Cozy Mode
How to get a work permit in Spain as a foreigner
Your community-driven magazine, offering tips, services for home abroaders, and unforgettable experiences.
If you’ve decided to move to Spain or already have a job offer waiting for you, it’s time to figure out your legal situation and start the procedure to obtain a work permit. All foreigners over 16 years of age need prior administrative authorization to engage in any lucrative, labor, or professional activity. However, if the work activity is carried out on a self-employed basis, being over 18 years of age is required. Also, work authorization is granted in conjunction with the residence permit. Initial authorization for residence and employment on behalf of others: Its duration is one year, and it will be limited to a specific geographical area and occupation. The application for prior authorization to reside and work in Spain must be made by the employer offering the employment contract, who must present it in the Foreigner’s Office in the providence where the tasks will be carried out.
If the permit is granted, the worker must personally apply for the visa at the diplomatic or consular office of Spain in their country of residence, along with the required documentation. Initial authorization for residence and self-employed work: Foreigners over 18 years old may apply for a one-year long permit. They must personally manage it at the consular or diplomatic office of Spain in their country of residence. Temporary residence and work authorization within the framework of transnational service provisions: situation of temporary residence and employment within the framework of a transnational service provision when they move to a workplace in Spain. The foreign worker's residence in the country where the deploying company is located must be stable and regular.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for a successful work permit application in Spain
The professional activity of the foreign worker in the country where the deploying company is located must be of a habitual nature, and it is necessary to have been engaged in this activity for at least one year and to have been in the service of the company for a minimum of 9 months. Other considerations for the work permit procedure include to have sufficient financial resources for their maintenance and accommodation. If the accredited resources come from self-employment, they will be assessed once the necessary deductions for maintaining the activity are made. Foreigners must meet the requirements demanded by the current legislation for the opening and operation of the projected activity. Additionally, to have the professionally required qualification or sufficient proven experience in the exercise of the professional activity, and, if required, membership in a professional association.
Some exceptional situations for which it is not necessary to apply for a work permit exist, based on the characteristics of the work activity, for example: Foreign technicians and scientists invited or hired by the State, foreign professors invited or hired by a Spanish university; Management staff and foreign teachers from cultural and educational institutions dependent on other States; Civil or military officials from foreign state administrations who come to Spain to carry out activities under cooperation agreements with the Spanish Administration; Correspondents of foreign media, duly accredited, to exercise journalistic activities; Members of international scientific missions conducting work and research in Spain, authorized by the State. Other exceptional situations include artists coming to Spain for specific performances that do not involve continuous activity; Ministers, religious personnel, or representatives of different churches and denominations, duly registered in the Register of Religious Entities, as long as they limit their activity to strictly religious functions.
Are you a
writer at heart?
As the great Mariska Veres once said, ♫ 'Send me a postcard, darling,' ♫
with any of your inquiries, and we will respond to you as soon as we can.
Share your overseas experiences with us
Based in Barcelona
info@twolander.com
(555) 123-4567
How to get a work permit in Spain as a foreigner
How to get a work permit in Spain as a foreigner
A guide for foreigners who need to understand their legal situation in Spain
Written by
Jean Fowler
Jean Fowler
If you’ve decided to move to Spain or already have a job offer waiting for you, it’s time to figure out your legal situation and start the procedure to obtain a work permit. All foreigners over 16 years of age need prior administrative authorization to engage in any lucrative, labor, or professional activity. However, if the work activity is carried out on a self-employed basis, being over 18 years of age is required. Also, work authorization is granted in conjunction with the residence permit. Initial authorization for residence and employment on behalf of others: Its duration is one year, and it will be limited to a specific geographical area and occupation. The application for prior authorization to reside and work in Spain must be made by the employer offering the employment contract, who must present it in the Foreigner’s Office in the providence where the tasks will be carried out.
If the permit is granted, the worker must personally apply for the visa at the diplomatic or consular office of Spain in their country of residence, along with the required documentation. Initial authorization for residence and self-employed work: Foreigners over 18 years old may apply for a one-year long permit. They must personally manage it at the consular or diplomatic office of Spain in their country of residence. Temporary residence and work authorization within the framework of transnational service provisions: situation of temporary residence and employment within the framework of a transnational service provision when they move to a workplace in Spain. The foreign worker's residence in the country where the deploying company is located must be stable and regular.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for a successful work permit application in Spain
The professional activity of the foreign worker in the country where the deploying company is located must be of a habitual nature, and it is necessary to have been engaged in this activity for at least one year and to have been in the service of the company for a minimum of 9 months. Other considerations for the work permit procedure include to have sufficient financial resources for their maintenance and accommodation. If the accredited resources come from self-employment, they will be assessed once the necessary deductions for maintaining the activity are made. Foreigners must meet the requirements demanded by the current legislation for the opening and operation of the projected activity. Additionally, to have the professionally required qualification or sufficient proven experience in the exercise of the professional activity, and, if required, membership in a professional association.
Some exceptional situations for which it is not necessary to apply for a work permit exist, based on the characteristics of the work activity, for example: Foreign technicians and scientists invited or hired by the State, foreign professors invited or hired by a Spanish university; Management staff and foreign teachers from cultural and educational institutions dependent on other States; Civil or military officials from foreign state administrations who come to Spain to carry out activities under cooperation agreements with the Spanish Administration; Correspondents of foreign media, duly accredited, to exercise journalistic activities; Members of international scientific missions conducting work and research in Spain, authorized by the State. Other exceptional situations include artists coming to Spain for specific performances that do not involve continuous activity; Ministers, religious personnel, or representatives of different churches and denominations, duly registered in the Register of Religious Entities, as long as they limit their activity to strictly religious functions.
Are you a writer at heart?
Are you a writer at heart?
As the unforgettable Mariska Veres once sang, ♫ 'Send me a postcard, darling,' ♫ Send us your adventures, stories, or tips, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
As the unforgettable Mariska Veres once sang, ♫ 'Send me a postcard, darling,' ♫ Send us your adventures, stories, or tips, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Share your overseas experiences with us
Share your overseas experiences with us
FOR YOU
More blogs that might interest you
More blogs that might interest you
Traveling Trends to Watch in 2025: Future Travel Insights
Traveling Trends to Watch in 2025: Future Travel Insights
Dec 27, 2024
Discover more
Winter Destinations in the U.S. for Your Next Holiday Escape
Winter Destinations in the U.S. for Your Next Holiday Escape
Dec 23, 2024
Discover more
Mexico’s Aguas Frescas: The World’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage of 2024
Mexico’s Aguas Frescas: The World’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage of 2024
Dec 19, 2024
Discover more