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Spain Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Spain? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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31.90%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Spain: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Spain? Navigating Spain’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Spain, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Spanish Ministry of Employment to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process typically takes 1 to 2 months.

Common work permits include the Highly Skilled Worker Visa (€150), the EU Blue Card (€200), and the Non-EU Worker Visa.

Independent contractors must apply for a self-employed or entrepreneur visa, which is a separate process.

Work permits are location-specific, and approval is required for job changes or moves.

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.

Types of Work Visas in Spain

There are several types of work visas in Spain, each tailored to a different context. Any work visa that is valid for longer than 3 months falls under the category of a long-stay visa in Spain.

Visa Type	Description
Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Visa	Designed for highly skilled non-EU citizens, often in manager and executive positions. Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds, and the visa is valid for up to two years.
Standard Work Visa	Usually valid for one year. Requires a work contract with the employer.
EU Blue Card	For highly qualified workers from outside the EU. Allows work and residence in Spain and other EU countries.
Au Pair Visa	For young individuals providing childcare services in exchange for lodging and pocket money.
Temporary Work Visa	For non-EU nationals employed for a short-term project or role, typically lasting 3 to 12 months.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Spain

When hiring talent in Spain, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Spain. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 1 to 2 months), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Spain.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Spain

Independent professionals in Spain can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Surinamese Dollar (SRD) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Spain.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Spain

Transferring an existing team member to Spain? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into South America, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Spain? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Spain

Each type of work visa has its own set of eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. The general requirements for a work visa include:

A valid job offer in Spain: The applicant must have a confirmed offer for the role.
Proof of accommodation: Evidence that the applicant has a place to stay in Spain.
Salary thresholds: The role must meet the required salary based on the industry.
Qualifications or experience: Proof of higher education qualifications or relevant professional experience.

Documents Required:

Valid passport
Employment contract and job description
Proof of qualifications or experience
Criminal record certificate
Medical certificate
Marriage certificate (for accompanying spouses)

Spain Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Secure a formal job offer.
Step 2: Employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor.
Step 3: Wait for approval, which can take up to 8 months.
Step 4: Apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Step 5: Attend a visa interview.
Step 6: Pay the applicable visa fees.
Step 7: Receive the visa and travel to Spain.
Step 8: Obtain a Foreigner's Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days.
Step 9: Register with Social Security.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Spain

Employers in Spain are responsible for sponsoring work permits by providing a valid job offer, supporting documents, and covering applicable fees. The employer must submit the application to the Ministry of Labor and ensure compliance with immigration laws.

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

Visa Type	Application Fee
Employed Work Visa	€80 - €167
Self-Employed Work Visa	€80 - €674
EU Blue Card	€80

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.

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Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Spain

The processing time for obtaining a work permit or visa in Spain varies depending on the type of permit and the applicant's nationality. Typically, the Spanish Immigration Office processes standard work permits within a maximum of three months. However, delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if there is a high volume of applications.

For work visas, the processing time at Spanish consulates usually ranges from one to two months. To avoid delays, it is advisable to submit applications well in advance of the intended employment start date.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Spain

In Spain, work permits are generally valid for one year and can be renewed for additional one-year periods. Renewals must be initiated at least 60 days before the current permit expires to avoid any lapse in legal status.

Employers should ensure that employees meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for renewal, including continued employment and compliance with salary thresholds. After five years of continuous legal residence, foreign employees may apply for permanent residency.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Spain

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, allows remote workers to live and work in Spain while employed by a non-Spanish company. This visa aims to attract international talent and boost the local economy.

The key requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain include:

Proof of a minimum monthly income of €2,400 (increases for additional dependents).
Employment with a foreign company for at least three months.
Proof that no more than 20% of income comes from Spanish clients.
Valid health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Spain.

The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. Employers can benefit from this visa by hiring remote international talent without relocating employees to Spain permanently.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Spain

Hiring in Spain comes with several challenges due to the country's complex labor laws and administrative processes. Employers should be aware of the following issues:

Complex Labor Laws: Spain's labor laws and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) vary by region and sector. Ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
Administrative Burdens: The hiring process involves significant paperwork, including registering employees with social security and maintaining detailed records.
Skill Gaps: Despite high unemployment rates, finding skilled professionals for specialized roles can be challenging.
Cultural and Language Barriers: Differences in language and workplace culture can impact communication and integration.

Employers can mitigate these challenges by working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) provider like Playroll, which simplifies compliance and administrative tasks.

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.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Spain

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Spain?

Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in Spain. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in Spain, our experts will guide you step by step.

Want to get started? book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Spain?

A work permit is the authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Spain, while a work visa grants permission to enter and stay in the country for employment purposes.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Spain?

Work permits generally take up to three months to process, while work visas processed through Spanish consulates take one to two months.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Spain?

Employers must provide a valid job offer, demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local or EU candidate, and submit supporting documents such as the employment contract and proof of salary.