- Secure a job in Spain. To obtain a work visa in Spain, you must first have a job offer or contract from a Spanish company. ...
- Get a work permit from your employer. Your employer will apply for your work authorization (form EX03) through Spain’s Provincial Aliens Affairs Office.
- Collect the required documents. Together with the work permit sent by your employer, gather all the necessary documents based on the type of work visa you need.
- Schedule an Appointment. Book an appointment with the Spanish embassy, consulate, visa center, or other responsible diplomatic missions in your country of residence.
- Settle the Fees. You need to pay a particular fee to cover the expenses in processing your application. ...
- Travel to Spain. The diplomatic mission will review your application for 15 days and will notify you once your visa is ready for collection.
- Request a Foreigner Identity Card. Once in Spain, you can complete your whole Spanish work visa application by applying for a Foreigner Identity Card at the local police station.
Full Answer
Do I need visa to live and work in Spain?
Workers who are not from EU countries need to obtain a Work Visa to be able to live and work in Spain. Without a Work Visa a company cannot legally employ non-EU citizens. There are various types of Work Visas for Spain for different types of jobs and for different lengths of employment. Some of the most common types of work visas are:
Can I work in Spain without a work permit?
While EU citizens do not need a work permit, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens will need a work permit to work in Spain, but there are some exceptions, such as family members of people who already have a work visa or scientists or researchers who have come to work on a specific project.
How to get a work permit and visa for Spain?
You’ll have to provide certain documents, which may include the following:
- a business plan (if appropriate);
- evidence that you have the appropriate finances to invest in it or support yourself;
- proof that you have the skills or experience to do the work;
- any contracts or commissions from companies;
- any licenses or registrations required to carry out the work in Spain;
- information about potential to create employment in Spain.
Can I legally work in Spain?
Since Spain is a part of the European Union (EU), EU citizens do not need a work permit to live and work in the country. Otherwise, expats must secure a job so you, as the employer, can request authorization for the individual to legally work in Spain.
How do I get a work permit for Spain?
Collect the Required Documents to Apply for Spain Work VisaWork Authorization. ... Police record. ... Medical Certificate. ... Proof of accommodation.Proof of the professional qualification for the job you have been offered in Spain.Work contract. ... License or registration required to carry out the work in Spain.
Is it hard to get a work visa in Spain?
Spain has a very high unemployment rate, so obtaining a work permit for this country is difficult if you're not a European Union citizen. Further complicating matters is the fact that there's no working holiday visa that would allow you to pick up a random job while touring the country.
How much is a Spanish work visa?
How much does a work visa cost in Spain?Type of VisaPrice (€)Employed Work Visa€ 60 - € 160Au Pair Visa€ 80 to € 150EU Blue Card€ 285Seasonal Work Visa€ 73- € 5501 more row•May 6, 2022
Can I get a work visa for Spain without a job?
Before you can get a work employment visa (por cuenta ajena), you must first have a job offer. Your employer must then request a work permit for you to legally work in Spain. Permits are available for specific sectors, so it is usually possible to change jobs as long as it is in the same field.
How long does it take to get a work visa for Spain?
8 monthsWork permit applications can take up to 8 months to process so forward planning is needed. Once the Ministry of Labour has approved the application, the embassy or consulate issue the work and residence visa.
Can I move to Spain without a job?
You can move to Spain without a job. Nevertheless, you will then need to apply for any residency that does not list it as a requirement.
What jobs are in high demand in Spain?
According to the data gathered from the interviews with Human Resources directors, the categories currently in the highest demand in Spain are: Sales (26.34%), Engineering (24.19%), Technology (23.12%), Marketing (9.14%) and Administration, Finance and Legal (4.30%).
Can you work in Spain without residency?
The exact duration depends on the type of roots process: For the social arraigo, you must have lived in Spain for 3 years without legal residency, and find a job offer. For working arraigo or arraigo laboral, the years required in Spain are 2, out of which during a minimum of 6 months you have worked for a company.
How long does it take to get a work visa?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
How long can I work in Spain without a visa?
If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attending business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
How long can I stay in Spain without a visa?
In other words, if you visit Spain for a short period of time without having a residence permit, whether your country of origin required you to apply for a tourist visa or not, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days before you actually have to leave or obtain a legal residence permit.
Can I work in Spain without speaking Spanish?
In most places in Spain, you can probably go about without speaking the language. However, speaking Spanish will help you experience places like a local and help you make the most of your time here.
How long can I work in Spain without a visa?
If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attending business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
Can you work in Spain without residency?
The exact duration depends on the type of roots process: For the social arraigo, you must have lived in Spain for 3 years without legal residency, and find a job offer. For working arraigo or arraigo laboral, the years required in Spain are 2, out of which during a minimum of 6 months you have worked for a company.
How long does it take to get a work visa?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
Are there any exemptions for employee work permits in Spain?
Some individuals don’t have to have a work permit to do work in Spain. However, they may still need a visa to be able to enter into Spain. Examples...
Can students find employment in Spain?
If you have a student residence card, you can work up to 20 hours a week during your studies in Spain. Your employer must arrange a work permit on...
What is an EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is Europe's answer to the US Green Card. The EU Blue Card is a work- and live permit for non-EU/EEA nationals. The European Blue C...
Can I work as a freelancer or self-employed?
In order to be able to work in Spain as a freelancer, it is necessary to apply for a Work Visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. The work visas ar...
Working in Spain
Spain has much to offer people who want to live and work in the country long-term. The nation scores high marks among OECD countries for work-life balance. Not only that, but it boasts year-round sunshine, excellent culture, and a vibrant food scene, making it highly appealing to expats from around the world.
Who needs a work visa in Spain
If you want to live and work in Spain, there are two main branches of authorities that you will be dealing with: the immigration authority under the Secretary of State for Migration ( La Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones ), and the labor and employment authorities under the Ministry of Labor and Economy ( Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social )..
Types of work visas in Spain
If you want to live and work in Spain as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need a residence and work permit ( visado de trabajo y residencia ).
Work visas for employed persons
Before you can get a work employment visa ( por cuenta ajena ), you must first have a job offer . Your employer must then request a work permit for you to legally work in Spain. Permits are available for specific sectors, so it is usually possible to change jobs as long as it is in the same field.
Self-employed work visa
If the idea of being your own boss in Spain sounds appealing, then you might want to consider becoming self-employed, or what the Spanish refer to as an autónomo. However, it is important to understand that the process you will need to follow largely depends on your country of origin.
Work visas in Spain for students
If you have a student residence card, you can work up to 20 hours a week while you are studying in Spain. However, your employer must arrange a work permit on your behalf.
Work visas in Spain for family members
Family members can join non-EU relatives who have been living in Spain for one year, and hold a residence permit for a further year, by applying for a family reunification visa. Once approved, family members can work in the country without needing a work permit.
What you need to know about the work visa in Spain
First things first, you’re going to need a visa if you’re a non-EU citizen aspiring to work in Spain.
How long can I live in Spain without a work visa?
You don't always need a work visa, sometimes a simple tourist visa is enough.
1. Employee Visa
The employee visa is the most basic option you can make use of. The employee visa is valid for a year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the requirements are met.
2. Seasonal Work Visa
As the name suggests, the seasonal visa allows you to work in Spain for a fixed period, typically a couple of months.
3. EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is only attainable for individuals who have a high level of professional capacity. With the EU Blue Card, you can travel freely across EU states for up to 90 days in 180 days.
4. Self-employed and freelance visa
This type of visa is for individuals who want to independently work in Spain.
5. Au Pair Visa
As the name suggests, the Au Pair visa is for individuals who are set to provide au pair services to a family in Spain. This visa is valid for one year and can be extended to up to two years.
What is needed to obtain a Spain Work Visa?
In Spain in order to work, a work employment visa must be obtained. A Spain Work Visa allows for the foreigner or foreigners to be able to enter, stay in Spain, and carry out any and all employed tasks, with previous Government Authorization. There are a multitude of steps that must be correctly followed in order to obtain the work visa. First bit of information regarding the work visa application process, the visa must be applied for in person. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the expected date of travel. Starting from the time approval notification was received; residence visas must be picked up within 30 days,anytime after that, visas will be cancelled.
How long is a Spanish visa valid?
The visa from the department will only be valid for 90 days. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal. During the first month of your stay in Spain, you must go to the local police station to receive your full visa. They will ask for some original documents, which will be certified at the Consulate, and then you will be issued a ”Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero” (NIE). This card validates your residency until the listed expiration date. Note that the dates will be formatted DAY/MONTH/YEAR. Everyone working in Spain must register with the Spanish Social Security authorities, the General Social Security Fund (Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social – TGSS). If you are an employee your employer will do this for you; if you are self-employed it is your responsibility. Take a look at their website for more information on how to register, contributions and benefits. There are also provincial offices all throughout Spain
Are there any exemptions for employee work permits in Spain?
Some individuals don’t have to have a work permit to do work in Spain. However, they may still need a visa to be able to enter into Spain. Examples of those who may be exempt from needing a work permit to be able to work in Spain include university professors, technicians, and scientists, those coming to Spain to develop scientific or cultural programs, foreign journalists, artists coming for specific performances, clergy, and trade union officials. There are no visa or work permit restrictions if you would like to come to Spain to carry out volunteer work.
Can students find employment in Spain?
If you have a student residence card, you can work up to 20 hours a week during your studies in Spain. Your employer must arrange a work permit on your behalf.
Can I work as a freelancer or self-employed?
In order to be able to work in Spain as a freelancer, it is necessary to apply for a Self employment Visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. The work visas are valid for one year but can be renewed if all the conditions are still met. The required documentation for the work visa includes:
What is a business plan in Spain?
A business plan (if pertinent) Any contracts or commissions from companies. Any required licenses or registrations (industry or job-specific) Once you have the work and residence permit, you can apply for a visa to enter Spain, if necessary. Find out if you need an entry visa in our guide to Spanish visas.
Can a family member work in Spain?
Family members can join relatives of non- eu citizens who have been residing in Spain for one year and hold a residence permit for a further year , by applying for a family reunification residence permit. Once approved, family members can work without a work permit Non-EU relatives of EU/ EEA/Swiss citizens can come to Spain without waiting for a year and can also work without a permit.
What are the two types of visas that can be applied for in Spain?
First of all, the two visas that fall under the entrepreneur law (which you can apply to once inside Spain): the entrepreneur visa and the highly skilled visa.
What is a highly qualified visa?
The highly qualified visa is for those individuals who have a qualified job offer in Spain, or graduates/postgrads from universities and prestigious business schools.
Is Immigration Lawyers Spain good?
They keep up on all new laws and regulations. Provide excellent and efficient service with great results. I use Immigration Lawyers Spain for my personal immigration needs and we also use them for our corporate immigration needs.
Who Needs a Work Visa in Spain?
In short, anyone who is not from EU countries needs to obtain a Spanish work visa to live and work in Spain. Without a work visa, a company cannot legally employ non-EU citizens, nor can a freelancer remain and work in Spain. Work permits, which may be limited to specific activities, are in general valid for a year and are renewable if you still fulfill the conditions. After five years, you can apply for a long-term residence permit in Spain.
How long is a work permit valid in Spain?
Work permits, which may be limited to specific activities, are in general valid for a year and are renewable if you still fulfill the conditions. After five years , you can apply for a long-term residence permit in Spain. Read: Health Insurance in Spain for Expats and Working Abroad.
How long is a Spanish work permit valid?
You will need to pick it up before entering Spain. The Spanish work permit is valid for one year and is renewable as long as you fulfill the conditions.
How to work in Spain as a non-EU citizen?
To work in Spain as a highly-skilled employee, non-EU citizens need to find a job listed as a ‘Shortage Occupation’. This is a list of occupations for which there is a lack of suitable candidates within the EU and gives you the chance to apply for that job. Some of the fields on the “in-demand” list are doctors, marketers, engineers, business consultants, etc. Once you get a job, but before moving to Spain, your new employer requests a work visa from the Ministry of Labour.
How long does it take to get a blue card in Spain?
Once the EU Blue card visa is approved, you must apply in person for a visa from a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country within 1 month from your employer’s initial EU Blue card approval. When you get the permit from your embassy or consulate in your home country, you have three months to move to Spain.
How long is a work permit valid in Spain?
There are several different types of work permits for both employed and self-employed individuals that are valid anywhere from nine months to five years. Spain has a very high unemployment rate, so obtaining a work permit for this country is difficult if you’re not a European Union citizen. Further complicating matters is the fact ...
How to get a K-3 visa?
Apply for the K-3 visa. Submit a valid passport, your birth certificate, a nonimmigrant visa application, your marriage certificate, two identical color photos (size 2 by 2 inches), police certification from all the places you have lived since age 16, a medical certificate, evidence that your spouse can support you (Form I-134, an Affidavit of Support, may be required) and proof that the marriage is genuine. Be prepared to pay the processing fee, which usually costs around $131. You will submit the application in the country in which you were married.
Can I get a work permit if I have a minor child?
on the K-4 dependent visa. However, make sure that they are named in the visa petition. Once you are in the U.S., you can apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765. Writer Bio. Barbara Diggs is a freelance writer living in France.
How can I get a visa to Spain?
You will just need to study which of the different types of residency options best adapts to your situation, and check all its requirements.
How long does it take to get a visa for Spain?
After submitting the required visa application form and all the other relevant documents, your file will be processed. After 3-4 months , you will receive a positive response, hence being able to travel to Spain and get your residence permit for one year. In this step, having your NIE number will be required.
What is a tourist visa in Spain?
The Schengen visa, also called tourist, is the document you will have to apply for if you wish to visit Spain for tourism purposes. The main characteristic of this visa is that it is not specific to one country: with it, you can enter and freely travel through all the countries that are within the Schengen area.
How long does a Schengen visa last?
Tourist or Schengen visas last a maximum of 90 days. After those 3 months, if you wish to stay in the country you must apply for a regular residence permit.
How long do you have to stay in Spain to get a tourist visa?
On the other hand, non-EU citizens are required to get a tourist visa (if the plan to stay less than 3 months in Spain), or a residence visa for more than 90 days.
How to bring family to Spain?
Bring your relatives to Spain with you through the family member of an EU citizen visa, or through the family reunification process.
Is Immigration Lawyers Spain good?
They keep up on all new laws and regulations. Provide excellent and efficient service with great results. I use Immigration Lawyers Spain for my personal immigration needs and we also use them for our corporate immigration needs.
