Work Permits for Foreigners in Spain

Are you looking to obtain a work permit in Spain but unsure which route to take? This article provides a general overview of the different types of work permits for foreigners in Spain. Depending on your specific situation, one type of permit may be more appropriate than another.

How to Obtain a Work Permit in Spain

A work permit is an authorization granted to foreigners who intend to start a professional or employment relationship in Spain. To obtain one, applicants must meet certain requirements, which vary depending on the type of permit requested.

Regulation of Work Permits for Foreigners in Spain

Spanish immigration law and its administrative procedures can be somewhat complex. There are three key legal frameworks that define the categories of work permits in Spain:

• The Immigration Act (2000), which aims to regulate migratory flows and ensure that employment opportunities are offered to Spanish nationals first.

• The new Regulation of the Immigration Act (2024), which comes into force on May 20, 2025, to update and streamline administrative procedures for the regularization of foreign nationals.

• The Entrepreneurs Act (2013), designed to attract foreign talent and investment through migration policy.

Scenarios for Applying for a Work Permit in Spain

These three laws cover the main scenarios in which a foreign national might need a work visa in Spain:

1. As an entrepreneur starting a business activity;
2. As a locally hired employee planning to reside in Spain;
3. As an employee temporarily posted to Spain.

Once the appropriate scenario is identified, determining the applicable requirements becomes relatively straightforward.

Spanish legislation provides for various types of authorizations allowing foreigners to engage in professional activities. The specific requirements and procedures depend on several factors, including nationality, employment relationship (self-employed or employed), and qualification level (highly skilled or not).

EU or Non-EU National?

The first step in choosing the right work permit is to determine whether the individual is an EU national or a third-country (non-EU) national.

EU Nationals (from EU Member States, Switzerland, or EEA countries, or their family members) may work in Spain:

• Without an ordinary work permit, as they benefit from the right to free movement;

• By registering as EU residents in Spain, for which only the EU Registration Certificate is required.

Non-EU Nationals, however, must choose from specific work permits depending on their situation. The key question is whether the applicant is:

• Starting a business activity as a self-employed worker or entrepreneur; or

• Employed by a company (i.e., a standard employment relationship).

 

 

Work Permits for Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Researchers

Spanish law provides three main types of work permits for entrepreneurs intending to carry out professional activities in Spain.

Residence Authorization for Entrepreneurs

This permit is designed for foreigners intending to launch an entrepreneurial or innovative project that benefits the Spanish economy.

• Valid for 3 years, renewable for 2 additional years.

• Offers an expedited and digital application process.

• Includes a maximum 20-business-day resolution timeframe.

Residence Authorization for Researchers

This permit applies to foreign nationals engaged in scientific research or teaching, such as university professors, or specialized technical staff.

• Can be requested either by the research institution or by the researcher.

• Allows mobility within the EU and parallel processing of family residence permits.

Residence and Work Authorization for Self-Employed Individuals

Intended for foreigners pursuing economic activities as freelancers or self-employed professionals.

• Valid for over 90 days and up to 5 years.

• Initial authorization lasts 1 year.

• May be limited to a specific Autonomous Community and professional sector.

Work Permits for Employees Hired in Spain or Abroad

Where is the employment contract and payroll based—Spain or abroad? This distinction is essential to determine the applicable migration status.

If the employment contract remains in the home country, options such as Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) or the Van der Elst visa (for intra-EU postings) may apply.

If the employee is hired directly by a Spanish company, the following options are commonly used:

• Residence permit for Highly Qualified Professionals

• Standard employment-based residence and work permit

• Residence permit for internships

Let’s explore these three types, which are the most widely used:

Residence Authorization for Highly Qualified Professionals

This permit targets executive or highly skilled positions, typically where candidates hold a higher education degree or equivalent professional experience relevant to the job offered.

Minimum salary thresholds apply:

• €40,000 for technical profiles

• €54,500 for executives

• €30,000 for applicants under 30 or in strategic projects

For more details, read our guide of the Highly Qualified Professional Permit.

Residence Authorization for Internships

The Residence Permit for Internships may be granted via:

• Training agreement; or

• Internship employment contract

Though both routes share similar requirements, the key difference lies in the nature of the relationship—educational vs. employment-based.

It is increasingly popular for recruiting young foreign talent. The permit is valid for up to 2 years, and after the first year, it can be converted into a standard work permit.

Residence and Work Authorization for Employees

The Residence and Work Permit for Employees is applicable to any job, provided the national employment situation allows it (i.e., no suitable unemployed Spanish workers are available).

Although current labor market conditions make this permit less feasible, exceptions apply, such as:

• Trusted staff

• Skilled professionals

• Nationals of Peru or Chile

• Legal residents and their family members

This is not the fastest or most favorable option but remains viable when other permit conditions are not met.

Residence and Work Permit for Non-EU Family Members

Non-EU family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can reside and work legally in Spain via the EU Family Member Card.

This card allows legal residence for more than three months and provides access to:

• Employment opportunities

• Public healthcare

• Social benefits

Need Help?

This article is for informational purposes only and aims to guide those seeking to obtain a work permit in Spain.

At Adlanter, we handle the entire process for both employed and self-employed foreigners. If you’re looking for a company to assist with your work visa, we can help legalize your status in Spain.Contact us to learn more about our Work Permit Processing Service for Foreigners in Spain.