🛠️ Want to Work in Spain Legally?
Whether you’re a skilled employee, freelancer, or entrepreneur, Spain offers several legal residence options that allow foreigners to live and work in the country.
In this guide, we break down:
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The types of work visas in Spain
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Who qualifies
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How to apply
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What documents you need
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How Borderless Lawyers can help
📋 Who Needs a Work Visa in Spain?
If you’re a non-EU citizen, you need a residence and work authorization to be employed or self-employed in Spain.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a visa but must register locally.
⚙️ Types of Work Visas in Spain
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Cuenta Ajena (Employee) | Hired by a Spanish employer | Article 2 |
| Cuenta Propia (Freelancer/Self-Employed) | Freelancers, small business owners | Article 3 |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Startup founders with innovative projects | Article 4 |
| Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) | Skilled professionals earning €40K+ | Article 5 |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Foreign company employees moved to Spain | Article 6 |
📄 General Requirements to Apply
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Job contract or business plan | Must match visa type |
| Qualifications | Relevant to your role (degree, certifications) |
| Criminal background check | From all countries lived in past 5 years |
| Proof of income | Salary, invoices, or projected revenue |
| Health insurance | Public or private coverage |
| NIE (Foreigner ID Number) | We obtain this for you |
| Visa application forms | EX-03 or EX-07, depending on visa type |
📌 All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
🧾 Application Steps – Work Visa Spain
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Eligibility check | We determine which visa fits your case |
| 2️⃣ File application | Submit to Spanish consulate or local Extranjería |
| 3️⃣ Approval | Decision in 1–3 months (varies by visa type) |
| 4️⃣ Apply for TIE | After arriving in Spain, fingerprinting and residence card |
✅ We handle every step with or without a power of attorney.
📌 Spain Work Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Avg. Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Cuenta ajena | 1–3 months |
| Cuenta propia | 2–4 months |
| Entrepreneur visa | 20–30 days (via ENISA) |
| HQP visa | 10–20 business days |
| ICT visa | 15–30 days |
⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection
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Incomplete business plans
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Unclear employment contract or offer
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Low income or lack of financial solvency
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Missing translations or apostilles
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Applying under the wrong category (freelancer vs digital nomad, for example)
➡️ Article 10 covers this in detail.
💼 Can You Work While Waiting?
In some cases — like HQP or ICT visas — you can start work once your favorable resolution is issued, even before your card is printed.
For standard cuenta ajena, wait for final approval and the TIE card before beginning work.
👨⚖️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
✅ Multilingual legal team (English, French, German, Arabic)
✅ Remote and in-person processing
✅ Business plan drafting
✅ Employment contract review
✅ Power of attorney options
✅ Personalized legal roadmap
📞 Start Your Spain Work Visa Today
Let Borderless Lawyers handle the paperwork while you focus on your career in Spain.