Spain Work Visa & Work Permit: The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners

Spain, renowned for its rich culture, sunny climate, and robust economy, has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for international workers.

The country offers numerous opportunities across sectors such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, and technology. With its welcoming environment and transparent immigration process, Spain is an ideal destination for both skilled professionals and unskilled labourers seeking legal employment in the European Union.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Spain Work Visa and Work Permit, including eligibility requirements, necessary documents, the step-by-step process, costs, and frequently asked questions.

Why Work in Spain

1. A Diverse and Stable Economy

Spain’s economy is the fourth largest in the European Union, driven by tourism, manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, and construction.

It provides a stable job market with growing opportunities for international talent.

2. High Demand for Foreign Workers

Due to skill shortages, Spanish employers hire thousands of foreign workers from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and African nations, especially in agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and healthcare.

3. Legal Gateway to Europe

Spain’s work visa offers a legal pathway to live and work in the EU, providing free travel within the Schengen Area.

4. Excellent Quality of Life

Spain is ranked among the top countries in Europe for its climate, healthcare, safety, and work–life balance.

Foreigners enjoy a high standard of living at a comparatively low cost.

5. Clear Pathway to Permanent Residence

After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for Permanent Residence and later Spanish citizenship.

6. Transparent Immigration Procedures

Spain’s visa and work permit systems are fully regulated and digitised, ensuring fast, legal processing for genuine applicants.

Understanding the Spanish Work Permit

A Spanish Work Permit authorises non-EU citizens to work legally for a specific employer in Spain.

It specifies your employer, job title, and duration of employment. Without this permit, non-EU nationals cannot legally commence employment.

Issuing Authority

Work permits are issued by the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration (Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones) through local Provincial Labour Offices.

Validity

Work permits are valid for one year and can be renewed based on your employment contract and continued stay in Spain.

Types of Work Permits in Spain

Permit Type	Purpose	Validity	Ideal For
Standard Work Permit (Cuenta Ajena)	For foreign employees hired by Spanish companies	1 year	General workforce
Self-Employment Permit (Cuenta Propia)	For entrepreneurs and freelancers starting a business	1 year	Self-employed individuals
EU Blue Card	For highly qualified professionals earning higher salaries	1–2 years	IT, healthcare, and engineering specialists
Seasonal Work Permit	For temporary jobs in agriculture, hospitality, or tourism	Up to 9 months	Farm and hotel workers
Intra-Company Transfer Permit	For employees of multinational companies	Up to 3 years	Managers, technical staff

Spain Work Visa (Type D Long-Stay Visa)

The Type D Work Visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work legally in Spain for more than 90 days.

It is directly tied to a work permit issued by the Spanish authorities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Spanish Work Visa, you must:

• Have a valid job offer from a Spanish employer.
• Obtain an approved work permit before applying for the visa.
• Possess a passport valid for at least 12 months.
• Show proof of accommodation in Spain.
• Provide sufficient financial means.
• Hold valid health insurance.
• Present a clean criminal record certificate.

Visa Validity

The visa is valid for one year and renewable upon continued employment.

Documents Required

From the Employer

• Completed work permit application.
• Employment contract signed by both parties.
• Company registration certificate.
• Proof of tax and social security compliance.
• Labour market test result (if required).
• Receipt of government fee payment.

From the Employee

• Valid passport (minimum 12-month validity).
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Work permit approval.
• Health insurance policy valid in Spain.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Bank statement or proof of funds.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Visa application form and fee payment receipt.

Step-by-Step Process for a Spanish Work Visa

1. Get a Job Offer
   You can secure employment with a registered company in Spain that is authorised to hire foreign workers.
2. Employer Applies for Work Permit
   Your employer submits the work permit application to the Provincial Labour Office or online through the Ministry of Migration.
3. Work Permit Approval
   The Labour Office reviews your employer’s documents and, once approved, issues the authorisation to work.
4. Apply for Type D Work Visa
   You can apply for the Type D Visa at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
5. Visa Processing
   The embassy reviews your documents and issues the visa within 15 to 45 working days.
6. Travel to Spain
   After you receive your visa approval, you can proceed to enter Spain and begin your employment.
7. Apply for Residence Card (TIE)
   Within one month of arrival, register at the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) and apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) residence card.

Processing Time

Stage	Estimated Duration
Work Permit Application	30–60 working days
Embassy Visa Processing	15–45 working days
Residence Card Issuance	2–4 weeks
Total Duration	60–120 working days

Fees and Costs

Service	Average Fee (€)	Paid By
Work Permit Application	100–150	Employer
Type D Visa	80–100	Employee
Embassy / VFS Fee	25–30	Employee
Residence Card (TIE)	20–30	Employee

Additional costs may include health insurance, translation, and legalisation of documents.

Top Industries Hiring Foreign Workers in Spain

Industry	Common Roles	Average Monthly Salary (€)	Permit Type
Construction	Welders, Labourers, Electricians	1,200–1,800	Work Permit
Hospitality & Tourism	Servers, Cooks, Cleaners	1,000–1,500	Seasonal
Agriculture	Farm Workers, Pickers	1,000–1,400	Seasonal
Logistics & Transport	Drivers, Loaders	1,200–1,800	Work Permit
Manufacturing	Machine Operators, Technicians	1,400–2,000	Work Permit
Healthcare	Nurses, Caregivers	1,800–3,000	Blue Card
IT & Engineering	Developers, Analysts	2,500–5,000	Blue Card

Benefits of Working in Spain

• 100% legal employment under EU labour law.
• Access to public healthcare and social security.
• Right to apply for permanent residence after five years.
• Visa-free travel within Schengen countries.
• Opportunity for family reunification.
• Transparent and reliable work visa process.
• Affordable living costs compared to other EU countries.
• Strong worker protection and benefits.

Official Government Resources

• Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration: https://www.inclusion.gob.es
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.exteriores.gob.es
• Spanish Immigration Portal: https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es
• Employment Service (SEPE): https://www.sepe.es

Spain Immigration & Work Permit Services | Moving2Europe.eu

Spain is one of Europe’s most dynamic and lifestyle-rich destinations, known for its strong tourism industry, expanding technology sector, competitive labour market and high quality of life. However, Spain’s immigration procedures—work permits, employer sponsorship, residence authorisations, consular processing and document verification—can be challenging without expert guidance.

Moving2Europe.eu delivers structured, compliant and end-to-end Spain immigration support for international workers, families and employers hiring global talent.

Complete Spain Work Permit & Residence Solutions

We assist with all major Spanish immigration pathways, including:

• Spain Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored)
• Residence Permit for Employment
• EU Blue Card Spain
• Highly Qualified Professional Visa
• Seasonal & short-term work authorisations
• Self-employment & entrepreneur residence permits
• Intra-company transfer permits
• Long-Stay National Visa (Visado Nacional)
• Student, trainee & internship residence permits

Support is available for individuals and employers recruiting from abroad.

Spain Immigration Services for Individuals

1. Work Permit & Employment Residence Support

We help workers with:

• Employer-sponsored work visas
• Employment-based residence permits
• EU Blue Card applications
• Highly Qualified Professional permits
• Seasonal and temporary work visas
• Long-term residence renewals

2. Document Preparation & Embassy/VFS Assistance

Our services include:

• Tailored document checklists
• Detailed compliance review
• Apostilles, legalisation & certified translations
• Visa/residence application preparation
• Embassy/VFS appointment scheduling
• Interview guidance where required

3. Arrival & Legal Compliance in Spain

We support applicants with:

• Entry and border formalities
• Fingerprinting and residence card (TIE) collection
• Social security & tax number setup (NIE)
• Municipal registration (Empadronamiento)
• Employer compliance & contract formalities

Spain Family & Dependent Visa Services

We assist families relocating to Spain with:

• Spouse residence permits
• Dependent child visas
• Family reunification procedures
• Long-term residence options for dependents
• School and settlement support

Your family’s relocation process is handled smoothly and legally.

Spain Immigration Solutions for Employers & Recruiters

Spain faces talent shortages across several industries, including:

• Hospitality, hotels & tourism
• Agriculture & seasonal farming
• Logistics, warehousing & transportation
• Healthcare, nursing & caregiving
• IT, engineering & digital technologies
• Manufacturing & industrial operations
• Construction & skilled trades

We support employers with:

• Sponsorship and eligibility guidance
• Work visa & residence permit preparation
• Labour documentation and contract compliance
• High-volume recruitment and mobility programs
• Coordination with HR and legal teams
• Ensuring full compliance with Spanish immigration regulations

We help companies bring foreign workers to Spain legally and efficiently.

Executive Mobility Services for Spain

For senior executives and corporate leaders, we offer:

• Priority application processing
• Confidential file management
• Strategic relocation planning
• Fast-track documentation support
• Coordination with corporate HR/legal departments

Digital Spain Immigration Tracking System

Our digital platform provides:

• Real-time case tracking
• Secure digital document uploads
• Step-by-step milestone updates
• Renewal & compliance reminders
• Immigration guidance and regulatory updates

Ideal for individuals and HR teams managing multiple applicants.

Why Choose Moving2Europe.eu for Spain Immigration?

• Strong expertise in Spain’s immigration & work permit laws
• Accurate and compliance-focused application preparation
• Dedicated case managers for each client
• Full support for workers, families and employers
• Clear communication throughout the entire process
• Global network covering 170+ countries
• In-depth understanding of Spain’s labour and residence systems
• Modern, technology-backed case management

We make Spain’s immigration process smooth, structured and fully compliant.

Start Your Spain Work Permit Process Today

Whether you are applying for employment, relocating your family or hiring international staff, Moving2Europe.eu ensures a professional, efficient and legally secure Spain immigration experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main types of Spanish work permits?

Spain offers the Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena), the EU Blue Card, the Seasonal Work Permit, the Self-Employment Visa, and the Highly Skilled Professional Visa.

2. What is the Spain Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena)?

A permit for foreign workers hired by a Spanish employer, allowing long-term residence and employment.

3. What documents are required for a Spanish work permit?

Passport, signed job contract, employer documents, police clearance, medical insurance, accommodation proof, and qualifications. Some require translation into Spanish.

4. How long does the Spanish work permit process take?

Processing typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on the type of work, region, and immigration workload.

5. Do I need a job offer to apply for a Spanish work visa?

Yes, most Spanish work visas require a confirmed employment contract approved by the Spanish authorities.

6. What is the Spain EU Blue Card?

A permit for highly qualified professionals with recognised degrees and higher salaries, offering mobility within the EU.

7. Can I apply for a Spanish work permit from abroad?

Yes, your employer applies in Spain, and you finish the visa steps at the Spanish Embassy.

8. Can Spanish employers hire foreign workers?

Yes, employers can hire non-EU workers when positions cannot be filled locally and job conditions meet legal standards.

9. What is the minimum salary requirement for a work permit in Spain?

Salaries must meet Spain’s national and sector-specific wage standards, with higher amounts required for skilled roles.

10. Can students work in Spain?

Yes, international students can work part-time up to 30 hours per week with proper authorisation.

11. What are the shortage occupations in Spain?

The hospitality, agriculture, caregiving, construction, logistics, IT, and maritime sectors are experiencing significant labour shortages.

12. Can I bring my family to Spain with my work permit?

Yes, after obtaining your residence permit, you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and children.

13. Do dependents have the right to work in Spain?

Yes, family members may work after receiving a residence authorisation that includes work rights.

14. What is the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (Tarjeta de Profesional Altamente Cualificado)?

A fast-track permit for employees earning competitive salaries and working in specialised sectors.

15. Can I change employers after receiving a Spain permit?

Yes, but you must update your work authorisation and ensure the new employer meets permit requirements.

16. Do I need Spanish language skills to work in Spain?

Not always. Some sectors accept English-speaking workers, but Spanish is strongly recommended.

17. Is health insurance mandatory in Spain?

Yes, applicants must have private or employer-provided health insurance until enrolled in Spain’s public system.

18. What is the Spain Seasonal Work Permit?

A temporary visa for short-term jobs in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, valid for several months.

19. Can seasonal workers apply for long-term residence?

No, seasonal permits do not count toward long-term residency. A full-time contract is required.

20. How do I register my address in Spain?

You must register at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to obtain your empadronamiento certificate.

21. Can I apply for permanent residence in Spain?

Yes, after 5 years of legal residence with stable employment and clean records, you may apply for long-term EU residence.

22. Does Spain hire non-EU workers?

Yes, Spain recruits foreign workers due to labour shortages in hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.

23. What are the most in-demand jobs in Spain?

Servers, cleaners, chefs, caregivers, drivers, farm workers, IT specialists, and construction labourers.

24. Is it challenging to find a job in Spain?

Skilled workers find jobs easily; unskilled jobs are available in sectors facing shortages.

25. How long can I stay with a Spanish long-stay visa (Tipo D)?

Usually, it takes up to 90 days to enter Spain and complete your residence permit appointment.

26. Can I renew my Spanish work permit?

Yes, renewals are allowed if your employment continues and you submit the documents on time.

27. What is the Spain Residence Card (TIE)?

A biometric card confirming your right to live and work in Spain. It must always remain valid.

28. Do I need biometrics for Spain?

Yes, fingerprints and photos are collected at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).

29. Can you submit my Spain work application?

Yes, employers must complete the initial authorisation process inside Spain.

30. Is Spain part of the Schengen Area?

Yes, Spain is a Schengen member, allowing visa-free travel within Schengen states.

31. Can I travel within Europe with a Spanish residence permit?

Yes, you may travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 days.

32. What if my Spanish work permit is refused?

Please don't hesitate to appeal or apply again with corrected documents. Most refusals involve employer or documentation issues.

33. Does Spain hire drivers and logistics workers?

Yes, due to expansion in the distribution and transport sectors, Spain regularly hires foreign drivers.

34. Is Spain a good option for skilled migration?

Yes, with strong labour demand, a warm lifestyle, and residency pathways, Spain is popular among skilled migrants.

35. Do documents need Spanish translation?

Yes, many documents require an official translation into Spanish and may require legalisation or an apostille.

36. Can unskilled workers find jobs in Spain?

Yes, unskilled roles are available in agriculture, hospitality, cleaning, and factories.

37. What is the Spain work permit processing time?

Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on province and application type.

38. Are healthcare workers in demand in Spain?

Yes, nursing assistants, caregivers, and hospital staff are needed across both public and private sectors.

39. Do employers offer accommodation in Spain?

Some employers—especially in agriculture and hospitality—provide housing or housing assistance.

40. What is the labour market test in Spain?

For some roles, employers must show that no suitable Spanish/EU candidate is available. Shortage roles are exempt.

41. Can I work while my Spain permit is processing?

No, you must wait until your authorisation is approved and your residence card is issued.

42. Is there an age limit for a Spanish work permit?

No strict limit exists, but applicants must meet job and health requirements.

43. Can I convert a tourist visa into a work visa in Spain?

No, work visas must be started from your home country. Spain does not allow conversion inside the country.

44. Does Spain offer entry-level jobs for foreigners?

Yes, many entry-level jobs exist in farms, hotels, kitchens, warehouses, and cleaning services.

45. Are biometrics required again after arrival?

Yes, biometrics must be provided when applying for your TIE residence card.

46. Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

Yes, Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning abroad.

47. What are the highest-paying sectors in Spain?

IT, engineering, healthcare, renewable energy, aerospace, and finance offer higher salaries.

48. Does Moving2Europe.eu assist with Spain work permits?

Yes, we support employer coordination, document preparation, embassy filing, and TIE residence processing.

49. Can working in Spain lead to citizenship?

Yes, after long-term residence and meeting Spanish naturalisation requirements, citizenship is possible.

50. How can I start my Spain work visa application?

Send your CV to Moving2Europe.eu, select your job category, and we will handle employer sponsorship and complete the visa procedures.

Professional Assistance with M2S Group Sp. z o.o.

M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Provides complete support for Spain Work Visas, Work Permits, and Residence Applications.

Our expert consultants handle job matching, employer coordination, documentation, and embassy processing, ensuring a seamless, legal, and transparent move to Spain.

For verified employment and trusted visa assistance, you can contact M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Today, begin your successful European career in Spain.