Spain Visa Options: A Complete Guide for Employers

When bringing international talent to Spain, understanding the various Spain visa options is a crucial first step. The right visa ensures employees can work and live legally, but navigating the different types of visas for Spain can be complex. This guide explains what employers need to know about the most common Spanish visas, helping HR and Global Mobility teams understand the best choices and support international hires.

Choosing the correct visa options in Spain for international employees allows them to work and live in Spain legally, avoiding delays or issues. The right choice depends on factors like the job role, qualifications, and length of stay. For employers, knowing these options simplifies hiring and ensures compliance with Spanish immigration laws. The visa selected can also impact an employee's ability to bring family, use public services, and eventually apply for long-term residency or citizenship.

Spanish Visas Comparision Table

Work Visas in Spain

For non-EEA nationals with a job offer, Spain offers several Spain work visa options. These permits generally have a maximum duration of three years.

Work Visas with a Spanish Work Contract

If a non-EEA national has a job offer from a company in Spain, they can apply for a work visa. Here are the main options:

• Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals: This permit is for positions requiring high qualifications, typically with a salary above €40,000 per year. Reductions may apply for workers under 30 years old. An applicant generally needs a higher education or equivalent experience.
• Residence Permit for "Cuenta Ajena": This work visa can be obtained after one year of residence in Spain. Nationals of Chile or Peru can apply for this type of work visa from their country of origin. For other nationalities, applying from the country of origin is typically only possible if the job position is on a shortage list, making it a more complex option.
• EU Blue Card: To qualify for an EU Blue Card, the applicant needs either a higher professional qualification (typically a three-year bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution) or at least five years of relevant professional experience. The salary usually needs to be over €40,000. This permit allows free movement across EU member states (after a certain period) without extra procedures, unlike other types of Spanish work visas. It also permits immediate family members, like spouses and children, to live in the EU for the same duration as the main applicant.

Employment Contract in the Country of Origin

For employees who have an employment contract with a company outside Spain, specific Spanish visa types allow them to work remotely or transfer:

1) The Company Has an Entity in Spain - Intra-Company Transfer

A company or group with establishments in both Spain and a non-EU country can request a residence visa for intra-company transfer for foreign professionals over 18 years old who are not EU or Schengen state nationals. This applies within the context of employment, professional relationships, or previous professional training. The employee must have been employed by the company for a specific period. The roles are typically managerial, specialist or trainee roles.

There are two types of intra-company transfer residence authorizations:

• National Residence Authorization: For foreigners transferring exclusively to a company within Spanish territory.
• ICT-EU Residence Authorization: For foreigners who will be subject to an intra-company transfer that implies mobility within the European Union. This type of authorization only applies to temporary relocations for roles as a manager, specialist, or trainee.

2) The Company Has No Entity in Spain - Digital Nomads (Teletrabajadores de carácter internacional)

Non-EU nationals may apply for a residence permit for international teleworking, commonly known as the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. This permit allows them to work remotely for companies outside Spain using exclusively digital means.

Regarding work requirements:

• In the case of labor activity, the permit holder can only work for companies located outside Spain. This framework clarifies the requirements for Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for remote work.  
• In the case of professional activity, the permit holder can work for a company in Spain, provided this does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.

The Digital Nomad Visa typically allows spouses to work remotely for non-Spanish companies. However, if they wish to pursue local employment in Spain, a separate work permit might be required.

Internships (Permiso de residencia para Prácticas Profesionales)

Applicants who have obtained a higher education diploma within the last two years can apply for this type of permit, which is valid for up to one year and is non-renewable. The key requirement is a higher education diploma related to the internship position at the host company.

Applications can be made either from within Spain if the applicant holds a stay permit, or from their home country. There are two ways to apply:

• University Agreement (Convenio Universitario): This option allows for a maximum duration of six months, with the possibility of extending for an additional six months.
• Internship Contract: This option permits a direct one-year internship contract.

Spanish Student Visa (Estancia por Estudios)

The student visa is intended for those who want to study or conduct research in Spain. It applies to university degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, and other regulated and permitted short-term courses. With this permit, it’s possible to enroll in studies at accredited institutions, participate in research or training programs, join student exchange programs, perform non-work placements, and engage in volunteer services as a student.

The student visa requirements include:

• Admission to an accredited educational institution or recognized research/training center.
• A signed agreement with a relevant organization if volunteering.

The duration of the student visa matches the length of the studies, ranging from 3 to 9 months or even 2 to 4 years. In most cases, depending on the type of studies, the permit allows the holder to work in Spain for up to 30 hours per week without needing additional work authorization. After completing their studies, students can convert the visa into a work permit directly. 

Job Search Visa in Spain (Búsqueda de Empleo)

The job search visa, also known as the Employment Seeking Residence Permit, allows non-EU students to stay in Spain for a maximum period of 2 years after completing their studies to look for a job or start a business project. This permit can be requested by foreigners who have previously held a stay permit for studies and have completed their studies at an accredited higher education institution in Spain, achieving at least Level 6 according to the European Qualifications Framework, equivalent to a university degree. If family members have accompanied the student during their studies, they are also covered by this permit while the student searches for work.

Working Holiday Visa in Spain

The working holiday visa allows young people from selected countries to live and work in Spain for a limited period. Spain currently has Visa agreements with five countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, and Japan.

This working holiday visa typically allows for a one-year stay, but some agreements provide the possibility of extending the stay from 3 months up to 24 months, provided certain requirements are met during the stay. Visa holders are allowed to work during their stay. If they wish to extend their stay, Jobbatical recommends the employer use this period to formally apply for a residence and work permit.

Family Reunion Visa in Spain (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar)

The family reunion visa allows family members of legal residents in Spain to join them. The applicant must have been a legal resident of Spain for at least one year.

Eligible family members for a family reunion visa include:

• A spouse or registered partner
• Children under 18 or dependent children
• Parents over 65 who are dependent on the applicant

Foreigners residing in Spain who do not have permits for family members or dependents included in their residence status can bring their relatives if they have been living in Spain legally for at least one year. Note that the Spain family reunion visa processing time can vary. The Spain family reunion visa requirements ensure genuine family ties.

EU Family Member Visa in Spain (Visado de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE)

Non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens residing in Spain who plan to stay in Spain for more than three months to visit or accompany their family member need to apply for an EU family member Visa.

Eligibility for this Visa includes:

• Spouse or Registered Partner: Must be married or in a registered partnership.
• Direct Children and Ancestors: Includes dependent children under 21 and parents under the care of the EU citizen.
• Dependent and Cohabiting Family Members: Those dependent on the EU citizen or living with them for at least 24 months.
• Unregistered Partners: Stable relationships proven by cohabitation or common offspring.

The residence card for a family member visa in Spain of an EU citizen is valid for five years from the date of issuance or for the duration of the EU citizen's expected stay, if it is less than five years. After five years, the card can be renewed and converted into permanent residence.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain (Permiso de Residencia No Lucrativa)

A non-lucrative residence visa in Spain allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without engaging in any work activities. It is initially valid for one year and can be renewed annually, provided the holder has not exceeded the maximum allowed absences from Spain.

The requirements include:

• Financial Means: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support oneself without working in Spain.
• Health Insurance: Demonstrated health coverage through a private health insurance.

The Spanish non-lucrative residence Visa can also be applied for if the applicant is already legally residing in Spain. In these cases, obtaining a visa is not necessary, and the application for the residence permit can be done directly. This Visa is a form of a temporary residence permit in Spain.

Work and Residence Permit (Permiso de residencia y trabajo por Cuenta Propia)

There is an entrepreneur residence permit, provided that they are willing to start their own business in Spain, and that it is innovative. This project must be recognized as innovative by a specialized association.

Political Asylum in Spain (Asilo y Refugio)

Political asylum in Spain can be requested when a country has suffered a natural disaster or if individuals come from a region in conflict; it is an international protection. While the Spanish political asylum application is being resolved, it is possible to obtain what is known as a red card and stay in the country for 6 months (it is renewed as long as a response from the immigration office is pending). This offers a form of temporary residence in Spain.

Temporary Residence Authorization for Exceptional Circumstances: Arraigo

The residency based on arraigo is a type of temporary residence permit by which legal residency can be granted to foreigners who are in Spain in an irregular situation. There are three types (Family, Labor and Social). All of them require having resided in Spain for a certain period of time. This is a specific temporary residence permit aimed at regularization.

How Can Employers Support Employees Through the Visa Process? 

Employers can play an important role in helping employees through the visa application process. By identifying the right types of visas, sharing clear guidance on required documents, and assisting with appointments, employers can make the process easier for their teams. Connecting employees with local resources, such as specialized Spanish visa options assistance, is a great way to offer dedicated support and ensure a successful application.

Conclusion

Navigating the diverse Visa options for Spain can be challenging, but understanding the types of Spanish Visas available is vital for successful international hiring. From various work visa requirements to options for temporary residence permit or family reunification, each path has specific criteria.

Jobbatical specializes in end-to-end global mobility, providing full support for the relocation of skilled professionals to Spain for employers and their employees. Our expert team takes care of all the time-consuming immigration and settling-in procedures, for complete peace of mind through the entire relocation process. Learn more about our services here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)