Is this move to Spain realistic? (Filipino citizen, fresh grad, trying to get citizenship)
Hi everyone, looking for a reality check on my long-term plan.
I’m a Filipino citizen currently finishing up university in Thailand, where I’ve lived for the past 8 years. As many of you with "weak" passports know, the endless visa renewals, document fees, and legal instability are exhausting. My main long-term goal is to get a stronger passport specifically Spanish citizenship, since Filipinos qualify for 2-year residency path.
Once I get citizenship, my plan is to either stay in Spain if I get lucky with work, or head back to Thailand where I already have roots and can work with much more stability.
Here is my current plan, but I have a few questions:
- Apply for a Master’s degree in Spain.
- Build up legal residency so I can start for my 2-year citizenship process.
- I need to support my family, so I’m hoping to work part-time jobs (maybe 2 jobs) while studying.
Where I need advice / reality checks:
- Unemployment: I know Spain’s job market is tough, especially with high unemployment. How hard is it really for international grads to land a surviving wage while studying?
- Student Status vs. Residency: Is it possible to get a regular residence permit straight away for a Master’s instead of a student visa, so the citizenship timer starts immediately?
- Working on a Student Visa: Under current rules, can I legally hold 2 part-time jobs to survive and send money home, or is there a strict cap on hours?
I know it’s a steep hill to climb, but the passport struggle is real and I want to make sure I’m setting realistic expectations before putting my savings into this. Appreciate any honest feedback!