Spain Work Visa: Available Options And How To Apply
Expanding into the Spanish market offers access to one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic economies, with a strategic location that serves as a gateway to both the European Union, North Africa, and Latin America.
Spain also has a growing base of skilled professionals, competitive labor costs compared to other Western European countries, and a supportive environment for foreign investment.
Talented individuals also finds Spain an attractive option to emigrate to because of a vibrant startup scene and good quality of life.
But for organizations and professionals choosing to do business there, understanding Spanish visa and immigration procedures is vital.
To ensure you remain on the right side of compliance, and avoid fines and reputational damage, in this guide I’ll outline all the Spanish work visas, key requirements, and how to apply for them.
!Vamonos¡
Who Can Legally Work in Spain?
In Spain, the right to work is determined by citizenship and residency status.
Spanish citizens are automatically eligible to work without restrictions, as are citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
Individuals from these countries can live and work in Spain without the need for a visa or work permit, thanks to agreements that promote freedom of movement within these regions.
Non-EU citizens must obtain a work permit to work in Spain, which is typically issued alongside a residence permit.
Before applying for a work permit, non-citizens must secure a long-stay visa (also known as a national visa) that allows them to legally stay in Spain while their work permit application is processed.
Each step of this process involves strict documentation and adherence to Spanish immigration laws, making compliance essential to avoid delays or complications.
8 Types Of Spanish Work Visas
Spain offers a variety of long-stay work visas to accommodate different employment scenarios. Below is an overview of the primary options, including their purpose, eligibility, and key details.
1. Regular work visa (employee visa)
Designed for non-EU citizens, this visa requires a confirmed job offer from a Spanish employer. To be approved, the employer must demonstrate that no local or EU candidate is available to fill the role, and the position must also be listed as a shortage occupation.
2. Highly skilled professional visa
This visa is for individuals with specialized qualifications or skills in high-demand sectors. It typically requires a job offer from a Spanish company recognized by the government.
Applications are fast-tracked under Spain’s Entrepreneur’s Law, making it ideal for quick entry.
3. EU blue card
The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified professionals who hold a university degree and applicants must have a job offer with a salary that meets the required threshold. It also allows easier movement within other EU countries after a certain period.
4. Self-employment visa (autónomo)
This visa suits freelancers or entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Spain. A solid business plan, proof of funds, and necessary permits are required. It allows self-employed workers to live and work independently within the country.
5. Intra-company transfer visa
This visa grants members of senior management, specialists, or trainees the right to work in Spain when the transfer is made within the same company or group of companies. It’s ideal with organizations who want to relocate workers for specific projects and can be extended to family members.
6. Seasonal work visa
Intended for temporary roles in sectors like agriculture or tourism, this visa is employer-sponsored. It’s valid for a limited time and tied to a specific job; workers must return to their home country once the contract ends.
7. Digital nomad visa
Ideal for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies, this visa offers flexibility to live and work in Spain for up to five years.
Applicants must prove consistent income from a non-Spanish company and meet the minimum financial threshold.
8. Arraigo social permit
The arraigo social permit is a special work permit for individuals who have lived in Spain for at least three years without legal residency.
Applicants must demonstrate social integration, provide proof of local ties, and secure a job offer from a Spanish employer. This permit is a pathway for undocumented residents to formalize their legal status and employment rights.
Spain Work Visa Requirements
While there are differences, here are some basic requirements for most work visas:
- Valid job offer or contract – Must be secured before applying (except for self-employed or digital nomads).
- Valid passport – With at least 6 months' validity and blank pages for the visa.
- Work and residence authorization – Requested by the employer from Spanish immigration authorities (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena).
- Completed visa application form – Usually the National Visa (D) application.
- Passport-sized photos – In line with Schengen photo standards.
- Criminal background check – From your home country and countries lived in during the past 5 years.
- Medical certificate – Stating you don’t have any diseases that pose public health risks.
- Proof of qualifications or experience – Relevant to the job or business you’ll perform.
- Proof of sufficient funds – For some visa types, especially self-employment or digital nomad visas.
- Visa fee payment – Varies by visa type and country of application.
How To Get A Spanish Work Visa: 8-Step Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of applying for a Spanish work visa, from securing a job offer to arriving in Spain.
1. Secure a job offer in Spain
Before initiating the visa process, obtain a formal job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable candidate within the EU/EEA is available for the position.
2. Employer applies for work authorization
Your prospective employer submits an application for a work authorization (autorización de trabajo) to the Spanish Ministry of Labor. This step is crucial, as the work authorization is a prerequisite for your visa application.
3. Wait for work authorization approval
The approval process can take several weeks. Once approved, the employer receives a resolution (resolución favorable), which you'll need for your visa application.
4. Apply for the work visa at the spanish consulate
With the approved work authorization, apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. Required documents typically include:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Copy of the work authorization
- Medical certificate
- Criminal background check
- Proof of qualifications
- Visa fee payment.
For detailed information, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Attend the visa interview
Schedule and attend an interview at the consulate. Bring all required documents, and be prepared to discuss your employment and plans in Spain.
6. Await visa decision
Processing times vary but generally take 1–2 months. The consulate will notify you once a decision is made.
7. Travel to Spain
Visa accepted, woohoo! Upon visa approval, you can travel to Spain. Ensure you enter the country within the validity period specified on your visa.
8. Obtain foreigner's identity card (TIE)
Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Foreigner's Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero - TIE) at the local Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or police station. This card serves as your official identification in Spain.
Shortcut: Use an EOR or Employee Relocation Service
Navigating the visa application process can be time consuming, which is why many organizations choose to use an employer of record or employee relocation service.
Technically, an Employer of record service (EOR) is a third-party service that acts as the legal employer for your international hires while you retain full control over day-to-day management.
EORs handle a range of services, including worker relocation, ensuring compliance with immigration and labor laws, managing work permit and visa processes, providing global payroll services, and helping navigate Spanish employee benefits.
This makes them an invaluable partner for businesses navigating Spain’s complex legal requirements for hiring foreign employees.
Alternatively, specialized employee relocation services exist to help manage relocations specifically.
Below, we've shortlisted some of the best employer of record services in Spain.
Best Employer of Record Services in Spain
If you’re ready to use an EOR service in Spain, these are my top 10 recommendations:
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring foreign employees in Spain comes with many questions. Here are the answers to the most common ones:
Who is eligible for a work permit in Spain?
Non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens are eligible for a work permit in Spain if they have a valid job offer from a Spanish employer, meet the qualifications for the role, and obtain residence and work authorization through the proper legal channels.
Does Spain offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa (officially known as the “International Teleworking Visa”), which allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain (for an employer located outside of Spain) for an initial period of up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years.
Applicants must have a university degree or at least three years of professional experience, and their income from Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of their total earnings.
This visa provides a pathway to temporary residency and potential permanent residency after five years.
Does Spain offer a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, Spain offers a Working Holiday Visa, also known as the Youth Mobility Visa, to young citizens from select countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
This visa allows eligible individuals, typically aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for Canadians), to live and work in Spain for up to one year. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating sufficient financial resources and having health insurance coverage.
What is a European Union Blue Card?
The European Union Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals. It allows permit holders to live and work in Spain and other participating EU countries.
To qualify, applicants must have a university degree or equivalent professional experience, a valid job offer in Spain, and a salary above the country-specific threshold.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to move freely within the 27 Schengen Area countries, including Spain, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is typically used for tourism, business, or family visits but it does not permit holders to work in Spain or other Schengen countries. For employment purposes, a specific work visa is required.
The 27 Schengen Area countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Note: While all Schengen Area countries are in Europe, not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, and some non-EU countries (like Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland) are included.
What is a Foreigner’s Identity Number/Card and how do you get one?
A Foreigner’s Identity Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero or NIE) is a unique identification number issued to non-Spanish residents for tax, legal, and administrative purposes. It is often accompanied by a Foreigner’s Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or TIE), which serves as official proof of your residency status in Spain.
To obtain an NIE or TIE, you must apply at a local police station or immigration office in Spain, typically after securing a visa or work permit. The application requires completing a form, providing identification (passport or equivalent), and paying a processing fee.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Spain?
The processing time for a work permit in Spain typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on factors such as the specific type of permit, the workload of the authorities, and the completeness of the application.
To help expedite the process, ensure that all required documentation is accurate and complete when submitting the application.
What documents are required for a Spanish work permit application?
The documents required for a Spanish work permit application typically include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A completed work permit application form
- A copy of the employment contract from the sponsoring employer
- Proof of the employer’s compliance with Spanish labor laws (e.g., tax and registration documents)
- Evidence that the job cannot be filled by a local or EU citizen
- The applicant’s educational or professional qualifications that are relevant to the job
- Health insurance covering Spain
- A clean criminal background check from the applicant’s home country
Note, additional documents may be required depending on the specific visa type.
How much does it cost to get a work permit in Spain?
Generally, Spanish visa application fees range from €60 to €150, depending on the specific work permit category.
However, the cost of obtaining a work permit in Spain varies based on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of residence. For example, US citizens applying for a self-employment visa may face fees around €248, while Canadian citizens could incur costs up to €1,447.
It’s important to note that these fees are typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied. Given that fees can vary and are subject to change, it’s advisable to consult the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information before applying.
How long is a Spanish work permit valid for?
A work permit in Spain is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as the conditions of employment and residency remain valid. After five years of continuous legal residence and employment, the permit holder may be eligible for permanent residency.
How do you renew a work permit in Spain?
To renew a work permit in Spain, the employee must submit a renewal application to the immigration authorities within 60 days before or 90 days after the permit’s expiration date. The process requires proof of continued employment, including an updated work contract, tax compliance records, and a valid residence permit.
If approved, the renewed permit is typically valid for another year, with eligibility for longer renewals after multiple renewals.
Are family members included in work visa applications in Spain?
Family members are not automatically included in work visa applications in Spain. However, employees with a valid work visa can apply for family reunification permits to bring immediate family members, such as spouses and children, to Spain. This application process typically requires proof of sufficient income, housing, and legal residency.
How much does an Employer of Record charge in Spain?
The cost of EOR services in Spain varies based on the provider and the range of services offered. Some EORs charge a flat monthly fee per employee, while others apply a percentage of the employee's salary.
In general, EOR services in Spain cost between $199 to $599/employee/month.
Some EOR service providers, like Skuad and Remofirst, offer services starting at $199 USD per employee per month, whereas others, like Remote, charge between $599 and $699 USD per employee per month, depending on your payment frequency (monthly or annually).
Other EOR companies, such as Velocity Global, don’t actually disclose their EOR prices publicly, requiring you to request a personalized quote instead.
I recommend consulting directly with several EOR providers to obtain detailed and accurate pricing information tailored to your company's requirements.
What are the risks of using an Employer of Record service?
While EOR services simplify international hiring, potential risks include loss of direct control over certain HR functions, reliance on the EOR's compliance accuracy, and unexpected fees for additional services.
It’s crucial to select a reputable EOR with transparent pricing and proven expertise in managing employment laws within Spain to mitigate these and other potential risks effectively.
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This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We recommend always following the advice of an employment lawyer or EOR partner before making any decisions to hire employees in Spain.
