with the student stay.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between modifying my permit and applying for a new one?
- With a modification you change the type of permit from within Spain, making use of the fact that you already have papers. Starting from scratch may require other procedures or even leaving the country. That is why it is worth knowing whether your case allows a modification.
- Can I switch from a student permit to a work permit?
- In many cases, yes, especially if you have finished your studies in Spain or have been offered a job. It depends on your situation and when you apply, so we review it with you.
- What happens if my card expires while the modification is being processed?
- In many cases, if you apply while your permit is still valid, you keep your legal status until a decision is made. That is why it is key not to leave it until the last minute.
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Tell us about your case.
A first conversation — confidential and without obligation — to understand whether we can help, and how.
We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.