Guide To Work Visas In Spain

Guide To Work Visas In Spain

With its laid-back lifestyle, warm climate, and growing opportunities for remote work and entrepreneurship, it’s no surprise that thousands of non-EU citizens apply to live and work in Spain every year. But unless you’re from an EU or EEA country, you’ll need to navigate Spain’s work visa system before taking a job or launching your own business.

Whether you’re planning to teach English, work for a Spanish company, freelance for international clients, or launch your own startup, this updated guide covers everything you need to know about Spanish work visas in 2025 — including new rules, expanded digital nomad options, and the correct way to apply based on your circumstances.

In this guide, we cover:

• Who needs a Spanish work visa
• Work visas for employees
• Self-employed & freelancer work visas
• Seasonal and temporary work permits
• Au pair and working holiday visas
• Digital nomad visas (2025 rules)
• EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals
• Visa costs and timelines
• Where and how to apply

Let’s break it down.

Who Needs a Work Visa for Spain?

If you are a national of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a work visa to live, work, or study in Spain. You can relocate freely and register locally after arrival.

However, if you’re from a non-EU country — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and most of Latin America — and you plan to work in Spain for any reason, you’ll need a work visa and a residence permit.

This includes:

• Employees hired by Spanish companies
• Freelancers/self-employed individuals
• Remote workers (digital nomads)
• Seasonal workers
• Interns and au pairs
• Participants in youth mobility programs (working holiday visas)

Each of these routes has a specific visa with its own eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and timelines — which we’ll now explore.

Work Visas for Employees (Hired by a Spanish Company)

This visa allows a non-EU citizen to legally work for a company based in Spain. The process is employer-led — meaning your Spanish employer must first get government approval to hire you before you can apply for your visa.

Key Requirements:

• The job must fall under Spain’s official list of occupations in shortage (professions where no Spanish or EU applicants are available).
• The employer must apply to the Delegación Provincial del Ministerio de Trabajo.
• Once approved, you’ll apply for a combined work and residence visa from your home country.

Steps:

1. Your employer requests a work permit from the Ministry of Labour.
2. You receive a notification of approval.
3. You apply for your visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country.
4. Once granted, you enter Spain and collect your TIE (residence card) within 30 days.

Visa Validity: 1 year, renewable as long as conditions are met.

Typical Processing Time: 1 to 2 months

Official guidance for employee work visas

Work Visas for Self-Employed Workers & Freelancers (Autónomo Visa)

If you want to work for yourself or start a business in Spain, you’ll need to apply for a self-employed or trabajo por cuenta propia visa.

This visa is ideal for:

• Freelancers with international or Spanish clients
• Small business owners or entrepreneurs
• Traders or artisans operating independently

You’ll need to demonstrate:

• A viable business plan
• Market research or proof of future clients
• Sufficient funds to support yourself
• Licences or qualifications (if applicable)
• Health insurance and clean criminal record

Process:

1. Apply for initial residence and work authorisation at a consulate in your home country.
2. Once approved, apply for the visa itself.
3. Enter Spain and register with social security within 30 days.
4. Apply for your TIE card within 30 days of registering.

Visa Duration: 1 year, renewable

Official info – Self-employed visa

Digital Nomad Visa (2025)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is now fully available in 2025 and provides a legal framework for remote workers and online freelancers from outside the EU to live and work in Spain for up to five years.

Who it’s for:

• Remote employees working for a company outside Spain
• Freelancers with foreign-based clients
• Entrepreneurs who work online

Main Conditions:

• Minimum monthly income: approx. €2,520 (2025)
• 90% of income must come from non-Spanish clients (for freelancers)
• Must show proof of work history and qualifications
• Background check and private health insurance required

Tax Advantage: You may qualify for the Beckham Law, reducing your Spanish income tax to 24% for the first €600,000/year for 5 years.

Initial Visa Validity: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years

Apply via: Digital Nomad Visa Guide

Seasonal Work Visas (Temporary Contracts)

If you're coming to Spain to work on a temporary contract — typically in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality — you’ll need a seasonal work visa.

Key Points:

• Visa is valid only for the length of your contract (max 9 months)
• Your employer must request a work permit on your behalf
• You must return to your country once the work is finished
• Employer must provide accommodation and cover travel expenses

This visa cannot be used to transition into permanent residence or self-employment.

Au Pair Visa

Spain offers a specific visa route for young people aged 17–30 to live with a host family and help with light childcare and household tasks in exchange for food, accommodation, and cultural exchange.

Requirements:

• Agreement with a host family outlining responsibilities and hours
• Proof of financial self-support and/or host family commitment
• Private health insurance
• Not paid for services — only allowance and room/board

Validity: 1 year, renewable if conditions remain valid

Learn more about the Au Pair Visa

Youth Mobility / Working Holiday Visas

Spain has bilateral agreements with a limited number of countries for a Youth Mobility Visa, allowing young people aged 18–30 (sometimes 35) to work while travelling for up to 12 months.

Countries eligible: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea

Conditions:

• Must not have participated before
• Job must be secondary to tourism/cultural purpose
• Cannot work for the same employer more than 3 months
• Health insurance required
• Return travel ticket or proof of funds required

Youth Mobility Visa Guide

EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Professionals)

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens with job offers in Spain.

Eligibility:

• University degree or 5+ years of relevant professional experience
• Job offer with salary 1.5x Spain’s average wage (~€33,900+ annually)
• Application made by employer

Processing time: Up to 45 days Validity: 1 year, renewable Allows mobility to other EU countries under certain conditions

Read more about the EU Blue Card

How Much Do Spanish Work Visas Cost? (2025 Fees)

• Standard employment visa: €203.84
• Self-employed: €203.84
• Highly Skilled Worker (
• Highly Skilled Worker (>2x SMI): €407.71
• EU Blue Card: €418 (renewal or replacement €112)
• Youth Mobility: €80–170 depending on consulate

Official payment pages: Work visa payment form – tasa 062

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. In many cases, your Spanish employer or sponsor must submit a work permit request to the Ministry of Labour before you apply for the visa.

Once approved:

• Apply at your local consulate
• Wait for visa approval (1–2 months typical)
• Enter Spain within the time window listed
• Apply for your TIE (residence card) within 30 days

Search for your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate

Check your visa application status here: Visa Application Status Portal

Health Insurance for Spanish Work Visas

Most Spanish work visa applicants — especially self-employed workers, au pairs, and youth mobility participants — must show proof of comprehensive private health insurance.

Explore Sanitas health insurance plans – All plans are fully compliant with Spanish consulate requirements and include English-language support and full hospital coverage.

Conclusion

Spain offers a wide range of work visa options — from full-time employment and freelancing to au pair placements and youth travel. Each comes with its own application route, eligibility requirements, and timeline, but all give you the chance to legally live and work in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.

Take time to choose the right visa path based on your skills, goals, and long-term plans — and always confirm requirements with your nearest consulate. With the right preparation, you can unlock a new chapter of life and work under the Spanish sun.