Spain Work Visa & Permit: Complete Guide 2025

Spain’s work visa (visado de trabajo) allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain legally. This comprehensive guide covers all work permit types, the employer sponsorship process, application requirements, and processing times for 2025.

Quick Facts:

• Main Types: Cuenta Ajena (Employee), Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed), EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled)
• Employer Requirement: Spanish employer must sponsor you (for Cuenta Ajena)
• Processing Time: 1-3 months (consulate) + 1 month (work permit approval in Spain)
• Initial Duration: Typically 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
• Labor Market Test: Required for most positions (employer must prove no qualified EU candidates)
• Family Reunification: Possible after 1 year of residence
• Path to Permanent Residence: After 5 years

Types of Work Permits in Spain

Spain offers several work authorization categories depending on your employment situation.

1. Cuenta Ajena (Employee Work Permit)

For: Non-EU citizens employed by a Spanish company

This is the standard work visa for foreign employees. A Spanish employer sponsors you, proving they couldn’t find a qualified EU candidate for the role.

Key Features:

• Employer must initiate the application
• Labor market test required (situación nacional de empleo)
• Job offer must meet minimum salary requirements
• Tied to specific employer and role
• Valid for 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods

Who It’s For:

• Professionals hired by Spanish companies
• Skilled workers in sectors with labor shortages
• Intra-company transfers (special procedures)
• Managers and executives relocating to Spain

Minimum Salary Requirement: No official minimum, but must be “adequate” for the position and meet collective bargaining agreement standards for the industry (typically €18,000-€25,000+ annually for skilled positions).

2. Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Permit)

For: Non-EU citizens who will work as freelancers or entrepreneurs in Spain

This permits self-employment, freelancing, or starting a business in Spain.

Key Features:

• No employer required; you’re your own sponsor
• Must demonstrate sufficient capital to support yourself and the business activity
• Business plan required showing economic viability
• Allows registration as autónomo (self-employed)
• Valid for 1 year, renewable

Who It’s For:

• Freelancers (consultants, designers, developers, writers)
• Entrepreneurs starting a business
• Investors opening a company
• Professionals with clients in Spain

Financial Requirements:

• Proof of €25,000-€50,000 in available capital (varies by region and business type)
• Business plan demonstrating economic viability
• Proof of professional qualifications or experience

Complete Autónomo Guide →

3. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

For: High-demand professionals in specialized fields

Created under Spain’s Startup Law (Ley 28/2022), this fast-track visa is for highly qualified workers in tech, science, and innovation sectors.

Key Features:

• No labor market test required
• Faster processing (1-2 months vs. 3-4 months)
• Initial 3-year permit (vs. 1 year for standard)
• Family reunification from day one
• Option for remote work

Who Qualifies:

• University degree + 3 years experience, OR
• 5 years professional experience in specialized field
• Employment contract with Spanish company or foreign company with Spanish operations
• Minimum salary: 1.4× average salary in Spain (approximately €33,000-€35,000/year)

Priority Sectors:

• Technology and software development
• Scientific research
• Engineering
• Healthcare (specialized roles)
• Higher education

4. EU Blue Card

For: Highly skilled non-EU workers with university degrees

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals, valid across participating EU countries.

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 2 years initially (renewable)
• Allows mobility to other EU countries after 18 months
• Family reunification rights from day one
• Faster path to permanent residence (some EU countries)
• No labor market test in most cases

Requirements:

• University degree (Bachelor’s or higher)
• Employment contract for at least 1 year
• Minimum salary: 1.5× average Spanish salary (approximately €37,500/year in 2025)
• Health insurance
• Clean criminal record

EU Blue Card vs. Standard Work Visa:

Feature	EU Blue Card	Standard Work Visa
Minimum Salary	€37,500/year	€18,000-€25,000
Education	University degree required	Not always required
Labor Market Test	Usually waived	Usually required
Initial Duration	Up to 2 years	1 year
EU Mobility	Yes (after 18 months)	No
Family Reunification	Immediate	After 1 year

5. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa

For: Employees transferred from a foreign branch to a Spanish branch of the same company

Facilitates international company transfers for managers, specialists, and trainees.

Key Features:

• Simplified application (no labor market test)
• Valid up to 3 years (managers/specialists) or 1 year (trainees)
• Must have worked for company 3-6 months before transfer (varies by role)
• Salary must meet Spanish standards for position

Who It’s For:

• Managers and executives
• Specialized technical staff
• Trainees (recent graduates)

6. Seasonal Worker Visa

For: Temporary work in agriculture, tourism, or seasonal industries

Allows employment for up to 9 months per year in seasonal sectors.

Key Features:

• Duration: 3-9 months (non-renewable same year)
• Tied to specific employer and season
• Common in agriculture (harvest), tourism (summer), ski resorts (winter)

The Cuenta Ajena Application Process (Standard Employee Visa)

This is the most common work visa type. The process involves both employer and employee responsibilities.

Phase 1: Employer Responsibilities (In Spain)

Step 1: Labor Market Test (Prueba de Situación Nacional de Empleo)

The employer must prove they couldn’t find a qualified EU/EEA candidate for the position.

Requirements:

• Job advertised publicly for at least 15 days
• Posted on government employment service (SEPE) or equivalent
• Documentation of recruitment efforts
• Justification why foreign hire is necessary

Exemptions: Labor market test is waived for:

• Positions on Spain’s labor shortage list (oficios de difícil cobertura)
• EU Blue Card applicants
• Highly Skilled Professional Visa
• Intra-company transfers
• Certain scientific and research positions

Common Labor Shortage Occupations (2025):

• Software developers and engineers
• Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors in certain specialties)
• Hospitality and tourism roles (in some regions)
• Agricultural workers
• Construction trades (in some regions)

Note: Labor shortage lists vary by autonomous community. Check with your regional government.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Authorization

The Spanish employer submits the work permit application to the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or Large Companies Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) in Spain.

Required Documents (Employer Provides):

• Work permit application form
• Employment contract meeting legal requirements
• Proof of labor market test (or exemption)
• Company registration and tax identification
• Social Security registration certificate
• Proof company is financially solvent
• Job description and required qualifications

Processing Time: 20-45 business days in Spain

Possible Outcomes:

• Approved: Work authorization granted; employer notifies employee
• Request for Additional Information: Employer provides supplementary documents
• Denied: Employer receives explanation; can appeal within 1 month

Phase 2: Employee Responsibilities (At Consulate)

Once the employer’s work authorization is approved in Spain, the employee applies for the visa at a Spanish consulate in their home country.

Step 3: Gather Personal Documents

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, blank pages)
• Passport photos (recent, white background, 3-4 copies)
• Birth certificate (apostilled, translated to Spanish)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled, translated)

Criminal Record:

• Criminal background check from home country (apostilled)
• Certificate from any country lived in 5+ years in last 5 years

Health Certificate:

• Medical certificate stating you don’t have diseases that could pose public health risk
• Some consulates require specific health forms

Proof of Qualifications:

• University degree (apostilled, translated)
• Professional certifications
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts)

Work Authorization Approval:

• Copy of approved work authorization from Spain (employer provides)

Proof of Accommodation:

• Rental contract in Spain
• Hotel reservation
• Letter from employer providing housing

Health Insurance:

• Private health insurance valid in Spain
• Minimum €30,000 coverage
• Valid for at least 1 year

Step 4: Apply at Spanish Consulate

Book Appointment:

• Schedule appointment at Spanish consulate in your country of residence
• Book 1-2 months in advance (high demand)
• Bring all original documents + copies

Consulate Interview:

• Present all documents
• Answer questions about job, qualifications, plans in Spain
• Pay visa fee (approximately €80-€160)

Processing Time: 1 month (after all documents submitted)

If Approved:

• Receive visa sticker in passport
• Valid for 90 days (must enter Spain within this period)

Step 5: Arrive in Spain and Obtain TIE Card

Within 1 Month of Arrival: Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) residence card at immigration office or police station.

Required Documents:

• Visa in passport
• Work contract
• Proof of address (rental contract)
• Padrón certificate (register at town hall first)
• Application form (Modelo EX-17)
• Fee payment (Modelo 790, approximately €12)
• Passport photos

Processing: 45 days to receive TIE card

TIE Card: This is your physical residence and work permit, valid for 1 year.

Step 6: Register for Social Security

Your employer will register you with Spanish Social Security (Seguridad Social), providing healthcare access and social protections.

Renewal Process

Your initial work permit is valid for 1 year. Renewals extend it for 2-year periods.

First Renewal (After 1 Year):

When to Apply: 60 days before permit expiration (or up to 90 days after, with late penalty)

Requirements:

• Still employed by Spanish company (or new Spanish employer)
• Proof of employment (contract, payslips, tax returns)
• Proof of Social Security contributions
• Clean criminal record in Spain
• Proof of address (padrón, rental contract)

Documents:

• Renewal application form (Modelo EX-03)
• Copy of current TIE
• Employment contract
• Last 3 payslips
• Social Security contribution report (vida laboral)
• Proof of address

Processing: 3 months; new TIE valid for 2 years

After 5 Years: Eligible for long-term residence permit (residencia de larga duración), which no longer requires employer sponsorship or job to maintain.

Changing Employers

Your initial work permit ties you to a specific employer. Changing jobs requires notification or new authorization.

After First Year: You can change employers without permission. Simply:

1. Notify immigration authorities of job change
2. Provide new employment contract
3. Update Social Security registration (new employer handles this)

Within First Year: Changing employers requires applying for a work permit modification (autorización de trabajo modificación). The new employer must sponsor you.

Switching from Cuenta Ajena to Cuenta Propia: After 1 year, you can switch from employee status to self-employed by applying for cuenta propia authorization, demonstrating you have clients or business activity.

Work Visa Costs

Employer Costs:

• Work authorization application fee: €0-€100 (varies by region)
• Legal fees (if using immigration lawyer): €1,000-€3,000
• Recruitment advertising: €200-€500

Employee Costs:

• Visa fee: €80-€160
• Apostille services: €50-€200 (multiple documents)
• Translation services: €30-€60 per page (sworn translator)
• Health insurance: €50-€150/month (until public healthcare access)
• Criminal background check: €20-€50
• TIE card fee: €12
• Immigration lawyer (optional): €500-€2,000

Total Employee Investment: €800-€3,000

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Employer Refuses to Sponsor

Problem: Many Spanish companies are unfamiliar with work visa sponsorship or consider it too complex.

Solutions:

• Target larger companies with HR departments experienced in visa sponsorship
• International companies with Spanish offices often handle visas routinely
• Offer to handle most of the paperwork yourself (with immigration lawyer)
• Highlight your unique qualifications that justify the sponsorship effort
• Consider internships or temporary contracts that may be easier to sponsor

Alternative: Apply for Digital Nomad Visa if you can work remotely for non-Spanish companies, then search for Spanish employment once in-country.

Challenge 2: Labor Market Test Rejection

Problem: Immigration authorities may determine qualified EU candidates exist for the role.

Solutions:

• Ensure job description includes very specific skills and requirements
• Provide evidence of extensive recruitment efforts across EU
• Apply for positions on labor shortage lists (no test required)
• Pursue EU Blue Card (no labor market test) if you qualify
• Have employer clearly document why no EU candidate was suitable

Challenge 3: Salary Requirements Not Met

Problem: Job offer doesn’t meet minimum salary thresholds for visa type.

Solutions:

• Negotiate higher salary with employer
• Request benefits be included in official salary calculation (housing allowance, etc.)
• Ensure salary meets collective bargaining agreement (convenio colectivo) for your industry
• For EU Blue Card, find position offering €37,500+ annually

Challenge 4: Long Processing Times

Problem: Work visa process can take 3-5 months total, delaying start date.

Solutions:

• Start process immediately after job offer
• Employer should apply for work authorization before you leave current job
• Consider negotiating remote work with new employer during visa processing
• Fast-track options: Highly Skilled Professional Visa (faster processing)

Challenge 5: Living in Spain While Awaiting Approval

Problem: You want to be in Spain during application processing, but visa isn’t approved yet.

Solutions:

• Enter on tourist visa (90 days) and wait for approval in Spain if applying close to start date
• Some consulates allow “change of status” applications from within Spain
• Digital Nomad Visa allows legal presence while job searching
• Student visa can sometimes convert to work visa if you find employment

Finding Jobs That Sponsor Visas

Not all Spanish employers offer visa sponsorship. Focus your job search on:

Industries Most Likely to Sponsor:

• Technology (software companies, startups)
• International companies with Spanish offices
• Hospitality and tourism (some roles)
• English teaching (language academies, international schools)
• Healthcare (specialized positions)

Job Boards Indicating Visa Sponsorship:

• LinkedIn (filter for “visa sponsorship”)
• InfoJobs.net (Spanish job board, look for “tramitamos permisos”)
• TechSpain (tech jobs, often sponsor visas)
• Jobs in Barcelona, Madrid (expat-focused)

Networking:

• Attend tech meetups and industry events in Spain
• Join expat Facebook groups for job leads
• Connect with recruiters specializing in international placements

Jobs in Spain for English Speakers →

Alternative Routes to Working in Spain

If the traditional work visa proves too difficult, consider these alternatives:

1. Digital Nomad Visa → Job Search

Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa working for a foreign company, move to Spain, then search for Spanish employment. Once you have a job offer, you can switch visa categories.

Advantages:

• You’re already in Spain for networking and interviews
• Employers see you’re serious about relocating
• No urgent timeline pressure

Digital Nomad Visa Guide →

2. Non-Lucrative Visa → Job Search

Enter on a Non-Lucrative Visa (no work allowed), then switch to a work visa once you find employment. This works if you have savings to support yourself initially.

Advantages:

• Lower income requirements than Digital Nomad Visa
• Time to explore Spain and build connections

Non-Lucrative Visa Guide →

3. Student Visa → Work Visa

Study in Spain (language course, master’s program), which allows 20-30 hours/week of work. After studies, you can search for full-time employment and convert to a work visa.

Advantages:

• Legal presence in Spain
• Build Spanish language skills and professional network
• Work authorization for part-time jobs

4. Entrepreneur/Investor Visa

If you have capital, consider starting your own business in Spain (cuenta propia permit) or qualifying for an investor visa (€500k+ property investment for Golden Visa).

Golden Visa Guide → Autónomo Self-Employment Guide →

5. EU Citizenship Through Ancestry

If you have EU ancestry (Italian, Irish, Spanish, etc.), explore citizenship by descent. EU citizenship eliminates visa requirements entirely.

Get Expert Help

Work visa applications involve complex legal requirements, coordination between employer and employee, and Spanish bureaucracy.

Recommended Services:

• Immigration Lawyers in Spain → - Essential for navigating work visa applications, employer sponsorship, and appeals (€1,000-€3,000)
• Employment Agencies → - Help find jobs offering visa sponsorship
• Tax Advisors → - Advise on tax residency, Beckham Law eligibility

Is Professional Help Worth It?

For work visas, yes—especially for the employer. Immigration lawyers significantly increase approval chances by:

• Ensuring labor market test is properly documented
• Preparing airtight justifications for foreign hire
• Handling complex paperwork and deadlines
• Responding to requests for additional information
• Representing employer/employee in appeals

Employer Costs: €1,000-€3,000 for full work visa sponsorship assistance Employee Costs: €500-€1,500 for document review and consulate preparation

Related Guides

• Jobs in Spain for English Speakers → - Finding employment opportunities
• Teaching English in Spain → - Common visa-sponsoring field
• Autónomo Self-Employment Guide → - Alternative to employee visa
• Digital Nomad Visa → - Remote work alternative
• EU Blue Card → - Highly skilled professional option
• Spanish Taxes for Expats → - Understanding tax obligations
• NIE Number Application → - Required for work authorization
• Cost of Living in Spain → - Budgeting for your move

FAQs About Spain Work Visa

How do I get a work visa for Spain?

You need a job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor you. The employer applies for work authorization in Spain (proving they couldn’t find a qualified EU candidate), which takes 1-2 months. Once approved, you apply for the visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country with documents including passport, criminal record, health certificate, and the work authorization. Processing takes 1 month. Total timeline: 3-4 months from job offer to arrival in Spain.

Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?

No, you need a concrete job offer and employer sponsorship for a standard work visa (cuenta ajena). Exceptions: Self-Employment Visa (cuenta propia) for freelancers and entrepreneurs; Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers; Job Seeker Visa (for highly qualified professionals, allows 6 months to find employment). Alternatively, enter on Student or Non-Lucrative Visa to job search in Spain, then convert to work visa.

How long does a Spain work visa take to process?

Total timeline is typically 3-4 months: Work authorization in Spain (employer applies) takes 1-2 months; visa application at consulate takes 1 month; TIE card after arrival takes 1 month. Fast-track Highly Skilled Professional Visa can reduce this to 2-3 months. Start the process immediately after receiving a job offer to minimize delays. Some employers begin work authorization before you leave your current job.

Do Spanish companies sponsor work visas?

Some do, but many don’t due to complexity and cost. Large international companies, tech firms, and companies experienced with foreign hires regularly sponsor visas. Small businesses often lack resources or knowledge. Most likely to sponsor: Google, Amazon, Telefónica, BBVA, major consulting firms, international schools, and tech startups. To improve chances, target experienced employers and emphasize your unique qualifications justifying sponsorship effort.

What is the minimum salary for a Spain work visa?

There’s no fixed minimum for standard work visas, but salary must be “adequate” for the position (typically €18,000-€25,000+ for skilled roles) and meet industry collective bargaining standards. EU Blue Card requires €37,500/year minimum (1.5× average Spanish salary). Highly Skilled Professional Visa requires €33,000-€35,000 (1.4× average salary). Check your industry’s convenio colectivo (collective agreement) for specific requirements.

Can I switch employers on a Spain work visa?

After your first year of residence, yes—you can change employers freely by notifying immigration authorities and providing your new employment contract. Your new employer registers you with Social Security. Within the first year, changing employers requires applying for work permit modification, with the new employer sponsoring you. Changing from employee to self-employed (autónomo) is also possible after 1 year.

What is the difference between cuenta ajena and cuenta propia?

Cuenta ajena is an employee work permit where a Spanish company sponsors you as their employee. Cuenta propia is self-employment authorization where you work as a freelancer or business owner without a sponsor. Cuenta ajena requires employer sponsorship and labor market test; cuenta propia requires business plan and proof of capital (€25,000-€50,000). Cuenta ajena ties you to one employer initially; cuenta propia allows multiple clients.

Can my family come with me on a work visa?

Yes, through family reunification. However, you must wait until after 1 year of residence to sponsor family members (spouse, children under 18 or dependent adult children, dependent parents). Exceptions allowing immediate family: EU Blue Card holders and Highly Skilled Professional Visa holders can bring family from day one. Family members receive residence cards tied to your permit duration.

Is an EU Blue Card better than a regular work visa?

For highly qualified professionals, yes. EU Blue Card advantages: no labor market test, 2-year initial duration (vs. 1 year), immediate family reunification, mobility to other EU countries after 18 months, faster permanent residence path in some EU states. Requirements are stricter: university degree required, minimum €37,500/year salary (vs. €18,000-€25,000 for standard visa). If you qualify, EU Blue Card provides significantly more flexibility and benefits.

Can I get permanent residence with a work visa?

Yes, after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain on a work visa, you can apply for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración-UE). This no longer requires employer sponsorship, allows you to work anywhere in Spain, and provides a path to Spanish citizenship after 10 years total (5 years for Latin American citizens). To qualify, you must have resided legally for 5 years with no absences exceeding 6 consecutive months.