Legal Requirements & Documentation

Work visa and work permit in Spain 2026 – which one you need and how to apply

EU citizens can just start working. Everyone else needs the right visa and permit. The main routes, documents and steps for 2026.

Published

2 years ago

June 2024

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Legal · Updated 2026

Work visa & work permit in Spain

Want to work in Spain? If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can simply start working. Everyone else needs the right visa and permit before the first working day. Here are the routes, documents and steps – or let us handle the paperwork for you.

Last checked: October 2026

EU / EEA / Swiss

No visa or work permit needed. You only need an NIE, social security number and – if you stay more than 3 months – the EU registration certificate.

Free to work from day one

Non-EU citizens

You need a work and residence authorisation. In most cases it is approved in Spain first, then you collect the visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country.

Permit + visa + TIE card

Want us to do the paperwork?

We check which route fits you, prepare the documents and follow the case.

Let us do it for you →

The main routes for non-EU citizens

Employed work

A Spanish employer offers you a job and applies for the authorisation for you. Jobs on the official shortage list are easier to get approved.

Highly qualified

For managers, specialists and graduates with a qualifying salary. Faster procedure through the Large Companies Unit (UGE).

Self-employed

Start your own business or work as autónomo with a viable business plan and enough funds.

Digital nomad

Work remotely for employers or clients mainly outside Spain. See our Digital Nomad Visa guide.

Students

With a student stay you can work part-time alongside your studies, within the hours the rules allow.

Family members

Family of EU citizens and of legal residents can usually work with their residence card.

Documents you usually need

Passport

Valid for the whole planned stay.

Contract or plan

Job offer, contract or business plan.

Criminal record

Certificate from your home country, legalised and translated.

Medical certificate

Plus health insurance where required.

Step by step – employed work

Job offer

The employer applies for your work and residence authorisation in Spain.

Visa

Once approved, you apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.

Travel & start

Enter Spain while the visa is valid; the employer registers you with social security.

TIE card

Within one month, book fingerprints at the police and collect your TIE.

Good to know

Since 20 May 2025 a new immigration regulation applies, with changes to permit lengths, job-search options and student work. Most first permits are issued for one year.

Watch out

Never start working on a tourist stay – it can lead to fines and future refusals. Processing times vary a lot between provinces and consulates.

Let us handle your visa or permit

Fill in the form

Tell us about you and your plans.

We contact you

Within 24 hours with the right route and price.

We prepare the case

Documents, translations and appointments.

You start working

Legally – with the right permit in your hand.

Apply for our visa & permit service

Your information is handled confidentially and only used for your application.

Which service do you need?(Required)

Title

First name(Required)

Middle name(s)

If any, exactly as in your passport

Last name(s)(Required)

Date of birth(Required)

Gender(Required)

Country of residence(Required)

Nationality(Required)

Email(Required)

Address in Spain (if you have one)

Civil status(Required)

Father's first name(Required)

Mother's first name(Required)

Town / city of birth(Required)

Country of birth(Required)

Passport / ID copy(Required)

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Already have the job?

Read our guide to residency in Spain and your TIE card.

Residency guide →

Video: how to get a Spanish visa and work permit

Work visa and work permit – FAQ

Do EU citizens need a work permit?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can work in Spain from day one. You only need a NIE, a social security number and – after 3 months – the EU registration certificate.

Can I switch from a tourist stay to a work permit inside Spain?

Usually not – most work permits must be started from your home country. Some routes, such as highly qualified professionals and digital nomads, can be applied for from inside Spain while you are here legally.

How long is a first work permit valid?

Most first permits are issued for 1 year. After that you can renew for longer periods if you still meet the conditions.

How long does the process take?

It varies a lot between provinces and consulates – plan for several months from job offer to TIE card.

Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and not legal advice. Immigration rules and amounts change – always check with Extranjería or a qualified advisor before you apply.