After several years of economic challenges, Spain’s labor market shows clear signs of recovery. This makes the country an increasingly attractive destination for foreigners seeking new job opportunities.
Are you one of them? We suggest starting with the visa process. There are different legal options to live and engage in professional activity in Spain. But don’t worry—in this post we’ll tell you everything related to getting a work permit in Spain.
It’s a legal document/permit that allows foreigners to enter, live, and carry out work activities in another country for a specific period. In Spain, it’s a mandatory requirement for those who are not part of the European Union (EU) and wish to work for a specific time.
If you don’t have citizenship or don’t wish to obtain it, applying for a work visa in Spain is the most viable option. But first, you need to know which one suits you, as there are several.
Spain offers various types of permits to work legally within the country. Just like with the U.S. visa, it’s important to choose the type that fits your specific case.
These are 5 types of work permits in Spain:
If you have a confirmed job offer in Spain, this is the visa you need. This document not only allows you to work for the company that hires you, but also gives you legal residence in the country.
This permit authorizes you to stay in the country for more than 90 days and less than five years. It can be requested for work, educational, family, or personal reasons, with the possibility of renewal if the original conditions are maintained.
Spain also offers a visa for professionals whose main objective is to carry out a scientific or technical research project.
In this case, you must have a hosting agreement signed by an authorized research entity in Spain. Likewise, you must prove appropriate academic training and professional experience.
This visa is aimed at entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to establish their professional activity in Spain.
However, applying for it requires presenting a viable business plan and demonstrating sufficient financial means. You must also meet the legal requirements of the sector in which you plan to work.
If you work remotely as a digital nomad, there’s a Spanish work visa for you too.
This document allows you to legally reside in the country while carrying out your online professional activity.
If you’re a freelancer or have embraced digital nomadism, remember that with DolarApp, you can activate a EURc or USDc account. That way, you can receive payments from your clients and have your money available anytime.
Every process requires certain documents, even when renewing a visa. This case is no exception.
Since the requirements vary by visa type, we’ll focus on the employee work visa (cuenta ajena), as it’s one of the most common ways to legally move to Spain.
Here are the requirements:
Be over 16 years old.
Complete and sign the national visa application form.
Have the initial residence and work authorization signed by the employer (original and copy).
Attach a copy of the employment contract sealed by the Foreigners’ Office.
Present a federal criminal background certificate issued within the last 90 days and apostilled. This must be processed through the Mexican government system.
Not be residing illegally in Spanish territory.
Have a medical certificate proving you don’t suffer from any public health risk diseases (original and copy).
In the case of minors, provide apostilled documentation of the parent and parental relationship.
Pay the corresponding visa fee.
You’ll also need basic documents similar to those required for a U.S. or Canadian visa:
Valid passport.
A recent photo.
Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction (e.g., voter ID or residency card).
Note: the Consular Office may request additional information or call you for an interview if deemed necessary to assess your application.
First, your employer in Spain must apply for and obtain the residence and work authorization from the Foreigners’ Office.
Once the authorization is approved, you have 1 month to submit your application at the corresponding office. You must attend in person or with a parent if you’re a minor.
Bring all required documentation, including passport, job contract, residence authorization, medical certificate, and criminal record. If anything is missing, the consulate will inform you.
Upon submission, you’ll receive a receipt with a tracking code to check the status of your application online.
The consulate may take up to 1 month to decide. Unless they request additional documents or a personal interview, which could extend the process.
Once approved, you can pick up your Spanish work visa without an appointment. You have up to 1 month from the resolution and must go during the specified hours at the office where you submitted your application.
What if your visa is denied?
You have two options:
1. File an administrative appeal after 1 month.
2. File a contentious-administrative appeal within 2 months.
If you obtain your Spanish work visa, you can enter the country without issue.
Now, let’s talk about the visa’s validity:
1. If your contract is for one year, your visa will be valid for 90 days. Upon arrival in Spain, you must:
Register with Social Security.
Apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of starting work.
2. If your contract is for a specific season, the visa will cover the authorized period, and you won’t need to apply for the TIE.
So, how long does it take to get a Spanish work visa?
From the employer’s application to visa approval, the process takes about 2 to 3 months—provided there are no delays or additional requests.
If you want to improve your chances of success when applying for a work visa to Spain, these tips will help:
Before starting the process, identify which visa applies to your situation:
If you have a job offer in Spain, you’ll need an employee visa (cuenta ajena).
If you plan to start a business, you’ll need the self-employed visa (cuenta propia)—but remember it requires a solid business plan.
There are also specific visas for researchers and remote workers.
Each visa has different requirements, timelines, and procedures. Choosing the right one helps avoid rejection and saves time.
Prepare your passport, job contract or business plan, criminal record, medical certificate, and photos. Have everything ready and in order before starting.
Note that if you entered Spain as a tourist, you cannot start the process there. You must schedule your appointment at the correct consulate in your country of origin.
That means, for example, the Spanish Consulate in Mexico or the Spanish Consulate in Argentina.
Look for contracts in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, technology, or construction. Spanish companies where visa sponsorship is more likely.
Also check that the job is on the shortage occupation list published by the Ministry of Labor—this will make the process easier.
Immigration laws may change, and you must stay informed. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the consulate’s site to avoid missing new conditions or requirements.
Before traveling, consider purchasing private health insurance that covers your initial stay in Spain. Some visas require this, especially if you’re not yet registered with Social Security.
If you’re not familiar with immigration processes, consider consulting a lawyer or immigration advisor. This is often necessary to avoid mistakes and submit a stronger application.
Work visa applications are not immediate, so be patient. The most important thing is to follow every step carefully, keep copies of all documents, and respond quickly if the consulate requests additional info.
Being organized and attentive to deadlines will help you avoid unnecessary delays or having to start over.
Good luck!
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