To work in Spain, you might need a work visa, but citizens from European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland are exempt. Here’s a detailed look at Spain’s work visa requirements and types.

Who Requires a Spain Work Visa?

Citizens from EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Spain without a work visa. However, individuals from non-EEA countries, including the UK post-Brexit, require a work visa to live and work in Spain.

Types of Work Visas in Spain

1. Long-Term Work Visa: This is the standard work visa for Spain, valid for one year, with indefinite renewals as long as requirements are met. To apply, you must secure a job offer from a Spanish company, and your position should be considered a “Shortage Occupation” or prove that no suitable EU candidates are available.

2. Seasonal Work Visa: Designed for short-term employment contracts spanning several months. Additional requirements include proof of accommodation, employer-provided travel, and a commitment to return to your home country after contract completion.

3. Au Pair Work Visa: Specifically for individuals providing Au Pair services in Spain. Valid for one year, renewable for up to two years. Applicants must be aged 17-30, fluent in English, French, or German, have basic Spanish skills, and secure a host family before applying.

4. EU Blue Card Visa: Part of the EU Blue Card program, it allows highly qualified foreign nationals to work in Spain. Valid for one year, renewable, and offers favorable conditions for bringing family members. Requirements include a three-year higher education diploma or extensive professional experience, a work contract offering a salary at least 1.5 times the average Spanish wage, and a minimum annual salary of €33,908.

5. Self-Employed Visa: Enables freelancers (autónomos) to work in Spain. Valid for one year, renewable up to four years, and allows for a transition to employee status. Requirements include being over 18, having no criminal record, professional qualifications or experience, sufficient financial resources, and irregular immigration status in Spain.

Spain Work Visa Requirements

While requirements can vary based on your nationality and visa category, here are some general documents needed for most Spain work visas:

1. Work contract from a local Spanish entity.
2. Valid passport (not more than ten years old) with copies of all pages containing biometric data.
3. Recent passport-size color photograph.
4. Work authorization, obtained by your employer.
5. Criminal record check (no older than three months) from each country you’ve lived in for the past five years.
6. Medical certificate proving you don’t have diseases that threaten public health.
7. Proof of accommodation, like a lease agreement.
8. Proof of professional qualifications or equivalent experience related to your job offer in Spain.

How to Get a Work Visa in Spain: 5 Steps

1. Request a Work Visa from the Ministry of Labor: The employer must request work authorization for you, which can take up to three months. They’ll need to submit various documents and pay fees.

2. Apply for a Work Visa at a Local Spanish Embassy: Once you receive the work permit, schedule an appointment at a local Spanish consulate in your home country. Provide the required documents, biometrics, and attend an interview.

3. Obtain the Work and Residence Visas: Visa processing may take up to three months. Collect your passport with the visa stamp from the consulate.

4. Travel to Spain: You can now travel to Spain with your work visa.

5. Register With Spanish Social Security: Your employer should register you with the Social Security system upon arrival. If you plan to stay over six months, apply for a Foreigner Identity Card.

Considerations Before Obtaining a Spain Work Visa

Every applicant must have a job offer from a legally incorporated Spanish entity. A workaround for global companies is partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR), simplifying the hiring of foreign nationals.