Why Do You Need a Work Permit in Spain?
Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national needs a work permit to legally work in Spain. Whether you’re a skilled professional, seasonal worker, intra-company transferee, or freelancer, Spain offers several work visa routes.
📌 EU citizens do not need a permit, but must register with local authorities.
🔍 Types of Spanish Work Permits
| Permit Type | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| 🧑💼 Employed Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena) | Foreigners with a job offer in Spain |
| 👨🔬 Highly Qualified Visa (Blue Card) | Skilled professionals earning above avg. |
| 🔁 Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Employees transferred to Spanish branches |
| 💼 Self-Employed Visa (Cuenta Propia) | Entrepreneurs or freelancers |
| 🎓 Post-Study Work Permit | Students switching to a work visa |
Each type has different eligibility criteria and documents.
📄 General Requirements for Work Permit Application
To obtain a work permit, you typically need:
✅ A valid passport
✅ A signed employment contract or business plan
✅ Proof of qualifications or experience
✅ Police clearance (no criminal record)
✅ Health insurance
✅ Proof of sufficient income/support
✅ Payment of visa fees
✅ NIE (Foreigner ID Number) application
📎 All documents in foreign languages must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled/legalized.
🏢 Employer-Sponsored Work Permit (Cuenta Ajena)
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Spanish employer must submit the application on your behalf
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Job must be listed in the shortage occupation list (Catálogo de Ocupaciones de Difícil Cobertura) or prove no EU candidate available
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Permit is initially valid for 1 year, renewable
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After 5 years: eligible for long-term residence
📌 You cannot begin working until the visa is approved and stamped in your passport.
💼 Self-Employment & Freelancer Visa (Cuenta Propia)
Ideal for digital nomads, consultants, or small business owners:
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Submit a business plan evaluated by a Spanish institution (e.g., ATA or Chamber of Commerce)
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Proof of investment, licenses, income projection
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Must register as autónomo (self-employed) once approved
✅ Our firm helps draft business plans, license applications, and supports with translations.
📈 Highly Qualified Professional Visa (Blue Card Spain)
Fast-track work permit for:
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Applicants with university degrees or 5+ years of relevant experience
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Job offers with a salary 1.5x above average
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Valid for 2 years, renewable, with family reunification rights
🧠 Often used in tech, engineering, finance, healthcare sectors.
🔁 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For companies transferring employees to their Spanish branches:
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Must prove a prior employment relationship
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Fast-tracked via Spain’s Large Business Unit (UGE)
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Dual process: company + individual application
🔹 Ideal for executives, managers, or specialists.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
| Process Step | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Appointment Booking (Consulate) | 1–2 weeks |
| Decision by Spanish authorities | 1–2 months |
| Entry & NIE Number Registration | 1–2 weeks |
Total timeline: 1–3 months, depending on the type of work permit.
🧑⚖️ Real Example
A Canadian software engineer received an offer from a Barcelona fintech company. We:
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Reviewed the job contract
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Confirmed Blue Card eligibility
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Collected and translated all documents
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Submitted the application via UGE
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Received approval in just 3 weeks
🛡️ Why Choose Borderless Lawyers
We provide legal and practical support for:
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✅ Job-seekers and freelancers
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✅ Tech professionals and entrepreneurs
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✅ Spanish and international companies
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✅ Students switching to work status
🌍 Multilingual support | 🔍 Compliance with Spanish labor law | 🚀 Fast, transparent process
📞 Start Your Spanish Work Permit Process Now
Don’t navigate Spain’s immigration system alone. Let our experienced lawyers handle the paperwork, liaise with authorities, and protect your employment future.