Who is the Work Visa for?

Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Spanish company. Skilled workers in sectors with labour shortages. Professionals recruited by a Spanish employer. People transferring to a Spanish branch of their company

How long does the Work Visa process take?

The estimated total processing time is 3-6 months.

Employment

Work Visa (Visado por Cuenta Ajena)

Q: What are the requirements for the Work Visa?

Job offer: Signed contract from a Spanish employer. Employer obligation: Employer must file work permit (autorización de trabajo) with Delegación del Gobierno. Labour market test: Employer proves no suitable EU candidate is available (Situación Nacional de Empleo). Health insurance: Covered through Social Security once employed. Criminal record: Clean background from countries lived in past 5 years

For non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Spanish employer. Your employer must sponsor the application and prove no suitable EU candidate was available.

All Visa Types

Spanish employer required1 year initial, renewable for 2-year periodsFamily not eligible

Who is this visa for?

Ideal for

Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Spanish company
Skilled workers in sectors with labour shortages
Professionals recruited by a Spanish employer
People transferring to a Spanish branch of their company

Not suitable for

EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens (no visa required)
Freelancers or self-employed workers (see Self-Employment Visa)
Remote workers for non-Spanish employers (see Digital Nomad Visa)
People without a confirmed job offer in Spain

Key requirements

Job offer

Signed contract from a Spanish employer

Employer obligation

Employer must file work permit (autorización de trabajo) with Delegación del Gobierno

Labour market test

Employer proves no suitable EU candidate is available (Situación Nacional de Empleo)

Health insurance

Covered through Social Security once employed

Criminal record

Clean background from countries lived in past 5 years

Timeline

Estimated total: 3-6 months

Secure a job offer
Varies
Find a Spanish employer willing to sponsor your work permit. The employer must offer a contract that meets legal requirements for salary and conditions.
Employer applies for work permit
1-3 months
Your employer submits the autorización de trabajo y residencia to the Delegación del Gobierno. This includes proof that the role couldn't be filled by an EU candidate.
Gather & apostille documents
2-4 weeks
Once the work permit is approved, collect all required documents including criminal background check, and have them apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
Apply for visa at consulate
1-2 weeks
Book and attend an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate with the approved work permit and all supporting documents.
Wait for visa approval
Up to 1 month
The consulate processes your visa application. Processing times vary by location.
Travel and register in Spain
Within 30 days of arrival
Enter Spain, register at your local town hall (empadronamiento), apply for your TIE card at the immigration office, and register with Social Security.