Work Permit in Spain

Spain attracts many foreign professionals with its good climate, developed economy, and cultural diversity. In order to work legally in the country, foreign citizens need to get a work permit. Herein, we will consider what steps a foreigner needs to take to obtain it successfully.

Types of work permits in Spain

Different types of work permits are obtainable in Spain based on the category of applicant and nature of the work. These include:

The general work permit (permiso de trabajo y residencia) is granted for one year and must be renewed. It gives you permission to work for a specific employer.

A work permit for the self-employed (cuenta ajena) for those who plan to run a business.

EU Blue Card, which is offered to highly qualified professionals, permits them to work and reside in Spain as well as any other member country of the EU.

Actually, receiving a work permit in Spain starts with finding an employer willing to offer you a job and take care of the necessary paperwork. The application shall be submitted by the employer to the local branch of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social).

Required documents

The following documents will be required for getting a work permit:

• Completed application form;
• A valid passport and copies of all active pages;
• An employment contract signed by the employer and employee;
• Proof of qualifications or length of service;
• Certificate of no criminal record;
• Health insurance that covers the applicant for the entire duration of the stay in Spain.

Time frames and deadlines

Depending on the case, the time required for processing an application for a work permit can take from a few weeks up to a few months. Taking into consideration that your work permit has already been approved, another document you will be required to get is a D visa – it allows you to enter the country and start employment.

Peculiarities of taxation and social security

Foreigners working in Spain pay taxes and into its social security system, too, in return for which they are entitled to health care, pension payments, and other such social benefits.

What is the Spain work visa?

Spain is the country with a highly developed economy and having quite a lot of attractive opportunities for foreign specialists. The Spanish work visa is a document that allows foreigners legally to work and live in the territory of this country. In the article below, we will take a closer look at what a Spanish work visa is, what types are existing, and what the procedure is for obtaining.

Types of work visas in Spain

There are several types of work visas in Spain for various groups of applicants, including the following:

• The general work visa (Tipo de visado D) allows foreigners to practice professional activities in service of a Spanish employer. It is issued with regard to an employment contract and upon the condition that a prior work permit is available for that employee.
• The self-employed visa (Autónomo) is issued to foreigners who want to establish an independent business in Spain or create businesses as freelancers.
• The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified employees of third-party countries. The holders of this type of visa enjoy a number of privileges, including a simpler procedure of obtaining residence and the possibility to work in any EU country.

Procedure for obtaining a work visa

The work visa can be obtained in Spain through an application process at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The steps that should be involved are:

• Documents showing proof of having an employment contract with a Spanish employer or a business plan for self-employment.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to maintain one’s self in Spain.
• Full health insurance that covers your stay in its entirety.
• A certificate of lack of a criminal record.

Terms and conditions of validity of a work visa

A work visa in general will be issued for a period not exceeding one year. If the employment it covers is longer than that, then one may proceed with an application for a renewal. Such a renewal must be made considering the terms of the contract and the Spanish Law.

How to apply for the Spain work visa in 2024?

Spain still represents an attractive destination for foreign talents of all professions. The structure of the application for a work visa in 2024 is mostly well organized, and an applicant is expected to show great care while following the instructions. Here follows a step-by-step guide to applying for a work visa in Spain.

How can I get a Spanish work visa and permit?

Spain attracts lots of foreign professionals with its warm climate, rich culture, and stable economy. To work legally in the country, you should obtain a work visa and permit. Below, you can find a detailed description of how to get both documents.

1. Types of work visas

First of all, there is a need to define what type of work visa applies to your situation:

• The General Work Visa (Visado de trabajo y residencia) is for those who have received a job offer from a Spanish employer.
• Self-employed visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta propia) for entrepreneurs who intend to start their own business in Spain.
• European Blue Card for highly qualified professionals with benefits of mobility in the EU.

2. Preparation of documentation

For any of the work visas, the applicant would need the following:

• Valid passport
• Two passport size photos.
• Proof of job offer by a Spanish employer and/or a business plan for the self-employed.
• Proof of enough funds to support yourself
• Health insurance that covers you for the whole period in Spain.
• A certificate of no criminal record from all countries of residence for the last five years.

3. Submit an application

The application should be submitted in person to the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Moreover, you will be required to book an appointment in advance where you will have to present all the documents that you have prepared.

4. Get and activate a visa

Once your application has been approved you will be granted a visa to enter Spain. When you arrive in Spain, you have one month in which to apply for an Alien Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE) – proof of your right to live and work.

5. Finalization of residency

Once you have been issued your TIE, you may enjoy your residency in Spain, where you will be subject to the local laws and obligations such as tax payments and health insurance contributions.

Obtaining a work permit in Spain requires serious preliminary preparation and adherence to all established requirements and procedures. Proper preparation of all required documents and timely submission of applications considerably raises the chances of successfully obtaining a permit. It is recommended to consult professional migration agents in order not to miss anything at any stage and avoid possible mistakes.

What documents do I need for the application to the Spain work visa?

Spain opens its wide doors to many opportunities for foreign professionals. To be able to work in the country legally, one needs to apply for a work visa, for which the application requires very serious preparation and collection of documents. Below is outlined a list of the main documents, which will be required for a successful application to obtain a work visa to Spain.

Where and at what time can you apply for a Spain work visa?

Spain is a European Union country with a vigorously developing economy, which attracts many foreign workers. For foreigners, of course, it is necessary to obtain a work visa in order to be able to legally work in Spain. In the article below, we will take a closer look at where and when to apply for a work visa in Spain in order to make this process as easy as possible for all those who would like to apply.

Where to apply for a work visa

The application for a work visa to Spain shall be affected through the Spanish diplomatic mission – embassy or consulate – in the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship. It must be underlined that, with the exception of the following cases, it is not possible to apply directly in Spain but rather the application should be made from outside Spain; such an exception might be the case when the applicant is already in Spain on another legal ground, for example, on a student visa.

When to apply for a work visa

The best time to apply will vary due to several factors, and the application processing time itself often takes several weeks to a few months, so it is usually advisable to apply at least 2-3 months in advance of your likely start date.

• Date of commencement: Consider the date of commencement from the letter of employment so that your arrival date coincides with your start date.
• Seasonal congestion: Application centres for visas might get busier in certain periods like summer months and holiday seasons. Scheduling your application outside of peak seasons will minimize waiting times as well.

Procedural peculiarities

Before applying for a work visa, you will need to prove that you hold the necessary documents among which a contract of employment with an employer in Spain, previously approved by the local employment authority. You will also have to prove financial independence, health insurance, and all supporting documents required by the Consulate.

For how long is the Spain work visa valid?

Understanding the validity of a work visa and its renewal conditions is often very critical for many foreign professionals looking for employment opportunities in Spain. The present article shall delve into the validity of various types of work visas in Spain, along with pointing out factors that usually affect the renewal of those visas.

Can foreigners work in Spain?

Spain is open to foreign specialists, offering many career prospects and possibilities of professional development. However, work in Spain is regulated by a number of legislative acts that define the terms of employment, qualification requirements, and procedures for obtaining the required permits. Accordingly, foreigners can only work in Spain after obtaining a special permit. The fields for which foreign employees are in the highest demand belong to the so-called quota system, which usually is required for work activity.

1. Requirements for obtaining a work permit

Foreign workers who are not European Union citizens require a work permit in order for their employment to be given the green light in Spain. There has to be:

• An available offer of employment from any Spanish employer.
• The candidate must apply for a work and residence permit from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in the State of residence.
• The approval of the contract by the Spanish National Employment Institute.

2. Work permit types

Spain offers various types of work permits, depending on the category of foreign workers. These include:

• General employment authorization for employment on an employment-by-employment basis.
• Self-employed authorization for those who would like to set up their own business.
• European Blue Card for highly qualified professionals.

3. Application process for a work visa

For any person to enter and work in Spain, there is a requirement, besides a work permit, for a work visa. The process includes:

• application to a Spanish Consulate or Embassy
• providing all the documents required – a work contract, proof of professional qualification, health insurance, and criminal records.
• getting a visa after which one can enter Spain and start working.

4. Specifics of taxation and social security

Every migrant worker in Spain was obligated by legislation to pay taxes and social contributions, which entitled them to a right of health services, pensions, and other kinds of social securities.

Types of work visas available in Spain

Spain has other classes of work visas that are provided for foreign workers who would wish to go and work in the country. Depending on qualifications, type of work, and other factors, applicants can opt for various categories of visas that have their own peculiarities and requirements. The following is a detailed overview of the main types of work visas in Spain.

General work visa (Tipo de Residencia y Trabajo)

This kind of visa targets foreigners who have received an offer for a job contract in Spain. Generally, the work visa will be issued for a one year term, and can be renewed in subsequent periods if the relationship with the employer is ongoing. The application for the visa has to be preceded by the approval of a work contract by the Spanish labour authorities.

Visa for the self-employed (Autónomo)

This visa applies to the entrepreneur or freelancer who intends to practice an independent professional activity in Spain. An applicant must present a business plan and proof that their activities are financially viable. The visa is commonly issued for a year, renewable.

European Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE)

This visa is for high-skilled workers in non-EU states. A European Blue Card needs either a university degree or substantial work experience and a work contract in Spain with compensation considerably higher than the median compensation in the country. It will be issued for two years and can be renewed accordingly.

Visa for seasonal workers

It is issued to foreigners who travel to Spain to carry on seasonal work. It is valid only for a period corresponding to the duration of the seasonal work, usually up to a few months.

Spain work permit requirements

With its dynamic labor market and a high quality of life, Spain is an appealing country for an international career. However, the process of obtaining a work permit can seem intimidating should one not have all the details concerning local requirements. In this article, we look at main aspects to consider when applying for a work permit in Spain.

Types of work permits

Work permits in Spain come in various types, with each being aimed at a different category of applicants. Main types of permits include the following:

• A general work permit (permiso de trabajo y residencia) is issued to foreigners who will work for hire.
• Basic requirements

For the application of a work permit, the following conditions should be satisfied:

• A job offer from a Spanish employer should be available. The contract has to be approved by local labour authorities.
• Proof of professional qualifications. Documents proving relevant education or work experience depending on type of activity.
• Health insurance which will cover the period intended for staying in Spain fully.
• Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin and all countries where the applicant has resided during the last five years.
• Financial solvency to support yourself and family in Spain.

Submission procedure

The application for a work permit is submitted through the Spanish consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence. All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalised.

Processing time

Processing usually takes from a few weeks up to several months, though the timeframe varies depending on the type of visa and work permit.

Obtaining a work permit in Spain requires very serious preliminary preparation of documents and adherence to local legal requirements. It is desirable to start preparations as far in advance as possible, with the involvement of professional consultants who can facilitate this procedure and reduce possible mistakes to a minimum.