Switching from student stay to residence and work: requirements and deadlines

The switch from studies to residence and work allows a switch from certain long-term stay authorisations to work authorisation without a new visa when requirements are met. Completing a course does not automatically turn a student card into a work permit.

Which training qualifies for modification

Article 190 applies to the study and training categories it lists and requires the relevant qualification or certificate. Check the specific programme and your stay authorisation.

It is also checked that you did not receive scholarships or subsidies under the sustainable-development cooperation or humanitarian programmes specified in the rule. Avoid outdated checklists imposing a general three-year stay requirement.

Modification for employment

Provide a contract and meet the employment and employer requirements, subject to the national-employment exception in Article 190. Check job, pay, hours, financial capacity and employer compliance.

The employer or stay-authorisation holder may apply under the legal conditions. Coordinate signatures, representation and fees before submission so both parties have the same application file.

Modification for self-employment

For self-employment, business viability, investment, licences and qualifications are checked where applicable. A forecast does not replace evidence of funds or activity authorisations.

Application deadlines

The current wording provides for the two months before or three months after expiry of the stay or obtaining the qualification or certificate, under Article 190.6. Check both dates and the specific case.

Applying within the specified period extends validity of the previous authorisation until notification of the decision. Keep the receipt; this effect is not equivalent to already holding the new card.

Documents for switching studies to residence

• Passport, stay authorisation and relevant form.
• Qualification or certificate proving successful completion of the training.
• Contract and employer documents, or self-employment plan and evidence.
• Scholarship or funding documents where relevant.
• Fees and representation if a representative is involved.
• Family documents if relatives’ status changes are assessed with the holder’s.

When full-time work can start

Article 190 provides provisional effects once the application is accepted for processing and requires the acceptance decision to state the status and permission to work full-time. A submission receipt alone should not be treated as that decision.

The final residence and work authorisation takes effect subject to the relevant Social Security registration. Once effective, check the one-month TIE application deadline. Article 190.9 gives this authorisation a one-year duration.

What happens to family members?

Family-reunification residence may be assessed for relatives with stay status living with the holder in the legal cases, proving resources and housing. Their permit is linked to the main authorisation; it does not change automatically without document review.