Work Permits Companies Can Apply for Without Complication

Managing international talent has become a key challenge for many companies. Bringing professionals from outside Spain requires compliance with immigration regulations and ensuring that all workers have the appropriate work authorizations.

However, not all permits are complicated to obtain. There are agile and practical pathways that allow companies to hire foreign employees without excessive bureaucracy. This guide explains which permits these are and how to make the most of them.

General Work Permit

The residence and employment authorization for salaried work is the most common permit for hiring a foreign national in Spain.

In principle, this procedure can be complex, as the company must demonstrate that there are no suitable candidates available in the Spanish labor market for the position.

When can it be a straightforward option?

In certain cases, this permit can be processed much more quickly and easily:

• Positions listed in the Hard-to-Fill Occupations Catalog: The Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) publishes a quarterly list of professions that are difficult to fill in Spain. If the position your company needs to cover is included in this catalog, there is no need to justify the absence of candidates in the national labor market, which significantly speeds up the permit process.

• Specific personal circumstances: There are also individual cases in which the law allows the permit to be granted without considering the local labor market situation.

Intra-Company Transfer Authorization (ICT)

This authorization is ideal for multinational corporations or companies with subsidiaries in multiple countries.

Key Features:

• Allows transferring key employees from a foreign office to Spain.

• Processed as an intra-group transfer, reducing standard checks and processing times.

• Only requires proof that the employee holds the corresponding professional category.

Benefit:
Facilitates the rapid integration of international talent without depending on the local labor market.

Highly Skilled Worker Permits (EU Blue Card)

The Blue Card is designed to attract technical and managerial professionals.

Requirements:

• Minimum one-year employment contract.

• Minimum salary according to professional category (reviewed annually).

• University degree or equivalent professional experience.

Advantage:
Simplifies the residence and work permit process and allows mobility within the EU under certain conditions.

Permits for Exceptional Circumstances

While not a standard pathway, it is useful to know that authorizations exist for work based on special circumstances.

• To cover critical positions.

• For emergency situations or short-term projects.

• Temporary authorizations due to extraordinary circumstances.

Tip:
These applications are often processed more quickly but require clear documentation and professional justification.

 

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How Companies Can Simplify Work Permit Management

• Analyze the role and actual need: Not all employees require the same type of permit.

• Prepare complete documentation: Employment contract, professional certifications, qualifications, and personal documentation of the worker.

• Coordinate with your immigration advisors: Avoid errors that could delay the process.

• Digitalize tracking: Monitor submission dates, deadlines, and renewals to prevent permit expiration.

Tip:
Integrating permit management with payroll and accounting systems helps automate monitoring of expirations and renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a family member of a Spanish citizen without complications?

Yes. Special pathways exist for direct relatives, but it is important to review specific age and residence requirements.

Is hiring a family member of an EU citizen easier?

Yes. Direct relatives of Spanish or EU citizens benefit from a much more favorable regime that is not subject to general immigration law, greatly facilitating their right to reside and work.

Can work begin before the permit is granted?

No. The employee must wait for the favorable resolution and, in many cases, for the visa and Social Security registration before starting work.

How Adlanter Can Help

At Adlanter, we support companies throughout every stage of the process:

• Identification of the appropriate permit based on role and profile.

• Complete preparation of documentation.

• Submission of applications to the relevant authorities.

• Management of deadlines, renewals, and monitoring.

• Comprehensive advisory for companies with international mobility.

If your company needs to hire international talent or relocate employees efficiently, our team can help ensure the entire process is fast, secure, and fully compliant. Contact us!