Work Permits for Spain

Securing work permits for Spain requires obtaining residence and work authorisation – notoriously elusive paperwork that demands several documents, depending on your purpose in the country.

European Union nationals do not need work or residence permits to live and work in Spain, although anyone who wishes to stay more than three months must register as a resident and get an NIE.

Non-EU nationals, including Brits post-Brexit, face a more involved process. In most cases, you need to have a contract of employment before applying for Spanish work authorisation.

Read our guides: NIE Number and Residency in Spain and Visas for Spain

Types of work permits for Spain

Work permits in Spain fall into two main categories: the Cuenta Ajena and the Cuenta Propia. Under the new immigration regulation, Spanish work permits are now granted for an initial period of one year, followed by four-year renewals. This provides much greater stability than the previous system.

The Cuenta Ajena applies to those with a specific contract with a particular company. The Cuenta Propia, also known as an autónomo, suits those who are self-employed and want more freedom to move between different companies and positions.

It’s generally easier to obtain a Cuenta Ajena, and many professionals secure this type first before applying for a Cuenta Propia later. Many positions popular with international professionals moving to Spain, particularly careers in education and language sectors, require a Cuenta Propia permit.

Under the new regulation, you can work as a freelancer alongside your main employment without needing additional permits. This provides much greater flexibility. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency. Those over 30 receive long-term residency cards valid for 10 years, while those under 30 receive 5-year cards.

Beyond the standard documents required for both permits, Cuenta Propia certification requires you to register first with the Spanish revenue service and Spanish social security.

Digital nomad and jobseeker visas

Launched in 2023, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa changes the game for teleworkers. With this permit, you can work remotely for companies outside Spain or as a freelancer while living in the country.

Jobseeker permits in Spain received a major boost in 2025, with Spain extending the validity to a full 12 months. With this permit, qualified non-EU nationals can live in Spain while actively searching for employment or preparing to launch their businesses. The extended timeframe gives you a realistic chance to network, interview, and secure appropriate employment. Once you find employment, you can transition directly to a standard work and residence permit.

Read more in our guide to Visas for Spain

Work and residence authorisation for Spain

Working legally in Spain as a non-EU national requires a two-stage visa process: securing work authorisation before you travel, and then obtaining your residence permit card after arrival. Since Brexit, UK nationals must follow the same Spain work visa requirements as other third-country citizens.

The ‘work permit’ represents initial authorisation from Spanish immigration authorities, the ‘residence visa’ grants entry to Spain, and the ‘TIE card’ becomes your physical residence document once you’re in the country.

Phase 1: Before leaving for Spain

Securing a job in Spain

You’ll need a confirmed employment contract from a Spanish employer before starting the Spain work permit application process. The sole exception applies to self-employment (Cuenta Propia) visa applications.

Finding a Job in Spain

Spanish work authorisation application

Your Spanish employer handles the heavy lifting here. They’ll submit your work permit application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy alongside the documents you provide. Current processing times for work authorisations run three to six months under Spain’s digital immigration systems.

Spain residence visa application

The clock starts ticking once your work authorisation gets approved. You’ve got one month to lodge your residence visa application at your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. All required documents need Spanish translation and official certification.

The smart move is to start gathering and translating documents well before approval arrives. Missing that 30-day deadline means starting over. Most Spanish consulates now offer digital visa applications requiring a digital certificate. Lucky applicants might qualify for fast-track processing through the UGE system, which delivers decisions within 20 business days.

Visa collection and departure for Spain

Once your Spain work visa gets the green light, you’ve got one month to collect it from the embassy. Your entry window then opens for three months – plenty of time to plan your Spanish adventure.

Phase 2: Arrival in Spain

Applying for your Spanish residence permit

The TIE card application in Spain kicks off within one month of arriving in the country. You’ll need to apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card at either the Foreign Nationals Office or police headquarters. This plastic card becomes your official Spanish residence permit.

Book that appointment online the moment you arrive in Spain. Current wait times show roughly one month for appointment slots, followed by up to three months for card processing. Many Spanish regions now offer digital TIE applications to speed things up.

For more details, read up on Applying for Residency in Spain

Non-working residence permits for Spain

Non-working residence permits for Spain apply to those moving as dependants or non-workers. These permits link directly to the validity of work permits obtained by your working partner.

You can apply for residence permits at local police stations or Foreigners’ Offices within Spain or at Spanish consulates outside the country.

Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.