Spain Working Visa | All You Need to Know Before Moving to Spain
The emigration process can be incredibly daunting if you’re moving to Spain on a working visa. You’ll want to make it as easy as possible. So understanding how the country’s visa system works, entry requirements, the different types of work permits, and Spain’s application process is crucial.
It may seem complicated, but it will be easy to apply when you know which type of working visa fits you best. And we’ve got all the info.
España is vibrant, exotic, and colorful. From the extravagant Seville to Madrid’s modern, fast-paced city life, the gorgeous country offers the best in everything!
Choosing which visa is best for you depends on which country you’re from, if you’re a student, your qualifications, or if you’re starting a business while you live in Spain.
Whether you’re a student wanting to work part-time, or you’re looking to enjoy a year-long holiday in Barcelona on a Working Holiday Visa, working in Spain will always be a fun, unique & spectacular experience.
Spain’s Visa Requirements & Types
Let’s dive straight into it – here’s what you need to know to obtain your work visa successfully!
Spain’s Working Holiday Visa
Best for: people between 18-30
This visa allows you to live in Spain for one year – you’ll qualify if you haven’t travelled to the country using this program before. The permit can’t be renewed and only applies to the following countries:
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Japan
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South Korea
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Australia
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New Zealand
- Canada
Requirements for this Spain Visa
The visa agreement stipulates that you’re only eligible to work for six months – you also can’t work for the same employer for more than three months, so you’ll need to divide your working window between a few employers. It’s great because it means that you can do a few things while vacationing.
Before you apply, there are some essential things you’ll need to submit with your application:
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A valid work permit/ contract of employment provided by a certified employer in Spain
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Proof of accommodation before your arrival
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Proof of adequate funds (you need to demonstrate that you can adequately support yourself for the duration of your stay in Spain)
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Police clearance certificate
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A medical certificate issued three months before submission.
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Medical Insurance (Spain needs to know you’ll be adequately covered should anything happen during your stay)
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Proof of higher education(university level)
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Proficient knowledge of the Spanish language
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A letter supporting your intention to move to Spain from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
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A valid NIE(This is a vital document. You’ll need to submit it with your application)
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A valid passport
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A return ticket
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Proof of €60 fee payment
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Visa application form
Most of Spain’s work visa applications need to include these standard items. You’ll then need to submit your completed application to your local Spanish Embassy.
Moving to Spain on a Work Employment Visa
Best for: Highly skilled professionals
This visa is specifically for people with scarce skills – it is perfect if you’re in the following sectors:
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Energy
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Tourism
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Teaching
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Medicine
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Banking
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Sales
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Shipping
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I.T.
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Engineering
This Work Employment Visa is perfect if you’ve decided to become an ex-pat – you’ll need to work in Spain for a minimum of five years, making you eligible for permanent residence.
How to Get a Work Visa in Spain – Requirements
You’ll need to submit the same essential documents required for the Working Holiday visa. Additionally, you’ll need to submit a legitimate contract of employment authorised by The Ministry of Labour and Social Economy in Spain along with your visa application form.
Your employer may need to cover your travel costs to Spain – if so, you’ll need to document this in your visa application.
This visa remains valid for twelve months. You’ll need to renew your permit should your contract exceed this period.
How to Get a Work Permit: Spain’s Work Visa for International Student’s
If you want to move to Spain as an international student, you can work part-time. You might decide that working in a foreign country can be a valuable addition to your C.V. – you’ll get to experience working life in Spain while you study.
Requirements for a Spain Work Permit
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A valid student visa
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A valid residence permit
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Proof that employment won’t obstruct your study schedule
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An authorised work permit provided by your employer
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Proficient Spanish
Spain’s Visa for Seasonal Workers
Spain is a top-rated travel destination, especially in the summer months. As thousands of tourists from all over the globe flock to the country to enjoy its fantastic Mediterranean weather, there is a higher demand for seasonal workers.
This visa is perfect if you have working experience as a bartender or in the customer service sector and want to live and work in Spain for a two-three month period. To get an idea of what kind of work you can apply for, check out seasonworkers.com
Like the Work Employment Visa, this permit requires an employer to provide you with a valid employment contract authorised by the Provincial Aliens Affairs Office , which needs to be submitted along with your visa application. Make sure you include this document with the essential working visa documents mentioned above.
Spain’s Application Process – Essential Things to Note Before applying
Spain considers any work visa applications made within the country illegitimate. All applications need to occur outside of the country.
You’ll need to contact your local Spanish Embassy/ consulate to book an appointment. Alternatively, you can contact a certified visa service center to get your documents authorized/ processed – this route might cost more but may cut down the processing time of your application.
Note: visas can sometimes take up to six months to process, so make sure you apply well in advance of your flight.
