Work Visa Spain: Learn the Requirements

If you wish to legally work in Spain and do not have Spanish Citizenship or any other European citizenship, you will need to obtain a work visa beforehand. There are different visa options depending on how the activity is carried out and the employment relationship. This article explains the details of the Spain work visa, with a focus on the visa for employed workers, specifically those with a job offer in Spain.

Also, learn about other types of visas for Spain.

Spain Visa: Work Permit

This is the regular employment contract visa for those with a job offer. To apply for the subordinate work visa in Spain (“visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena”), the candidate must already have a job offer from a Spanish company.

The subordinate work visa process in Spain can be quite bureaucratic. In addition to involving two stages in different countries, it is important to note that not all job positions qualify for visa approval. For approval, the position must be on the shortage list of the Ministry of Labor, which varies by region of the country.

Work Visa Spain: Main Requirements

Prior Residence Authorization: The first step is to obtain a prior residence authorization issued by the Spanish government (“Autorización Inicial de Residencia Temporal y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena”). This authorization must be requested by the hiring company before applying for the visa, i.e., before the worker arrives in Spain.

Employment Contract: In addition to the work authorization, you must have a job contract with a company in Spain. The company must provide a formal letter for the candidate to submit the visa application.

Necessary Documents:

Step 1: Employer in Spain:

• Completed and signed EX-03 form.
• Copy of the worker’s passport.
• Proof that the worker has the necessary qualifications for the position.
• Worker’s criminal record certificate from the country of origin and Spain.
• Signed employment contract by the employer before the worker’s arrival in Spain.
• Proof that the employer is registered with Social Security and complies with social and tax obligations.
• Confirmation that the offered position is on the critical occupations list.

Step 2: Worker (at the Consulate in the country of origin):

• Passport with at least 4 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
• 2 recent 3×4 photos.
• Completed and signed visa application form.
• Proof of payment of the consular fee.
• Residence and work authorization issued by Spain.
• Employment contract (the same one presented in Spain).
• Criminal record certificate issued by the country of residence or where the worker has lived for the past 5 years.
• Medical certificate attesting that the worker does not have any diseases posing a public health risk in Spain.

Important: All documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

How to get a Work Visa?

You must gather all the documentation and submit it to the consulate in your area of residence. Remember to have originals and copies of everything. Additionally, the documents must be translated by a sworn translator recognized in Spain.

We recommend applying for the visa at least 30 days before the intended travel date.

The consulate usually notifies you by email when the visa is ready. Along with the work visa for Spain, you may also receive a Foreign Identity Number (“Número de Identidad de Extranjero” – NIE). Upon arrival in Spain, you will need to complete the process at the immigration office, including fingerprinting and obtaining your Foreign Identity Card (“Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero” – TIE).

Need help with the Work Visa for Spain?

Obtaining a visa to work in Spain requires meeting specific requirements and submitting detailed documents. Whether for employed or self-employed workers, it is essential to follow all the steps of the process to ensure the visa is granted.

Due to the complexity of the process, which involves filling out various forms, paying fees, legalizing documents/sworn translations, and constant communication within Spanish territory (including with the employer), the support of specialized consultancy can be crucial to the success of your work project in Spain.

If you are thinking about working in Spain and need assistance, contact Atlantic Bridge for comprehensive and personalized consultancy.