Madrid is one of the most favoured European student cities to study. However, apart from great universities and an amazing cultural life in the city, Madrid provides many possibilities to earn money on part-time jobs for students in Madrid. If you are going to Madrid for studying and want to cover your expenses in the city, then it is important to learn about the options to work there.
Below, you will find information regarding all the necessary points: what is required from you legally, which jobs are the best for you and your earnings, as well as how to find a suitable job with respect to your classes schedule.
Can International Students Work Part-Time in Madrid?
What Are the Legal Work Rights for Students in Spain?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time in Spain, and the situation became more favourable for them. According to Royal Decree 1155/2024, foreign students from outside EU/EEA, who are enrolled in higher education, have the right to work for 30 hours a week during term period without a need to have any additional work permit. That right is included in your TIE residency permit. Students from EU/EEA can do the same only with your passport and NIE registration.
During holidays, you do not have any limit and can work as much as you want.
What Documents Do You Need Before Starting Part-Time Jobs for Students in Madrid?
For your first working day, you should have three documents:
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): this is your foreigner identification number, which is written in your TIE permit. It is also your tax identification number (NIF).
Social Security number: you should be registered in the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social by your employer.
Spanish bank account: for receiving your salary on it. One important piece of advice: always ask to sign a contract with your employer. Cash in hand agreements provide you nothing except trouble. You will have no possibility to prove your job if you need it in the future, also, you won’t make social security payments, which is a big disadvantage for your future career in Spain.
What Are the Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Madrid?
Madrid’s job market for students spans several sectors, each with distinct advantages and pay ranges. Here’s a breakdown of the most accessible options.
Tutoring and Teaching
Tutoring is one of the most versatile and highly paid job opportunities available for international students. Being bilingual in English or any other language will earn you anywhere between €15–30 per hour working on Tusclasesparticulares. From tutoring English conversation to preparing for IB or selectividad exams, there are many different types of tutoring available.
The Part-Time Jobs for students in Madrid in this category benefit you with scheduling flexibility, it means that you get to decide yourself when you can and want to work, which can be great for planning around exams.
Hospitality and Tourism
Student work is always in demand in the hospitality industry of Madrid for cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Jobs near Sol, Gran Vía, La Latina tend to be numerous, and you can earn anywhere between €10–14 an hour. Fluency in English alone is enough to get work in areas where tourism is more common.
Working in a hotel is yet another great opportunity. Meliá Hotels International, Four Seasons Madrid and other hotels regularly employ students in guest experience, food and beverage, and guest services positions.
Campus Jobs and Internships
There are many paid academic internships offered by universities of Madrid, especially for students. For instance, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) offers a 20-hour-a-week paid internship that pays €450/month for undergraduates and €650/month for postgraduates. This job allows you to combine your education with professional experience.
Other paid internships at UAM and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos also include positions of research assistants with salary starting at €700 and going up to €1,060 per month.
Retail and Promotional Work
Most retail stores including El Corte Inglés are open on weekends and holidays, and thus, require additional student workers. There are also promotional jobs, such as Red Bull is always hiring Student Marketeers who represent brands at different events and earn €10–15 an hour. These jobs are fun, flexible, and great for networking.
Gig Economy and Freelancing
Students are hired by such companies as CampusReel to make short videos about their university experiences; payment per project is available in the gig economy. Event staffing companies employ students in trade shows, sports games, and festivals; it means that your work will be both flexible and engaging.
The Part-Time Jobs for Students in Madrid in the gig economy give you the freedom to choose your projects.
How Much Can You Earn from Part-Time Jobs for Students in Madrid?
Salary expectations vary significantly by sector and role. Here’s a realistic overview of part-time jobs for students in Madrid:
| Sector | Typical Pay | Hours Per Week |
| Tutoring | €15–30/hour | 4–15 |
| Hospitality | €10–14/hour | 10–20 |
| Campus internships | €450–650/month | 15–20 |
| Research assistant | €700–1,060/month | 15–25 |
| Retail/promotional | €10–15/hour | 8–16 |
Spain’s minimum wage (SMI) for 2026 is €1,221 gross per month across 14 payments, and part-time roles are paid proportionally. Most students find that 15–20 hours per week provides a manageable balance between income and academic performance.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs for Students in Madrid
Which Platforms Should You Use part-time jobs for students in Madrid?
Several platforms are particularly effective for students:
- StudentJob.es: Suitable for English-speaking jobs and internships
- InfoJobs: Various jobs but requires proficient Spanish skills
- LinkedIn: Professional internships and jobs for graduates
- JobToday: Fast hire for hospitality and retail positions
- University career pages: Jobs for students and internships
- University Career Office: Also, a valuable source of opportunities not always used
Networking
Most of the student jobs in Madrid are gained via networking, let your classmates, flatmates, and even intercambio partners know you are looking for a job.
Work, Study and Student Life in Madrid
How Much Can You Reasonably Work?
The maximum number of hours legally permissible in a week is 30, yet there is no need to work that much. Ideally, one could work about 15-20 hours during term time and more during vacations. In the exam period, it would be reasonable to decrease the working time to 10 hours or less.
Managing Finances
There are a lot of student discounts available in Madrid which help you save money. The Madrid youth card offers reduced fees for public transportation and tickets to museums, cinema and cultural events. Also, cooking your food instead of dining out, having the menú del día for lunch in restaurants, visiting free museum evenings are among the ways to cut down the expenses in Madrid.
Student Housing in Madrid for Students
The cost of accommodation determines the number of working hours you will need. Finding proper student accommodation in Madrid will relieve you from financial strain and provide time for studying and working.
University Living offers fully furnished student accommodation solutions in Madrid such as Estrada 11 property located in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district. It is situated near IE, UAM and Universidad Europea universities and offers private rooms with a bathroom and a kitchen, shared facilities such as common areas for study and recreation (games room) and meal options.
Students looking for accommodations in other cities in Spain should try out the platform of University Living where they can compare different properties in terms of cost and additional benefits according to the proximity to your university.
Choosing a student housing with included bills (electricity, internet and sometimes food) will make budgeting and contract setting with utilities companies easier.
Key Takeaways for Your Job Search in Madrid
Acquiring part-time jobs in Madrid as a student is an entirely viable task. The new regulations introduced in the Royal Decree 1155/2024 have made it easier for foreign students to obtain legal working permissions. Moreover, a wide range of sectors in the diverse economy of Madrid allows for acquiring jobs in any suitable industry.
With early preparation, proper use of the available university resources, and focus on positions allowing for adequate work-life balance and accommodation arrangement, you will have an opportunity to enjoy all aspects of life in Madrid without the financial worries.
In case you are still searching for your student accommodation in Madrid, browsing through the University Living website might help you find a suitable option.
Make sure to make the most out of your time in Madrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can international students work part-time in Madrid?
Yes. According to the new Royal Decree 1155/2024, non-EU/EEA higher education students can work 30 hours per week during term time and obtain an authorization for employment in the form of the TIE residence card. EU students have more freedom about working hours.
Q: What is the average hourly salary for part-time jobs for students in Madrid?
Average hourly salary depends on the industry. In case of tutoring, it is €15-30, whereas in hospitality sector it amounts to €10-14. As for campus internships, the salaries vary between €450-650/month for 15-20 hours of work per week.
Q: Is there a need to speak Spanish for obtaining a part-time job in Madrid?
Not necessarily. There are many jobs in Spain requiring only English language skills. Still, it is beneficial to learn at least some basic Spanish to increase your options and enhance your experience.
Q: How can one obtain part-time jobs in Madrid without previous experience?
One can start his/her search with the help of the career office of the university he/she attends, StudentJob.es website and tutoring sites. Moreover, campus internship programs require no work experience as they are created specifically for the students.
Q: How many hours of work per week do not affect student grades in Madrid?
Usually, most students manage their academic progress perfectly with 15-20 hours of work per week during the term time. During exam periods, one needs to decrease working hours to 10 or less.
