Getting a Work Visa for Spain: A Guide for Expats
Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe architecturally, culturally, and historically.
There are a lot of things about Spain that make it one of the best places to live and work.
There are many things about Spain that make it an attractive and ideal destination for living and working.
Due to this, many people around the world try to search for how to get a work visa in Spain so as to be able to live there permanently at some point.
So, How Do You Get A Work Visa for Spain?
The best way to get an idea of what makes Spain a great place for spending the rest of your life is to travel and experience the country for yourself as a tourist.
Prospective Spanish residents can take their time exploring the country while working out the pros and cons of living and working in Spain as it applies to them.
The Spanish government offers a variety of visas for travelers to visit Spain both for short and long-term durations depending on the purpose of the travelers’ visit.
There are also different types of work visas available for individuals who would like to explore employment and residency opportunities in Spain.
Types of Work Visas for Spain
Non-EU foreign workers can apply for jobs in Spain in order to acquire a work visa which will allow them to engage in employment while also living in Spain.
Obtaining a Spanish work visa is mandatory for workers who are from non-EU countries so that they can legally take up employment opportunities in the country.
Without a Spanish Work visa, employers in Spain cannot hire non-EU citizens.
There are several types of work visa categories that prospective workers can explore:
Spanish Work Visa for Highly Skilled Workers
The Spanish Work Visa for highly skilled workers is granted to individuals who have a particular skill that is most needed in the Spanish workforce.
Employment opportunities requiring such special skills are usually listed as ‘Shortage Occupation’ on the job postings.
Prospective residents can apply for these jobs if they have the relevant skills and can back them up with proper documentation.
Once the foreign worker has applied for such a position and the Spanish company/employer has decided to hire the worker, the employer will need to apply for the Spanish Work Visa on the worker’s behalf from the Ministry of Labour.
The process of applying for the work visa will result in a work permit and residency visa being granted to the worker by the Spanish embassy or consulate in his/her country.
However, the process can take up to 8 months to be completed so prospective Spanish residents would do well to plan ahead for their intended move to Spain.
Spanish Work Visas for Seasonal Workers
Another way to explore living and working in Spain is to apply for the Spanish work visa for seasonal workers.
The application process for seasonal work in Spain is similar to that for highly skilled workers.
However, seasonal workers in Spain need to demonstrate that they have suitable accommodations in Spain, can cover the expenses of traveling to Spain, and a commitment that they will return to their country once their contract has ended.
Work Visa for Self-Employed and Freelance Workers
Self-employed individuals or Freelance workers who would like to take up residence in Spain while continuing their work can apply for a work visa from a Spanish embassy or consulate.
To qualify for the visa, workers will have to demonstrate that they:
- Have the necessary funds to support themselves throughout their stay
- Possess the required skills and/or experience
- Have a business plan (if applicable)
- Have the required licenses and registrations (industry or job-specific)
- Contracts or commissions from companies, if any.
The work visas granted to freelance or self-employed workers are valid for one year and can be renewed if all the conditions for maintaining the visa are met.
EU Blue Card Workers
The EU Blue card is a residency and work permit for non-EU foreign workers granting them the right to live and work in 25 of the 27 EU countries as highly qualified professional workers.
To qualify for an EU Blue card, foreign nationals must have a higher education degree, a work contract, or a binding job offer in an EU country with a salary that is higher than average for the EU country where the job is being offered.
The EU blue card’s validity depends on the length of the job contract and is issued for a maximum of 4 years.
It can be renewed thereafter.
The EU Blue card offers an attractive way for qualified workers to obtain permanent residency in the EU member country of their choice.
The EU Blue Card in Spain is offered to non-EU foreigners who have completed a 3-year undergraduate degree or possess 5 years of professional work experience.
Spanish Au Pairs Work Visa
For young people, traveling to Spain as an au pair is another way to explore the country and decide on whether it is a place they can adopt as their new permanent home.
The Spanish Au Pair visas are valid for one year and can be extended if the qualifications are met.
To qualify for a Spanish Au Pair Work visa, candidates will need to:
- Be between the ages of 18-30
- Possess an au pair agreement with the host family which declares the salary and conditions
- Have medical coverage
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves
Author Bio:
Dorothy Jones is an experienced content writer.
She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.