How to get a work visa for Spain

Spain has a way of making workdays feel like holidays, with sunny lunch breaks, lively evenings and weekends exploring everything from medieval towns to mountain trails. From the vibrant streets of Seville to the creative buzz of Barcelona, Spain is as inspiring a place to work as it is to live. If you’ve been offered a job in Spain and you’re not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you’ll almost certainly need a Spanish work visa to move, start your role and live in the country legally.

The process involves both you and your employer, and while it’s very doable, it requires careful planning, especially since missing a single step can lead to delays or even rejection.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Who qualifies for a Spanish work visa
• How employer sponsorship works
• The application process
• Where to apply
• What to do after you arrive in Spain.

Who qualifies for a Spanish work visa?

Work visas are for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have a confirmed job offer from a Spanish company. The role must usually meet certain labour market requirements, such as either appearing on Spain’s shortage occupation list (like some engineering, IT, or healthcare jobs) or passing a labour market test to show no suitable local candidates were available.

It’s important to note that not all job offers automatically qualify for a work visa. Some smaller companies, or employers unfamiliar with international hiring, may not be aware of the requirements. This is why you should always:

• Confirm your potential employer can legally sponsor your role before accepting an offer
• Ask whether your position is on the shortage occupation list or has been approved via a labour market test.

Failing to check this early is one of the most common mistakes applicants make and can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities.

How does work visa sponsorship work?

In Spain, your employer must initiate the process by applying for a work authorisation (autorización de trabajo) through the Oficina de Extranjería. Without this approval, you can’t submit your own visa application.

The authorisation is tied specifically to the role and employer in your contract, which means:

• If you change jobs before you move, the process must start over
• If you change jobs shortly after arrival, you’ll likely need to reapply for a new authorisation and visa.

This is why most people wait to make big job changes until after their residence status is secure.

The three steps of the visa application process

Once your employer’s work authorisation is approved, you have one month to apply for your work visa at the nearest Spanish consulate. The process involves three main steps:

1. What your employer does

Your employer will submit your signed work contract, prove the company is properly registered and paying taxes and show that your role meets Spain’s work visa requirements. You don’t need to handle this part, but you should confirm it’s done before moving forward.

2. What you need to prepare

Before you apply for your Spain work visa, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to help your application go smoothly:

• Valid passport: must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay (some consulates require the full duration of your visa plus extra validity, so do always check)
• Completed visa application form: signed and dated
• Recent passport photos: 30 mm × 40 mm in size, colour and with a plain background
• Criminal background check: issued within the last three months by your country of residence, translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalised if required
• Medical certificate: confirming you’re free from serious illnesses as defined by the WHO, translated into Spanish if necessary
• Proof of qualifications: if your job requires qualifications, such as a degree or professional licence, you must provide these as well, translated into Spanish and apostilled if necessary.

3. What happens at the consulate

When it’s time for your appointment, bring your full application in person. You’ll give biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) and pay the visa fee.

Where to apply and visa processing times

You’ll need to apply for your visa at the local Spanish consulate or embassy. Many consulates require you to book an appointment online well in advance, sometimes several months ahead.

Processing times vary by country and season. In some places, you might receive your visa within 4 weeks; in others, it could take anywhere from 2-3 months. Booking flights before your visa is approved is risky: visa processing times are never guaranteed and delays happen more often than you might expect.

When applying, you must show you’ll have full health insurance coverage from the day you enter Spain. If your job start date changes or onboarding is delayed, private cover is a safety net that can prevent your visa from being rejected at the last minute.

Avoiding common mistakes

Visa applicants often run into trouble because they underestimate how strict Spanish immigration requirements can be. Problems to watch out for include:

• Accepting a job that can’t be sponsored: not every employer or position qualifies
• Delaying translations and apostilles: these can take weeks, and without them, your application will be rejected. Start this process as soon as you sign your contract to avoid last-minute stress.
• Cutting it too close with consulate appointments: many are booked up months in advance
• Not having compliant health insurance: travel insurance is not accepted for work visa purposes.

By addressing these early, you’ll avoid last-minute scrambles and start your Spanish work life on the right foot.

After you arrive in Spain

Your work visa will allow you to enter Spain and start your job, but it’s only the first step. Once you’re in the country, you must:

1. Register with your local town hall (empadronamiento) to prove your address
2. Apply for your residence card (TIE) at the immigration office or police station within 30 days
3. Complete your social security registration so you can access public healthcare.

It’s always a good idea to book your TIE appointment before you arrive as slots can be hard to find in larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

With the right preparation, and by working closely with your employer, the Spanish work visa process is manageable and predictable. Start gathering documents early, make sure your translations and apostilles are ready, book your consulate appointment as soon as possible and secure compliant health coverage before your visa appointment.

That way, when your visa is approved, you can focus entirely on your move, your new role, and enjoying life in Spain.