Spain Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Spain?

All non-EU/EEA nationals require a work permit and visa to legally work in Spain. Once granted, this is usually issued along with a residence permit.

Failure to ensure that employees have the necessary work authorization can lead to fines, penalties, and the invalidation of employment contracts. Employers are responsible for verifying that their foreign workers have valid work permits and ensuring that employees adhere to the terms of the permits.

Common types of workers requiring work authorization checks include:

• Non-EU skilled professionals
• Employees relocating from non-EU countries
• Au pairs or domestic workers arriving in Spain under specific work agreements

In order to hire an international worker in Spain, the job must be listed as a shortage occupation, meaning there were no suitable candidates in Spain or the EU.

Citizens of the EU or EEA member states don’t require a work permit or visa to work in Spain. They include nationals from countries like Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden.

The Difference Between Work Permits and Work Visas in Spain

In Spain, there is a distinction between work permits and work visas, though they are closely interconnected for non-EU/EEA citizens.

What is A Work Permit ?

A work permit (autorización de trabajo) is the official authorization granted by the Spanish Ministry of Labor and Social Economy that allows a foreign national to legally perform paid work in the country. It focuses on the right to employment and is typically applied for by the employer on behalf of the employee.

What is A Work Visa?

In contrast, a work visa (visado de trabajo) is an entry and residence document issued by a Spanish consulate or embassy abroad, which permits the holder to enter Spain and stay for the purpose of working. The visa is often dependent on an approved work permit; once the permit is granted, the visa application can proceed.

Generally, the process starts with the work permit approval, followed by the visa to enter Spain, and then obtaining a residence card (TIE) upon arrival. However, EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals do not require either, as they have free movement rights, but must register for work.

Types of Work Permits and Visas in Spain

Spain offers various work-related visas and permits primarily for non-EU/EEA nationals, categorized by employment type, duration, and purpose. Some visas inherently include work authorization (acting as both visa and permit), while others require a separate permit application. Most are Type D long-stay visas (over 90 days), and renewals or extensions are possible under certain conditions.

Types of Work Permits

Employee Work Visa / Permit (Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

The Employee Work Visa is Spain’s standard work and residence authorization for non-EU nationals hired directly by Spanish employers. It enables foreign nationals to legally live and work in Spain under a salaried employment contract, typically valid for 1 year and renewable up to 5 years, after which the employee may apply for long-term residence.

Before applying, the employer must undergo a labor market test (known as “certificación negativa”), proving that no suitable candidate from Spain or the EU is available for the role. This requirement is waived in certain shortage occupations.

This permit allows you to formally onboard foreign professionals, specialists, or skilled workers into roles that require in-country presence and full-time contracts.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring a non-EU foreign national into a full-time, long-term position in Spain. This is the primary visa type for most standard jobs, particularly when hiring from outside the EU talent pool.

Seasonal Worker Visa / Permit

The Seasonal Worker Visa is used to recruit foreign workers for temporary, seasonal roles, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. The visa is valid for a maximum of 9 months within any 12-month period, and workers must return to their home country after the contract ends.

This visa provides a legal pathway to bring in seasonal foreign labor during peak demand periods, helping to address short-term labor shortages.

💡Best work permit option if: You need to fill short-term, labor-intensive positions for a defined season, such as harvest time or tourist surges. Particularly useful in agriculture and hospitality.

Self-Employed Work Visa / Permit (Trabajo por Cuenta Propia)

The Self-Employed Work Visa allows non-EU nationals to legally reside and work in Spain as independent contractors, freelancers, or small business owners. Initially valid for 1 year, it is renewable upon proving business activity and financial self-sufficiency.

While not used for direct employment, this visa is highly relevant for companies contracting foreign specialists who operate independently from within Spain.

This permit allows you to collaborate with legally authorized, self-employed foreign professionals without taking on the administrative load of sponsoring a work visa.

💡Best work permit option if: You regularly work with independent consultants, digital service providers, or startup founders who want to be based in Spain. It supports flexible workforce models and project-based hiring.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed to attract highly skilled non-EU professionals to fill specialist roles in Spain. It provides enhanced benefits such as faster processing, family reunification, and intra-EU mobility.

Key requirements include:

• A university degree or equivalent professional experience
• A valid job offer in a high-skill occupation
• A salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Spain

Valid for 1–4 years, the EU Blue Card also offers a direct pathway to permanent residency after five years of legal stay in the EU (at least two years in Spain).

This permit allows you to recruit from a global talent pool for roles that require advanced education or technical expertise.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hiring non-EU professionals in senior or technical roles (e.g., software engineers, doctors, financial analysts) and want faster processing and flexibility for future intra-EU transfers.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa / Permit

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa enables multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign operations to a Spanish branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. It applies to managers, specialists, and trainees, and is valid for up to 3 years (or 1 year for trainees).

This visa allows internal mobility across global teams, supporting knowledge transfer, project leadership, or cross-border training programs.

💡Best work permit option if: You are a multinational company transferring key staff to Spain for strategic assignments without transitioning them to a Spanish payroll. Ideal for temporary assignments and cross-border collaboration.

Research, Scientific, and Teaching Visa / Permit

This permit is issued to foreign nationals working in research institutions, universities, or R&D centers as researchers, professors, or scientific collaborators. It is tied to the length of the project and valid for up to 5 years, renewable.

This visa allows academic and research institutions to hire international scholars or postdocs without going through the standard work visa process.

💡Best work permit option if: You are a university, research institute, or science-driven company looking to hire international researchers or academic faculty. It ensures legal residence with a streamlined process.

Types of Work Visas

Entrepreneur / Startup Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for foreign nationals intending to launch innovative startups or tech-based businesses in Spain. It is initially valid for 1 year, extendable to 2 years, and can be renewed upon demonstrating business activity.

This visa enables the relocation of foreign founders, startup CEOs, or early-stage teams contributing to Spain’s innovation ecosystem.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re sponsoring or partnering with foreign founders or entrepreneurs launching a disruptive or high-growth venture in Spain. Useful for tech incubators, accelerators, or innovation hubs.

Residence Visa with Work Permit Exemption

This visa is granted to foreign nationals engaging in specific professional activities in Spain that are exempt from standard work permit procedures. This includes:

• Artists
• Athletes
• Religious workers
• Executives on short assignments
• Accredited journalists

Validity ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the role.

Applicants must show:

• Proof of invitation or assignment
• Role documentation and contractual terms
• Compliance with sector-specific requirements

This visa enables you to rapidly bring in professionals for temporary or specialized engagements without undergoing a full work permit process.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hiring for short-term or high-profile roles where formal employment procedures are waived due to special exemptions or international recognition.

Work Permit Application Process in Spain (Step-by-step)

In Spain, most work authorization processes start with the employer filing a work and residence application on behalf of the foreign national. The exact steps and authorities involved can vary by permit type and region, but the overall sequence is broadly similar.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and selects the appropriate permit route, such as a standard employee work permit, EU Blue Card, Highly Qualified Professional permit, or ICT permit. They should confirm that the position, salary, and candidate profile meet the legal criteria for the chosen category.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation and evidence of good standing. This often includes company registration details, tax and social security compliance certificates, and, where relevant, proof that the role cannot easily be filled from the local or EU labor market.
• Step 3: The employer prepares the employee’s supporting documentation package. Typical items include a signed employment contract or offer letter, job description, candidate’s passport copy, CV, degree certificates, and, for regulated professions, proof of professional accreditation or recognition of qualifications.
• Step 4: The employer files the work and residence authorization application with the competent Oficina de Extranjería or, for some categories, with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE). Submission is usually done electronically by a representative, and official fees must be paid at this stage.
• Step 5: The Spanish authorities review the application, may request additional information, and issue a decision. During this period, they assess labor market considerations, salary levels, qualifications, and whether the employer meets all compliance requirements.
• Step 6: Once the work and residence authorization is approved, the employee applies for the corresponding visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. They submit biometrics, original documents, and pay consular fees, and the visa is typically endorsed in their passport.
• Step 7: After entering Spain with the visa, the employee completes in-country formalities, such as registering their address, applying for the foreigner identity card (TIE), and registering with social security. The employer must ensure the worker is enrolled in payroll and social security from the start date and that the role matches the approved authorization.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Spanish work permit depends on the type of authorization, the candidate’s profile, and the employer’s compliance status. Authorities focus on protecting the local labor market while allowing genuine skills gaps to be filled.

Common requirments inlcude:

• A valid job offer or signed employment contract. The role must be clearly defined, with duties, location, and working hours, and the contract should comply with Spanish labor law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Salary and conditions that meet or exceed legal and sectoral minimums. For routes like the EU Blue Card or Highly Qualified Professional permit, higher salary thresholds typically apply to reflect the skilled nature of the role.
• Proof of the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, and CVs are used to show that the worker is suitably qualified; in some cases, foreign degrees may need to be recognized or officially translated.
• Employer’s good standing and registration in Spain. The company must be properly incorporated, registered with tax and social security authorities, and up to date with its obligations, as non-compliance can lead to refusals or delays.
• Clean criminal record and, where required, medical certificates for the employee. Authorities may request police clearance certificates from countries of residence and health checks to ensure there are no public order or public health concerns.
• Proof of health insurance and accommodation arrangements, particularly at the visa stage. Consulates often want to see that the worker will have adequate healthcare coverage and a realistic plan for housing upon arrival.

Work Permit Processing Time in Spain

Processing times for Spanish work permits and visas can differ significantly depending on the permit route, the region, and the workload of the authorities. Employers should build in buffer time and avoid committing to fixed start dates until approvals are more certain.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Spain can vary depending on the type of permit, the specific immigration office or consulate, and whether any additional information is requested. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 1 to 3 months after the complete application is submitted to the immigration office, though some categories processed by the UGE-CE may be faster if documentation is complete.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 4 to 8 months or longer, as authorities review long-term residence history, contributions, and background checks, and may request additional supporting documents.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 6 weeks from submission at the consulate, assuming the purpose is limited to short business meetings, training, or brief assignments and documentation is in order.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is different, you can roughly map the process across several weeks from initial planning to the employee’s first working day in Spain.

• Week 1–2: Employer confirms the role, selects the appropriate permit category, and gathers corporate and job-related documentation.
• Week 3–4: Employer collects the employee’s documents, prepares translations and legalizations if needed, and submits the work and residence application to the competent authority.
• Week 5–10: Authorities review the application, may issue requests for additional information, and ultimately approve or refuse the authorization, with timing varying by region and permit type.
• Week 11–14: Employee books a consular appointment, submits the visa application, provides biometrics, and waits for visa issuance.
• Week 15–16: Employee travels to Spain, registers their address, applies for the TIE, and completes social security registration so they can start work lawfully.

Who Does What During Spain Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, choosing the correct permit route, preparing and submitting the work and residence application in Spain, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring ongoing compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor permit expiry dates, initiate renewals in good time, and keep records available for inspections.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, attending any required medicals, biometrics, or interviews, and maintaining a valid passport and immigration status. They must also comply with the specific terms of the permit, such as working only for the sponsoring employer, in the approved role and location.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Spain

Most initial Spanish work and residence permits for employees are granted for one or two years and can be renewed if the employment relationship and eligibility conditions continue to be met. Renewal applications usually need to be filed within a specific window before expiry, often between 60 and 90 days, and late filings can create gaps in status or additional scrutiny.

Employers should implement internal reminders to track permit and visa expiry dates and coordinate with employees well in advance to gather updated contracts, payroll records, and other evidence of ongoing work. Because practice may vary by region and permit type, it is important to check the latest guidance from the local Oficina de Extranjería or consult qualified local counsel before each renewal cycle.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Spain?

Spain's administrative fees (tasas) for work permits and visas are governed by the Orden PJC/617/2025, de 13 de junio, which updated rates effective from June 16, 2025, for procedures initiated after May 20, 2025 (under the new immigration regulations). These fees apply to non-EU/EEA nationals and are paid via official forms like Modelo 790-052 (for residence authorizations) or 790-062 (for work authorizations). Fees are in euros (€) and must be paid within 10 days of application admission, often electronically via the AEAT portal.

The table below lists fees for the work permits and visa types previously discussed. Many standard employee/self-employed permits share rates under the new tiered system (low-salary: <2x SMI; high-salary: ≥2x SMI). Specialized types (e.g., EU Blue Card) often use the high-salary rate or flat fees. Amounts are for initial applications; renewals are lower (€81.54 for most).

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Spain, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

‍

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.