Spain work visa: Application process and requirements (2023)

Yordan

Updated on May 06 • 5 minute read

Dreaming of working in Spain? As a non-EU citizen, the bureaucratic process for your work visa in Spain can be challenging. Well, you’re not alone!

Keep reading to find out about the type of work visas, the requirements and what to expect from the application process.

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.

There're 5 types of work visas in Spain:

Long-term Work Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
EU Blue Card
Self-employed and freelance work visa
Au Pair Visa

What’s a work visa?

The work visa is a strict requirement for all non-EU expat wanting to work in Spain. Each of the visas grants you the legal right to work in Spain for a period of 1 year. You can renew the document every year as long as you meet the requirements.

Once you’ve held your work visa for 5 continuous years, you’re eligible to apply for a long-term residence in Spain.

Therefore, your work visa should be at the top of your moving checklist.

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.

Short-term visits (up to 90 days)

Non-EU citizens can spend up to 90 days in Spain within a 180 day period without any visa. The 90-day rule states that you can enter Spain as many times as you wish within a 180-day period.

Exceeding the 90 days free entry period results in legal consequences, so you must keep a good count!

Keep in mind: the short-stay permit is for tourists and doesn’t allow you to start a legal job or register at an address in Spain. For that, you’ll need to apply and meet the requirements for a work visa.

Joining relatives who work in Spain

Family members may stay up to one year with their non-EU relatives, who are living in Spain. After receiving a residence permit for family reunification, their stay can be extended for a further period.

How do I get a work visa in Spain?

So how do you get a work visa in Spain?

There are 5 options you can make use of:

Employee Visa
Seasonal Work Visas
EU Blue Card
Self-employed and freelance visa
Au Pair Visa

Keep reading to find out the requirements and application process for each of them.

1. Employee Visa

The employee visa's the most basic option you can make use of. The employee visa's valid for a year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the requirements are met.

Requirements for an employee visa

You need to have signed a contract with a company operating in Spain
Your job has to be classified as a “Shortage Occupation” or there were no suitable candidates within the EU to fill your position.

Application process

You secure a contract with a Spanish employer
Your employer requests a work permit on your behalf to the local office of the Ministry of Labor (Delegación Provincial del Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración)
You receive a copy of the visa application
You share the copy of the visa application as part of the visa request with your local Spanish embassy
Your local embassy notifies the Ministry of Labor regional office of the receival of your application
The regional office of the Ministry of Labor processes your application
Your local Spanish embassy issues your work visa

Total required time: Up to 8 months

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.

Requirements for a seasonal work visa

You've signed a contract with a company operating in Spain
You've adequate accommodation
Your travel expenses are covered You must return to your home country upon the expiration of the seasonal contract

Application Process

You secure a contract with a Spanish employer
Your employer requests a work permit on your behalf to the local office of the Ministry of Labor (Delegación Provincial del Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración)
You receive a copy of the visa application
You share the copy of the visa application as part of the visa request with your local Spanish embassy
Your local embassy notifies the Ministry of Labor regional office of the receival of your application
The regional office of the Ministry of Labor processes your application
Your local Spanish embassy issues your work visa

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.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card

You've successfully attained a higher education qualification across a period of at least 3 years or have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience
You've a valid passport
You've a medical certificate
You've a clean criminal record certificate
You've a legally binding job offer or a signed contract
Your job has to pay at least 1.5 times the average salary in Spain
You've arrived in Spain within 3 months of the date of issue of the visa

Application process

You secure a contract with a Spanish employer
Your employer applies on your behalf and provides evidence that your position couldn't have been filled by an EU citizen
Your employer includes information about your qualifications and provides a copy of your passport/ ID along with a certificate for health insurance in Spain
You apply for a visa at your local Spanish embassy upon receiving the EU Blue Card
You provide a valid passport, a medical certificate, a clean criminal record certificate
You provide your job contract

4. Self-employed and freelance visa

This type of visa is for individuals who want to independently work in Spain.

Requirements for a self-employed and freelance visa

You've to provide a business plan (if applicable to your situation)
You provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your personal expenses and those of your business
You provide proof of your skills and experience
You provide contacts or commissions from client companies
You possess all the valid permits to carry out your business in Spain
You signify the potential of creating employment in Spain

Application Process

You file a work permit application at your local Spanish embassy along with all the required documentation

5. Au Pair Visa

As the name suggests, the Au Pair visa is for individuals who are set to provide au pair services (help with housework and childcare) to a family in Spain. This visa is valid for one year and can be extended to up to two years.

Requirements for an Au Pair Visa

You've to be between the ages of 17 and 30
You've a formally notarised Au Pair agreement between the host family and yourself. The agreement must state the details of the work and the salary
You've proof that you can support yourself self-sufficiently
You provide proof of medical coverage
You provide proof of clean criminal records

Application Process

Make a visa appointment at your regional representative brach of Spain
Take part in an interview with a consular officer, during which you have to submit all of the required documents