Work permits for employees in Spain: A complete guide for employers [2025]

If you’re hiring in Spain or aiming to expand your company’s operations to the country, you’ll need to verify that your employees are authorized to work there.

Employing workers without authorization is illegal in Spain and may result in penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or even a ban on hiring foreign workers. So, before you make your first Spanish hire or transfer a current worker to Spain, read our guide to learn about who needs a work visa, how to apply for one, and other frequently asked questions about work permits for employees in Spain.

What is a work permit in Spain?

In Spain, a work permit functions as a work authorization for foreign nationals who are non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. Generally, you need to obtain a work and residence permit to be allowed to live and work in the country. However, not everyone needs a work authorization. Some exemptions include technicians, scientists, professors, journalists, foreign directive staff, etc.

Who needs a work visa in Spain?

Spanish citizens, as well as European Union, EEA, and Swiss nationals, do not need a work visa. Those individuals may stay in Spain for up to three months without registering as long as they have a national ID card and valid passport. These individuals have other legal formalities—including obtaining a Foreigner’s Identity Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjeros or NIE) and residency registration—but they do not need a visa.

Expats who are not from EU/EEA countries need a work permit and work visa before they can begin working in the country.

When you send an offer letter to a new hire in Spain, it should include a clause about the offer being contingent on their eligibility to work in Spain legally.

Once a worker is authorized to live and work in Spain, they must apply for a work and residence visa at their local embassy or consulate.

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How long does it take to get a work permit in Spain?

Decisions for residence and work visas can take up to eight months in some cases, as Spain has an in-depth review process for visa applications.

Types of work visas in Spain

There are several types of work visas available from the Spanish government, including:

• Seasonal work visa: This is for seasonal and limited work, lasting a maximum of nine months, including renewals.

• Work employment visa: This is a renewable visa that allows a non-Spanish national to work in Spain for one year at a time (commonly used for more permanent work).

• Visa for highly skilled workers: This visa allows foreign nationals with a particular skill set, senior management position, or prestigious university degree to work in Spain. It's valid for up to one year.

• EU Blue Card: This is equivalent to the Green Card in the US. An EU Blue Card is for highly skilled, highly educated, non-EU citizens with desirable professional experience. This type of visa allows a worker to work in almost any European country. In Spain, the Blue Card is valid for one year but can be renewed.

Regardless of the work visa type, it will include unique stipulations and conditions based on the applicant’s circumstances.

Application process for Spain work visas

Here are the steps to obtain a Spanish work visa (note: this may vary depending on the visa type):

• The employer must have the employee's work authorization (work and residence permit) before applying for a work visa. To apply for a permit, you must submit the necessary documents, including a copy of the employee's passport, certification of their qualifications, company identification, etc.

• Once the permit is approved, the worker can apply for the visa through the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. They'll be required to submit documents, including their job offer, proof of identity, health records, financial records, and more. They may also need to meet with a visa officer for an interview and to submit biometric data.

• If the worker meets the eligibility requirements for a visa, they'll receive approval. The applicant must collect the visa in person within one month.

Temporary residency is for those staying longer than 90 days but fewer than five years. After being a temporary resident for five years, individuals can apply to become permanent residents in Spain.

Applications for work visas require:

• Completed visa application

• Valid copy of unexpired passport

• Detailed job offer letter

• Criminal record check certificate

• Medical certificate

• Three passport-sized photographs

• The applicant’s NIE (for those already in the country)

• The employer’s social security number

• Description of the job and the employer’s activity

• Proof of the employer’s financial assets and

• The employee’s qualification for the job (if needed for that type of visa)

• Visa fee payment

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Frequently asked questions about work permits for employees in Spain