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spanish work visas

Nika is from the Philippines and has been an expat in Spain for almost 6 years. She started off teaching English, and now works at Balcells Group Lawyers. She continues to learn the ropes of living and working in a foreign country, and is thankful for all the opportunities it has given her. We thank her for taking the time to write this important article on Spanish work visas for Expatclic.

 

With its vibrant culture and rich history, Spain is a dream destination for many aspiring to start a new life abroad. While traveling to this beautiful country is the easy part, the real challenge for non-European citizens lies in settling down and finding employment opportunities.

The good news is that Spain has a number of visas that allow you to work, depending on your professional needs, skills, and goals.

In this article, I’ll tell you all about these seven visas, including general requirements and procedures. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a highly skilled professional, or someone looking to gain experience in the Spanish job market, this overview will be of great help.

Traditional Work Permit

Let’s start with the most traditional option, the regular work permit. In Spain, there are two types of regular work permits: the employee work permit and the self-employed work permit. Typically, you must apply for these visas from your home country. However, if you complete higher education in Spain, you can modify it from a student visa to a work permit if you secure a job.

For the employee work permit, the hiring company must provide a job offer and sponsor your work permit. If you are applying as a self-employed individual, you will need to present a comprehensive business plan, and register as a freelancer.

It’s important to note that this visa process usually takes longer than others, as it falls under the General Immigration Regime.

Entrepreneur Visa

Similar to the self-employed work permit, the Entrepreneur Visa requires the submission of a business plan. However, for the Entrepreneur Visa, the business plan must present an innovative and scalable product or service, ensuring that nothing like it currently exists in Spain. This business plan is submitted to ENISA, Spain’s national innovation company. Meanwhile, the visa application itself is submitted to the Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit, also known as the UGE-CE.

If ENISA approves your business plan, they will notify the UGE-CE, and you will receive your favorable resolution.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, governed by the Entrepreneur’s Law, is processed within 20 days. As the name suggests, this visa is for individuals who wish to work remotely in Spain for companies or clients based abroad.

To qualify, at least 80% of your total income must come from outside of Spain, and you should be earning approximately 32,000 euros annually. Additionally, you must have had an established working relationship with your employer or clients for at least three months before applying for this visa.

This visa can be applied for from your home country or while in Spain on a tourist visa.

Highly-Qualified Professional Visa

The Highly-Qualified Professional Visa is also governed by the Entrepreneur’s Law, ensuring a fast-track resolution. The main requirement is to have a job offer with a minimum annual salary of 40,000 euros for scientific or intellectual positions, or 54,000 euros for managerial roles.

Your education, work experience, and skills must be in-line with and support this job offer.

Family Member of an EU Citizen Card

If you are a relative of a Spanish or European Union citizen residing in Spain, you’re in luck. You can easily obtain a 5-year residency card that allows you to live and work in the country. This card applies to spouses or civil partners, children under 21 years old, and parents over 65 of EU citizens.

As long as you can concretely prove the familial link, and demonstrate that your EU relative has sufficient economic resources, there should be no trouble.

 

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a straightforward and attractive option for those looking to live and work in Spain. By investing 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate, you can obtain residency rights for yourself and your immediate family.

This visa offers several benefits, including the ability to remain a non-tax resident, as there is no minimum stay requirement. However, it’s important to note that Spain has plans to phase out the Golden Visa program. While specific details and dates have yet to be announced, and the exact timeline remains uncertain, it is still currently possible to apply.

Student Visa

Although it is technically a study permit rather than a work permit, Spain’s student visa allows you to work up to 30 hours per week. To qualify, you must be enrolled in higher education, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, and your employment must not interfere with your class schedule. This provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain work experience and supplement their income while studying in Spain.

Additionally, upon completing your studies and if you have a job offer, you have the option to transition to a regular work permit, making it easier to continue living and working in Spain.

Living and working in Spain

Navigating the various visa options available for working in Spain can seem complex, but understanding your choices can simplify the process and open doors to exciting opportunities. As we’ve seen, there are tailored options for different professional needs and circumstances.

Each of these visas has specific requirements and benefits, catering to diverse aspirations and backgrounds. There’s no doubt you’ll find a pathway that aligns with your professional goals and facilitates your integration into the Spanish workforce.

Whether you aim to invest, innovate, study, or simply seek new job opportunities, Spain offers a variety of visas to help you achieve your dreams of working and living in this vibrant country.

 

Nika Crisostomo
Spain
July 2024
All pics @ClaudiaLandini

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