- How To
- Working
- Visas & Work Permits
- Requirements
Work Permits in Spain
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Companies intending to employ nationals from non-EU countries must obtain permission to do so from the Spanish labour authorities....
EU Citizens
The Free Movement
Of Workers agreement entitles all citizens of full EFTA and EEA-member
countries to live and work in Spain without a visa or work permit.
The exceptions are
the new accession EU countries. Citizens of these countries require a work
permit.
- For further information on
who may need a work permit and where visit: Your Europe website
Full entitlements
and details can be found on the European Union
website.
Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU nationals
entering Spain to work are required to hold a national visa as well as a
valid work permit. A work permit is usually applied for by the employer as the
process requires the company to provide a great deal of information. The
application process can be lengthy.
To apply for a work
permit for a non-EU worker, an application is made by the company through
the Dirección Provincial de Trabajo, Seguridad Social y
Asuntos Sociales (The Ministry of Labour, Migrations
and Social Security) The following information will usually be required:
- Employer-signed work
permit application form
- Employer's original company
CIF document
- Employer's original social
security registration documents
- Employer's original
documents proving that the company is current with its tax and social
security contributions
- Official certification that
the job has been advertised in Spain and no suitable candidate from the EU
was found
- Company explanation as to
why a non-EU citizen is required for the role
- Passport photographs of the
employee
- Employee passport (the
original may be required)
- Employee education
certificates with approval from the Spanish Ministry of Education and
Culture in Madrid
- Employee criminal background
check translated into Spanish
- Medical certificate for the
employee
- Fee (60 euros as of 2020)
Once the work
permit has been granted, the applicant, while still in their country of
residence, must apply for a visa from the Spanish authorities, as well as
providing a criminal background check and original birth certificate, the
process will include filling out the Visados Nacionales form.
- Downloadable visa
forms can be found on the Ministry of
Labour, Migrations and Social Security website
There is usually a
non-refundable fee for the visa.
Work permits for
non-EU self-employed workers
Usually submitted
at the Spanish consulate, the following documents are required when applying
for a work permit:
- Passport (copy and original)
- Criminal record check
- Medical certificate
- Comprehensive description of
the job, company description and activity
- Proof of qualifications or
NIE number
- Passport photos
For the visa,
self-employed workers are required to fill out the Visados Nacionales form.
They are required to select the box "Residence - Self-employed" in
section 20.
Types of Work
Permits
- Type A: Seasonal work with a
maximum validity period of 9 months
- Type B: Allows the holder to work
in one specific geographic location, in one specific profession for one
year. Once renewed, the holder can work in various professions for a
further two years
- Type C: Issued once a type-B
permit has been renewed once. The type C permit allows the holder to work
throughout Spanish territory in a variety of professions for three years
- Type D: Issued to the
self-employed. Usually restricted to a specific geographic location, the
permit lasts one year. Once renewed, the holder can work for a further two
years usually with fewer limitations
- Type E: Issued when a renewed
type-D permit expires. The holder is entitled to perform any professional
activity throughout Spanish territory for three years
- Type F: Issued to workers that
reside outside of Spain but cross a Spanish border to work. The worker
must return across the border daily. The permit usually lasts 5 years
Permanent work
permits may be granted to holders of a Type C or Type E permit once it expires.
A permanent work permit allows any type of activity.
Residency Permits
Citizens of non-EU
countries wishing to stay in Spain for more than three months must apply for
a Residency Permit/Card (Tarjeta de Residencia) within
30 days of arriving in the country. The application must made at the
Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or local police
station in the province of intended residence.
- See the Angloinfo INFOrmation Page, Residency in Spain & EU Registration Certificates
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs