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If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can live and work in Spain without a visa or work permit. However, nationals from outside the EEA — often referred to as nationals from a third-country — will typically need both a work visa and residence authorisation to take up employment in Spain.

Following Brexit, UK citizens are now also subject to Spain’s third-country visa rules for working in the country.

In short, if you’re a non-EEA national and you intend to work, start a business, or offer professional services in Spain, you’ll need the appropriate visa and residence permit.

While specific visa categories each have their own requirements, some general eligibility criteria apply across most work visas in Spain:

• Valid job offer or business plan (depending on visa type)

• Clean criminal record in your country of residence and in Spain

• Proof of qualifications or professional experience for certain categories

• Financial means to support yourself during your stay

• Private health insurance if you’re not covered by public healthcare

• Accommodation in Spain (rental contract, hotel reservation, or proof of housing provided by employer)

Failing to meet these basic requirements can lead to visa refusals, so preparing your documentation thoroughly is key.

Spain offers a diverse range of visas tailored to different employment situations and professional profiles. Let’s examine the main categories.

This permit is intended for professionals with higher education degrees, significant vocational training, or substantial professional experience.

Key features:

• Valid for three years and renewable

• Allows accompanying family members to obtain dependent visas; spouses can work

• Generally requires a salary above a certain threshold to qualify as “highly qualified”

This permit is popular among multinational companies hiring specialists for managerial, technical, or strategic roles.

Similar to the Highly Qualified Permit but harmonised across EU countries, the EU Blue Card targets skilled workers seeking long-term residence and intra-EU mobility.

To qualify:

• Hold a higher education qualification (minimum three years), or

• Have at least five years of relevant professional experience

• Have an employment contract in Spain lasting at least six months

• Earn a salary meeting government-set thresholds

The EU Blue Card provides extra flexibility for moving to other EU countries, making it attractive for globally mobile professionals.

Multinational companies can transfer employees to Spain under either the EU ICT permit or the national ICT permit:

• EU ICT permit: For managers, specialists, or trainees moving within the same corporate group

• National ICT permit: For intra-company transfers where the EU ICT conditions aren’t met (e.g. work at a client site)

Applicants typically need at least three months’ prior employment with the sending company. This visa offers a streamlined process for multinational firms.

Spain’s economy relies on seasonal workers, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

Key requirements:

• Job offer for a specific seasonal role

• Proof of accommodation arranged by the employer

• Evidence of travel costs covered by the employer or applicant

• Commitment to return home after the contract ends

Seasonal visas last up to nine months per year, depending on the length of the employment contract.

Entrepreneurs planning to launch innovative businesses in Spain can apply for this visa.

To qualify, you must:

• Propose an innovative business plan benefiting Spain’s economy

• Obtain a favourable report from Spanish authorities (e.g. ENISA)

• Demonstrate sufficient funds to establish and run the business

• Show potential for job creation or technological advancement

The Entrepreneur Visa initially grants a three-year residence period, renewable for two more years.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a new option for remote workers who wish to live in Spain while working for employers or clients abroad.

Requirements include:

• Proof of remote employment outside Spain

• Minimum income threshold set by Spanish authorities

• Proof of accommodation in Spain

• Clean criminal record

• Private health insurance

Applications can be filed in Spain or at the nearest consulate. The visa grants up to three years’ residence and can be renewed.

Students or recent graduates can stay in Spain to complete internships related to their studies.

• Must hold or be in the process of obtaining a higher education degree

• Internship must align with the academic field

• Two paths:

  • Internship Agreement: Valid up to six months, renewable once

  • Trainee Contract: Valid for the length of the contract, up to two years

This is an excellent route for students transitioning into the Spanish job market.

Au pairs live with a host family and provide childcare or light housework in exchange for room, board, and pocket money.

Eligibility:

• Aged 18 to 30

• Agreement with a host family outlining duties and compensation

• Private health insurance

• Basic language skills in Spanish, English, French, or German

Stays under 90 days may be visa-free for some nationalities; longer stays usually require a visa or student permit.

Spain has working holiday agreements with a few countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

Requirements:

• Age limit (generally 18–30; up to 35 for Canadians)

• First-time participant in the program

• Not working more than six months total or more than three months for a single employer

• No accompanying dependents

This visa allows you to travel and work casually in Spain for up to one year.

Freelancers or business owners can obtain a self-employment visa if they plan to operate in Spain.

Conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Provide a business plan (if applicable)

• Demonstrate financial resources for personal and business expenses

• Show relevant qualifications or professional experience

• Hold any necessary licences or permits

Unlike the Entrepreneur Visa, this permit covers businesses that may not be innovative but are still viable.

This permit is for researchers working on projects in Spain’s public or private sectors.

Eligible individuals include:

• Research personnel in science, technology, and innovation fields

• Teaching staff at universities or research institutions

• Technical staff involved in R&D activities

The permit is valid for one year or the length of the employment contract and is renewable.

While many foreign nationals need a work permit to be employed in Spain, certain professional activities are exempt from this requirement under Spanish immigration laws. However, even if a work permit is not needed, a visa may still be required to enter or stay in the country, depending on your nationality and the length of your intended stay.

Below are some of the key professional categories that do not require a Spanish work permit, though they may still be subject to visa or residence requirements:

University Professors and Researchers

• Foreign university professors, lecturers, or researchers invited to Spain for teaching, research, or academic collaboration are generally exempt from requiring a work permit.

• This exemption applies both to public and private educational institutions.

• However, depending on the length of the assignment (short-term visits vs. long-term contracts), they may still need to apply for a National (long-stay) visa.

Technicians and Scientists

• Highly skilled technicians and scientists coming to Spain to work on specific scientific or technical projects are often exempt from obtaining a work permit.

• Examples include participation in research projects, technical installations, or specialized machinery maintenance.

• Their stay is typically tied to the duration and scope of the project.

• A visa may still be required for stays exceeding 90 days or for nationals of non-visa-exempt countries.

Foreign Journalists

• Accredited journalists or media correspondents working for foreign news outlets and reporting from Spain do not generally need a work permit.

• However, they should be able to prove their professional status and the nature of their assignment.

• Long-term stays may still require a visa or residence permit.

Clergy and Religious Workers

• Members of religious orders, clergy, and other individuals performing religious or missionary activities are exempt from needing a work permit.

• Activities might include pastoral work, teaching in religious schools, or charitable work associated with religious institutions.

• A visa or residence permit is often required for stays exceeding 90 days.

Artists Performing Specific Shows

• Artists, musicians, actors, and other performers coming to Spain for specific cultural events, concerts, festivals, or artistic performances may be exempt from requiring a work permit.

• This typically applies to short-term stays connected to a specific event or production.

• Nevertheless, artists may still require an entry visa depending on their nationality and the length of their stay.

Important Note on Visas:

• Schengen Visa (Short Stay): For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, nationals from visa-required countries will need a Schengen Visa, even if a work permit isn’t required for their professional activity.

• National Visa (Long Stay): For stays longer than 90 days, a National Visa is generally required regardless of the work permit exemption, and additional documentation (e.g., proof of accommodation, sufficient financial means) may be necessary.

Always check the latest regulations or consult the Spanish consulate in your country, as requirements can vary based on nationality, the type of work performed, and bilateral agreements between Spain and other countries.

Applying for a Spanish work visa involves several steps. While each visa type may have its nuances, the general process includes the following stages:

In most cases, your Spanish employer applies for work and residence authorisation on your behalf. This application is lodged with the Spanish immigration authorities.

Some visa categories, such as the Entrepreneur Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, allow applicants to apply directly themselves.

Once your work and residence authorisation is approved, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.

You’ll typically need:

• Completed visa application form

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical certificate

• Proof of financial means

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation

• Employment contract or business plan, depending on visa type

After arriving in Spain, applicants staying more than six months must obtain a Foreign National Identity Card (TIE). This card proves your legal residence and must be carried at all times.

You must apply for the TIE within one month of arrival at the local Foreigner’s Office or police station.

While exact requirements depend on the type of work visa you’re applying for (such as a highly skilled worker visa, self-employment visa, or seasonal work permit), there are several core documents that applicants should expect to prepare. Below is a closer look at the documents commonly requested:

• Completed Visa Application Form
  You must fill out the official application form accurately, providing details about your personal information, the purpose of your stay, and your planned duration in Spain.

• Valid Passport and Photocopies
  Your passport must be valid for at least several months beyond your intended stay. Often, at least two blank pages are required for visa stamps. Photocopies of the main pages are usually submitted alongside the original.

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos
  Typically, you’ll need one or two recent color photographs that meet the Schengen photo requirements regarding size, background, and facial expression.

• Job Offer or Business Plan

  • For employed workers: A signed employment contract or official job offer from a Spanish company, indicating your job title, salary, and working conditions.

  • For self-employed applicants: A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your business, projected income, and proof of financial investment.

• Criminal Record Certificate
  A police clearance certificate from your home country (and any country where you’ve resided in the past five years) demonstrating you have no serious criminal convictions. Often, this document must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish.

• Medical Certificate
  A doctor’s statement confirming you are free from any diseases that could pose a public health risk, issued within the previous three months. It may need to follow specific wording and be officially translated into Spanish.

• Proof of Qualifications
  Copies of diplomas, professional licenses, or certificates relevant to your job in Spain. Depending on your occupation, official recognition or equivalence of qualifications may be required.

• Proof of Accommodation
  Evidence of where you will stay in Spain, such as a rental agreement, property deed, or a letter of invitation from a host.

• Financial Evidence
  Documents proving you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain. This could include recent bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, or proof of regular income.

• Health Insurance Policy
  Comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Spain, ensuring access to healthcare during your stay. It must be issued by a provider authorized to operate in Spain or the wider Schengen area.

Keep in mind that Spanish consulates can request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances. Requirements and procedures can also change over time. Always check the latest guidance from your local Spanish consulate or embassy before applying to avoid delays or the risk of a visa refusal.

Processing times for Spanish work visas vary:

• Highly Qualified Permits: Often faster under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law (20 days)

• EU Blue Card: Around 30–60 days

• Other permits: Typically 1–3 months, depending on the region and workload

Visa fees also vary by nationality and visa type, ranging from around €60 to €500.

Spain is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates, offering a high standard of living, a strong public healthcare system, and a rich cultural heritage that blends centuries-old traditions with modern European life. Whether you’re drawn to the dynamic atmosphere of major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, or the laid-back charm of coastal towns and rural villages, Spain appeals to a diverse community of professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.

Here’s a closer look at key considerations for anyone planning to live and work in Spain:

Language: Spanish Proficiency

• While English is widely spoken in international business environments and major urban centres, learning Spanish is crucial for deeper integration into local life.

• Proficiency in Spanish greatly improves professional opportunities, as many jobs—especially in smaller businesses or public-facing roles—require at least conversational Spanish.

• It also helps in daily activities, from navigating bureaucracy to forming social connections.

Cost of Living Variations

• Spain’s cost of living varies significantly by region and city. For instance:

  • Madrid and Barcelona tend to have the highest costs, particularly for housing and dining out.

  • Coastal cities like Valencia or Málaga offer a more affordable lifestyle while still providing urban amenities and Mediterranean culture.

  • Smaller towns and rural areas are often significantly cheaper but may have fewer job opportunities for foreigners.

• Overall, Spain remains more affordable than many other Western European countries, especially in terms of groceries, public transportation, and leisure activities.

Healthcare System

• Spain boasts an excellent public healthcare system, ranked among the best in Europe for quality and accessibility.

• EU and EEA nationals can typically access public healthcare through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for short stays.

• However, many expatriates—especially non-EU citizens or those on certain visa types—are required to hold private health insurance to cover their medical needs.

• Private health insurance can also provide faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors, which some expats prefer even if they are eligible for public care.

Networking and Business Culture

• Personal relationships and trust are highly valued in Spanish business culture.

• Building networks through professional events, social gatherings, or industry associations can be essential for career growth and securing new opportunities.

• Business communication tends to be polite and indirect. It’s common to engage in small talk before moving to business matters.

• Hierarchies exist but tend to be less rigid than in some other European cultures, depending on the industry.

Taxes and Social Security

• Spain’s tax system can be complex, particularly for:

  • Freelancers (autónomos), who must register, file quarterly tax returns, and pay social security contributions.

  • Business owners navigating corporate tax regulations.

  • Foreign nationals who may be subject to tax residency rules, depending on the number of days spent in Spain and the location of their economic interests.

• Social security contributions are mandatory and fund benefits such as healthcare, pensions, and unemployment assistance.

• It’s highly advisable to seek guidance from a local tax advisor or gestoría (administrative consultant) to ensure compliance and optimize tax obligations.

Challenges and Rewards

Relocating to Spain offers unique challenges, from navigating bureaucratic procedures for visas, residence permits, and taxation, to adjusting to cultural differences in work-life balance and business practices. Yet for many expatriates, the rewards of living in one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse countries far outweigh these obstacles.

Whether enjoying the Mediterranean climate, exploring historic architecture, savoring world-renowned cuisine, or immersing yourself in the local community, life in Spain can be deeply fulfilling both professionally and personally.