Spain Visa & Work Permit Guide

All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must secure both residence and work authorization before legally working in Spain. The two primary options for skilled employment are the Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Permit and the EU Blue Card. Both permits require a job offer, sponsor, and approval from Spain’s immigration authorities.

Spain enforces strict labor market protections, particularly for lower-skill roles. The HQP and EU Blue Card are designed to attract high-level professionals and address talent shortages in sectors of strategic importance.

Initial permits are typically valid for up to 3 years, renewable, and may lead to permanent residence or EU mobility rights.

Summary: Legal work in Spain requires a residence and work permit, usually issued under the HQP or EU Blue Card framework for highly skilled non-EU professionals.

Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Permit

• For non-EU nationals in executive, managerial, or technical roles.
• Validity: Up to 3 years (renewable).
• Sponsorship: Required.
• Transferable: No.
• Fast-track under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law (Ley 14/2013).
• Salary must meet the legally defined minimum threshold for Highly Qualified Professionals, updated annually.
• Pathway to long-term residence and family reunification.
  
  

EU Blue Card

• For highly educated professionals with a university degree or 5+ years of experience.
• Validity: Up to 3 years, renewable.
• Sponsorship: Required.
• Transferable: Yes (authorities must be informed).
• Salary must meet the EU Blue Card threshold as defined annually under Spanish regulations.
• Offers EU mobility and faster access to long-term EU residence.
  
  

General Employment Permit (Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

• For roles that do not qualify under Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) thresholds. 
• This route falls under Spain’s general immigration regime and is typically subject to labor market testing. 
• While more restrictive, it remains a viable pathway for standard employment roles when eligibility requirements are met.

Self-Employment or Entrepreneur Visa

• For individuals launching businesses or working as freelancers.
• Requires business plan and local registrations.

Exemptions From Work Permit Requirements

Some individuals may work or reside in Spain without a traditional work permit:

• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: Do not require work or residence permits.
• Spouses and dependents of EU nationals (with valid family reunification)
• Intra-EU Blue Card holders: May work in Spain under certain mobility rules.
• Academic researchers and scientists: Often covered by special frameworks.

⚠️ Most exemptions apply under strict conditions and must be documented. Always verify with Spanish immigration authorities.

The default pathway for hiring foreign talent in Spain is via the HQP or EU Blue Card route:

1. The employer (or EOR like RemoFirst) issues a compliant employment contract.
2. Application is submitted to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) or the appropriate foreign office.
3. Approval typically includes both residence and work authorization.
4. Employee applies for a D visa at the Spanish consulate, if outside Spain.
5. Upon arrival, the employee registers locally (empadronamiento) and receives a TIE residence card.

This is the fastest and most reliable method for international hiring in strategic roles.

Yes. Work permits (HQP and EU Blue Card) require employer sponsorship from a Spanish entity or an authorized Employer of Record.

Sponsoring Employers Must:

• Draft a compliant contract
• Ensure job duties and salary meet the role’s criteria
• Submit supporting documentation to UGE or the Ministry of Inclusion

Exceptions:

• Freelancers and entrepreneurs (separate track)
• EU family members
• Academic exchanges or bilateral scientific cooperation

No labor market test is required for HQP or Blue Card applications.

Who Qualifies (Employee Side):

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
• University degree (3+ years) or 5+ years of relevant experience
• Employment contract for a skilled role in Spain
• Salary above required thresholds (see above)
• Clean criminal record certificate issued by country of residence, as required by Spanish authorities.
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of qualifications and job relevance

What the Employer Must Provide:

• Signed employment contract (≥1 year)
• Job description tailored to applicant’s skills
• Salary offer meeting threshold for the permit type
• Application submission to the immigration authority (UGE or consulate)

Exemptions and Alternative Pathways:

• Digital Nomad Visa: Recently launched for remote workers
• Self-Employment Permit: For consultants, freelancers, or founders
• EU Blue Card transition: For workers coming from another EU country

Tax and Compliance Considerations:

• Income tax applies from the first day of residence
• Non-residents taxed at a flat rate; residents follow progressive rates
• Spain offers a Beckham Law tax regime for qualified expats (for up to 6 years)
• Social security enrollment is mandatory for employees

Long-term Residence and Permanent Residency:

• Available after 5 years of legal residence
• Permanent residents may work, live, and move freely across Spain
• Citizenship typically possible after 10 years of residence (2 years for Ibero-American nationals)

(Source: https://www.agenciatributaria.es/)

• Application prep and documentation: 1–2 months
• Submission and approval (HQP or Blue Card): 2–8 months
• Consular visa issuance: 1–2 months depending on country
• TIE card issuance in Spain: Within 30 days of registration

Common Delay Causes Include:

• Incomplete job description or salary below threshold
• Delays at consulates or UGE processing
• Lack of proof of relevant education or work experience
• Local appointment backlogs (for fingerprinting or empadronamiento)

Navigating Spain’s work permit and residence environment can be complex — but that’s where RemoVisa adds value. We help employers and foreign hires by:

• Managing employer-sponsored visa applications: We guide your legal entity registration (if needed), draft compliant job documentation and vacancy justification, and submit work permit requests through the official portal.
  
  
• Ensuring compliant work permit + residence permit processing: We coordinate all required documents (passport, translations, contracts, proof of housing, legal attestations) and monitor approvals.
  
  
• Leveraging global coverage (110+ countries): Thanks to our broad global EOR network, we make Spain just one option among many, scaling the ability of businesses to hire across regions.
  
  
• Providing managed support from immigration experts: Our team knows the nuances, common pitfalls, and how to anticipate delays or required follow-ups.
  
  
• Bundling visa support with payroll, benefits, onboarding: Foreign hires become fully integrated employees without burdening your internal HR — from employment contract to residency compliance to payroll and benefits delivery.
  
  

Plus: If your new hire has dependents (spouse or minor children), we can help with dependent permits, housing support, and compliance with resident-application requirements.

Find out what specific permits or visas in Spain we support under our Employer of Record and RemoVisa service.

• RemoFirst Spain Country Guide
• Spain’s Immigration Portal – Ministerio de Inclusión
• Beckham Law Tax Regime – Agencia Tributaria