The work visa document is a strict requirement for any non-EU emigrant. Therefore, your work visa should be at the top of your moving checklist.
Each of the visas grants you the legal right to work in Spain for a period of one 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 have signed a contract with a company operating in Spain
You have 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
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 must have 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 must have a valid passport
You must have a medical certificate
You must have a clean criminal record certificate
You must have a legally binding job offer or a signed contract
You must arrive 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 could not 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 must apply for a visa at your local Spanish embassy upon receiving the EU Blue Card
You must provide a valid passport, a medical certificate, a clean criminal record certificate
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.
Requirements for an Au Pair Visa
You must be between the ages of 17 and 30
You must have a formally notarized Au Pair agreement between the host family and yourself. The agreement must state the details of the work and the salary
You must have proof that you can support yourself self-sufficiently
You must provide proof of medical coverage
You must 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