What is a work permit in Spain?
The work permit —legally called residence and work permit— is the document that allows non-EU citizens to work legally in Spain. Without it, any paid work activity in Spanish territory is illegal, both for the worker and the employer.
In Spain, work permits and residence permits are usually processed together and are included in the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). Furthermore, for any procedure before the Spanish Administration you will need the NIE (Foreigner's Identity Number).
The regulations governing these permits are the Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11 (Immigration Law) and the Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19 (new Immigration Regulations, in force since May 20, 2025), which introduces important changes in deadlines and requirements.
Important: Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland They do not need a work permit To work in Spain, they only need to obtain a valid NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).
Who needs a work permit in Spain?
Do all citizens of countries need a work permit? not belonging to the European Union, the EEA or Switzerland who wish to carry out any paid work activity in Spain, whether employed or self-employed.
There are, however, some exceptions that do not require a work permit, such as artists on international tours, visiting scientists, prominent lecturers, or competitive athletes participating in specific events.
Types of work permits in Spain (2026)
1. Residence and work permit for employed persons
It is the most common permit. It is granted to foreigners who have obtained a job offer from a Spanish company. The employer initiates the process from Spain while the worker is in their country of origin.
- Initial duration: 1 year, renewable for periods of 2 years until long-term residency is achieved
- Management: The employer initiates the process at the Immigration Office of the province where the work will take place.
- Key condition: The National Employment Situation must be overcome (the employer must demonstrate that there are no local candidates available for the position), unless the occupation is listed in the Catalog of Hard-to-Fill Occupations published quarterly by the SEPE
If you already have a employment contract, At NIESPANA we advise you and manage the entire process.
2. Self-employment residence and work permit
For foreigners over 18 years of age who wish start your own business or work as a self-employed person in Spain. The process is handled at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin.
Specific requirements:
- Detailed business plan
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to start the business and remain in Spain
- Comply with the legal requirements for opening a business in Spain
- Possess the required professional qualifications or sufficient accredited experience
3. Social integration
A way to regularize the situation of foreigners who have at least 3 years in Spain It allows you to obtain a residence and work permit (employed or self-employed) for 1 year, renewable.
Main requirements:
- 3 years of continuous residence in Spain (documented)
- No criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin during the last 5 years
- Having family ties in Spain (spouse, civil partner, children or parents with legal residence) o to have an integration effort report issued by the autonomous community
More information is available on our service. social integration.
4. Employment ties
For undocumented immigrants with at least 2 years of residence in Spain and that can prove a previous employment relationship with a Spanish company.
Main requirements:
- 2 years of continuous residence in Spain
- No criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin for the last 5 years
- Prove the employment relationship (through a court ruling, administrative resolution, labor inspection report or other means of proof)
Check out our service job stability.
5. Rootedness through training
This new provision is reinforced by the new Immigration Regulations of 2025. It allows you to obtain a one-year residence and work permit while completing a degree. formal training oriented towards employment.
Main requirements:
- 2 years of residence in Spain (not counting periods as an applicant for international protection)
- Be enrolled in official training programs: FP level C, adult education, professional certificates or SEPE courses for occupations that are difficult to fill
- Submit an integration effort report
More information at rootedness through education.
6. Family ties
For foreigners with direct family ties (spouse, civil partner or minor children) with Spanish citizens or legal residents in Spain.
Check out all the details in our service family ties.
7. Job seeker visa
Addressed to university or vocational training graduates who wish to come to Spain to look for work. It allows a stay of up to 12 months during which they can look for employment and, if they find it, apply for a work permit without leaving the country.
More information on our page job search authorization.
8. Permit for digital nomads
For professionals working remotely for foreign companies or clients outside of Spain. Allows you to reside in Spain and work remotely legally.
More information in our section on digital nomads.
General requirements for obtaining a work permit
Regardless of the type of permit, there are common requirements that all applicants must meet:
Employee requirements:
- Not to be in an irregular situation in Spain (except in cases of residency, which precisely regularizes this situation)
- No criminal record in Spain or in the countries of residence during the last 5 years for crimes classified in the Spanish Penal Code
- Not to be prohibited from entering Spain or to be listed as inadmissible in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has a signed agreement
- Not to be within the period of commitment not to return to Spain (if it had been previously signed)
- Pay the corresponding fees through the model 790 (code 062)
Employer requirements (for salaried employment):
- Company legally established and registered in Spain
- Be up to date with your obligations to Social Security and the Tax Office
- Offer a contract that meets the minimum conditions of the Workers' Statute (salary, working hours, professional category)
- To demonstrate the impossibility of filling the position with workers available in the internal labor market (National Employment Situation), except in exceptional circumstances.
Required documentation
The required documentation varies depending on the type of permit, but generally the following is required:
- Valid passport (with at least 1 year of validity remaining)
- Application form (EX-03 for someone else's account, EX-07 for self-account)
- Employment contract signed by the employer (for someone else's account)
- Criminal record from the country of origin and the countries of residence for the last 5 years (apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish)
- Proof of payment of fees (model 790)
- Qualifications or professional experience if the occupation requires it
- Depending on the type of residency: municipal register, court rulings, integration reports, etc.
All foreign public documents must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by sworn translation into Spanish.
How do I apply for a work permit? Step by step
From abroad (initial authorization for self-employment or employment)
- The employer (or the self-employed individual) submits the application to the Immigration Office from the province where the activity will take place, or electronically through the Ministry's electronic headquarters
- Fees are paid at the 10 business days following the admission for processing
- The Administration has a deadline of 3 months to resolve. If there is no response, the request is considered denied by administrative silence.
- If approved, the worker requests the visa at the Spanish Consulate in your country
- The worker enters Spain during the 3 months visa validity
- Within the period of 1 month From the date of registration with Social Security, you must apply for the TIE at the corresponding Police Station
From Spain (roots and other regularization routes)
- The applicant submits the application at the Immigration Office of their province of residence
- The corresponding fees are paid
- Resolution timeframe: 3 months (or 6 months for some exceptional cases)
- If approved, you will obtain the TIE directly without needing a prior visa.
Online management in 2026
The new Immigration Regulations promote the digitization of procedures: most applications and renewals can be carried out through the Ministry's online portal, with documents uploaded in digital format. This reduces in-person visits and standardizes procedures across provinces.
Work permit fees and costs
The fees are paid through the model 790 (code 062) and vary according to the type of authorization:
- Temporary residence permit: between €10 and €20 approximately
- Authorization to work for others or self-employed: between €75 and €200 approximately
- Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): around €16
Exact amounts may vary. Always check the updated rates on the Ministry of Finance website or contact us directly.
Renewal of work permit
Work permits have an initial duration of 1 year and are renewed for periods of 2 years successive. After 5 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain, it is possible to apply for the long-term residence, which provides a much more stable situation.
To renew, you need to:
- To prove continuity of employment or economic activity
- Be up to date with tax and social security obligations
- By 2026, demonstrate effective residence in Spain for more than 183 days per year
The renewal application must be submitted within 60 days prior to the expiry date of the current authorization, or up to 90 days later (although this generates temporary irregularity).
What happens if I work without a permit in Spain?
Working without a permit is a serious infraction for both the employee and the employer:
- For the worker: This may result in sanctions, expulsion from Spanish territory, and a ban on entry for a specified period.
- For the employer: very high fines (between €10,001 and €100,000 per undocumented worker, according to Article 54 of the Immigration Law), in addition to joint and several liability for wages and contributions owed to the worker
If you are undocumented, there are legal avenues to regularize your status: residency based on social integration, employment, or training may be the solution. Contact us for a free consultation.
Transition from student to worker
If you are a foreigner and have studied in Spain for more than 3 years, you can obtain a work permit. without needing to leave the country, Provided you submit a job offer of at least one year at 30 hours per week and your degree certificate, this is one of the most direct and accessible ways for many international students to regularize their employment status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to process a work permit application? The Administration has a legal deadline of 3 months from the date the file is complete. In practice, deadlines may vary depending on the province and the workload of each Immigration Office.
Can I work while I wait for the resolution? No. During the processing of the application, you are not authorized to work unless you have another valid authorization.
Does my work permit allow me to work for any company in Spain? The initial residence and work permit is tied to a specific employer and sector. However, after the first renewal, it generally extends to any activity and employer throughout Spain.
What is the Catalog of Hard-to-Fill Occupations? This is a list published quarterly by the SEPE (Spanish Public Employment Service) of professions with a shortage of workers in Spain. If your occupation is on this list, the employer is exempt from having to prove they couldn't find local candidates, which considerably simplifies the process.
Can I apply for my work permit from outside of Spain? Yes. The employer can initiate the process electronically from Spain while the employee is in their country of origin. Once the authorization is approved, the employee applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate.
NIESPANA: Your trusted advisor for work permits
We have been carrying more than 23 years old We help foreigners obtain their work and residence permits in Spain. Our multilingual team has in-depth knowledge of all immigration regulations and manages each case individually, from the initial consultation to obtaining the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
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