- Pleasant Climate: Spain offers a diverse climate with warm, sunny weather in most regions, particularly along the Mediterranean coast.
- Rich Culture and History: The country boasts a vibrant cultural scene with historic landmarks, world-class museums, and traditional festivals.
- High Quality of Life: Spain is known for its relaxed lifestyle, excellent healthcare system, and high standard of living.
- Delicious Cuisine: Spanish cuisine is renowned for its variety and quality, with famous dishes such as paella, tapas, and churros.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many Western European countries, Spain has a relatively lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining.
- Beautiful Landscapes: Spain offers diverse and breathtaking natural scenery, from stunning beaches to picturesque mountains and charming villages.
- High Unemployment Rates: Spain has faced higher unemployment rates, particularly among younger workers, which can make job searching challenging.
- Bureaucracy: Navigating Spanish bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, especially for newcomers dealing with paperwork and regulations.
- Language Barrier: While many Spaniards speak English, especially in tourist areas, Spanish is the primary language, and not knowing it can be a hurdle.
- Economic Instability: Spain has experienced economic instability, affecting job security and financial planning.
- Cost of Healthcare for Expats: While the public healthcare system is robust, expats may face additional fees or delays for non-residents and private services.
- Regional Differences: Spain’s regional differences can lead to variations in services, cost of living, and local customs, which might require adjustment and adaptation.
Spain welcomes a diverse range of individuals, including EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals, who move for various reasons such as employment, education, family reunification, or retirement. It is an attractive destination for professionals seeking job opportunities, students pursuing higher education, retirees looking for a pleasant climate and relaxed lifestyle, and entrepreneurs interested in starting a business. Spain also appeals to digital nomads and investors seeking to benefit from its dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and high quality of life.
Standard Work Visa:
This visa allows non-EU/EEA nationals with a valid job offer from a Spanish employer to live and work in Spain.
EU Blue Card:
For highly skilled non-EU/EEA workers with a job offer meeting specific salary thresholds and educational requirements.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
This visa is for employees of multinational companies who are transferring to a Spanish branch or affiliate in a managerial, specialist, or trainee role.
Seasonal Work Visa:
This visa is for non-EU/EEA nationals working in temporary or seasonal jobs, typically in agriculture or tourism, for up to nine months.
Self-Employment Visa:
This visa is for entrepreneurs and freelancers starting or running their businesses in Spain. It requires a detailed business plan and proof of financial resources.
Researcher Visa:
This visa is for researchers and scientists working on approved research projects in Spain, typically affiliated with a recognised research institution.
Spain offers a Golden Visa program, also known as the Investor Visa. This visa allows individuals to obtain residency in Spain by making significant investments, such as purchasing real estate valued at €500,000 or more, investing at least €1 million in Spanish companies or government bonds, or creating employment in Spain. This visa provides residency rights, and after a certain period, it can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, subject to fulfilling the residency and integration requirements.
Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa as part of its Startup Act 2023. This visa is designed for remote workers and digital nomads who wish to live in Spain while working for companies outside the country. It allows individuals to reside in Spain for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income requirements, work remotely for non-Spanish employers, and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
Spain offers a Residence by Investment program called the Golden Visa. To qualify, investors must make a significant investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate valued at €500,000 or more, investing at least €1 million in Spanish companies, or investing €2 million in Spanish government bonds. Applicants must also demonstrate the lawful origin of their funds, provide proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families and have no criminal record. The program allows for residence in Spain and can lead to permanent residency and citizenship after a specified period of continuous residence. The total cost includes the investment amount, application fees, and additional legal or administrative expenses, amounting to around €500,000 or more, depending on the type of investment and associated costs.
Spain offers a retirement pathway through its Golden Visa program, allowing retirees to obtain residency by making a qualifying investment. Options include investing at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate, €1 million in Spanish bank deposits or shares, or €2 million in government bonds. The program provides residency for the investor and their family, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and the possibility of applying for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years. There are no minimum stay requirements, but retirees must prove sufficient financial means, have health insurance in Spain, and maintain a clean criminal record. This makes this an attractive option for those looking to retire in Spain while enjoying the benefits of European travel.
Criteria for
Spain Work
Permit
● Standard Work Visa
Requires a valid job offer from a Spanish employer and a labour market test.
● EU Blue Card
Requires a high-skill job offer with a salary meeting specified thresholds and relevant higher education or extensive experience.
● Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Requires employment with a multinational company and a transfer to a Spanish branch in a managerial, specialist, or trainee role.
● Seasonal Work Visa
Requires a temporary job offer for seasonal work and a labour market test.
● Self-Employment Visa
Requires a viable business plan, proof of financial resources, and business registration or intent to start a business in Spain.
● Researcher Visa
Requires a research project with a recognised institution in Spain and relevant qualifications or experience in the field.
The employer must submit several documents to obtain a work permit for a foreign employee. These include:
- Employment contract
- Proof of business registration
- Labour market test results
- Job description
- Company registration documents
- Proof of advertisement efforts
- Employee’s qualifications
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Employment contract
- Labour market test results
- Proof of business registration
- Job description
- Employee’s qualifications
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Employment contract with a specified salary
- Proof of higher education or extensive experience
- Proof of labour market test results
- Proof of business registration
- Employee’s qualifications
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Transfer request letter
- Employment contract with the parent company
- Job description for the Spanish branch
- Proof of prior employment
- Proof of business registration
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Seasonal job offer
- Labour market test results
- Proof of qualifications
- Employment contract
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Business plan
- Proof of financial resources
- Business registration documents
- Proof of investment
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
- Research project approval letter
- Proof of affiliation with a recognised research institution
- Researcher’s qualifications or experience
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Health insurance proof
Step 1: Preparation
- Collect all required documents specific to the visa type.
- Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer if applicable.
Step 2: Visa Application
- Apply for the visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy.
- Submit all required documents with the application.
Step 3: Processing
- Spanish authorities review the application and documents.
- Provide any additional information or attend an interview if requested.
Step 4: Decision
- Receive the visa or permit if approved.
- Get notified of the decision and instructions for visa collection.
Step 5: Travel and Arrival
- Travel to Spain using the granted visa.
- Register with local authorities or the Ministry of the Interior if required.
Step 6: Commence Work
- Begin work according to the terms of the visa.
The processing time for a Spanish work visa typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on the visa type, the application’s completeness, and the consulate’s or embassy’s workload.
- Standard Work Visa: Approximately €60 to €80
- EU Blue Card: About €150 to €200
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Around €60 to €80
- Seasonal Work Visa: Approximately €60 to €80
- Self-Employment Visa: About €100 to €150
- Researcher Visa: Around €60 to €80