Spain Work Visa Process 2023: Spain, as a member of the European Union, offers numerous work opportunities for foreigners. With a relatively low cost of living compared to other EU countries, Spain is an attractive destination for international job seekers.
In this post, we will guide you through the Spain Work Visa Process for 2023, detailing the various types of Spanish work visas available to foreigners and the requirements for obtaining them.
About Spain Work Visa Process 2023
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days for work purposes, you will need both a work visa and a residence permit. Nationals of EU countries do not require work permits to work in Spain.
As of 2023, Spain is home to 5.4 million foreign workers, making up approximately 13% of the total workforce in the country. This indicates that Spain issues a significant number of work visas to foreigners.
Below, we will provide information on the types of Spain work visas and their application processes.
Types of Spain Work Visas
We will discuss the main types of Spain work visas.
- Spain Employment Visa
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- Seasonal Work Visa
- Self-Employed Visa for Spain
Let’s explore the main types of Spain work visas:
- Spain Employment Visa: This is the most common work visa for employees who have received a job offer from a Spanish company, institution, or organization.
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa: The Spain Digital Nomad visa is for freelancers or individuals working remotely for a company based outside of Spain. Applicants must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a university and demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,160.
- Spain Seasonal Work Visa: This visa permits individuals from non-European countries to engage in seasonal activities in Spain for up to 9 months, primarily in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare.
- Self-Employed Visa for Spain: Designed for individuals aged 16 and above who intend to engage in self-employed activities in Spain, this visa is somewhat similar to a freelancer visa.
Additional Spain visa categories include student visas, family reunification visas, au pair visas, retiree visas, golden visas, working holiday visas, and non-lucrative residence visas.
Duration of Spain Work Visas
All Spain work visas are initially issued for one year and can be renewed annually as long as the holder remains employed and maintains valid work status.
Requirements for Spain Work Visa
The basic requirements for each type of Spanish work visa include:
- A job offer from a Spanish employer (not required for the Digital Nomad Visa).
- Compliance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spain’s list of required documents and application forms.
You can find detailed information and document requirements on the official website.
Spain Work Visa Cost
The visa application fees are as follows:
- USA Citizens: €167
- Canadians: €100
- All other nationals: €80
Where and How to Apply for the Spain Work Visa
The application process involves several steps:
- Obtain a work and residence permit from the Provincial Aliens Affairs Office in Spain.
- Once the work permit is authorized, the residence permit is granted simultaneously by the Provincial Aliens Affairs Office.
- Apply for the work and residence visa at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to enter Spain for work purposes.
Job Sites for Spain
To search for job opportunities in Spain, you can explore various online platforms, including:
- InfoJobs
- Infoempleo
- Monster España
- Trabajo.org
- Glassdoor
- Jooble
- Trovit Empleo
Additionally, you can use search engines to find jobs in your specific field, such as “IT jobs in Spain” or “English-speaking jobs in Spain.”
Processing Time for Spain Visa
The visa decision process typically takes around two months. During this time, the Spanish embassy will retain your passport.
Can You Apply for a Spanish Work Visa in Spain?
If you already have a Schengen Visa or tourist Visa for Spain, you can visit Spain and search for employment. Additionally, you can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa from within Spain, which is valid for three years.
Spain Work Visa Website
For official information, application forms, and document lists, you can visit the Spain work visa website.
