Guidance

Travel to Spain for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Spain and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s consulate or immigration authorities or consulate.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Spain to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Spain is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attendingattend business meetings.

These areIt usuallydoes coverednot bymatter how many countries you visit in the Schengen visaarea. waiver.Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re goingstaying for certainlonger, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit.

Spain’sThe Spanish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. ItThey decidesdecide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with theSpain’s Spanishconsulate governmentor immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you will need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Spain. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s immigration authorities or consulate.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (apostilised)(with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Spain, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Spain’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You cando travelnot toneed Spaina forvisa theor followingpermit reasonsif withoutyou’re atravelling visato orSpain permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • attending business meetings or discussions
  • attending seminars or fact-finding meetings
  • attending conferences and workshops
  • attending trade shows
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • receiving classroom-based training
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You must not receive any payment for these activities from a Spanish company or it could be classed as work.

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Spain’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permits from other countries

You do not require a visa or permit in Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you have an EU ICT permit from another country. You must be going to work for a branch of the same company that sponsored your current EU ICT permit. Your employer needs to notify Spain’s immigration authorities.authorities before you travel.

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • an assignment letter
  • an employment confirmation
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications, such as diplomas and professional certificates
  • CV
  • health insurance
  • provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
  • a residence card issued by the EU country that granted the current permit

You need to follow the Schengen visa waiver rules.

Working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180 day period

You do not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

  • working in the audiovisual sector
  • completing artistic activities for the public
  • recording a piece for the purpose of distributing it through mass media

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exemptworking toin the authoritiesaudiovisual on request. sector. This could be:

  • an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience)
  • an employment confirmation
  • a contract

In addition, you will need to hold:

If you have a family they can join you as dependants under this exemption, this includes your:

  • spouse or partner
  • children under 18
  • dependant children
  • parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

If a minor is participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

If you need to stay for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you mayhave needthe tofollowing applyoptions:

Exempt work that requires a visa

The following do not need a work permit in Spain but will require a visa:

  • technicians, researchers, and scientists invited or employed by the Spanish public administrations, autonomous communities, universities, local organisations, or organisations that promote and develop research
  • specialised technicians, professors, faculty members, researchers and scientists employed by a Spanish university
  • civil servants or military officials of non-Spanish governments participating in activities under a bilateral cooperation agreement
  • managerial, teaching or research staff from cultural or educational institutions – privately or state-owned, with a renowned reputation, officially recognised by Spain – carrying out cultural or educational programmes from the UK
  • correspondents from non-Spanish media, accredited by the Spanish authorities as correspondents or special correspondents, carrying out journalistic activity in Spain
  • authorised members of international scientific missions engaging in studies or research activities set by an international organisation or agency
  • religious ministers and members of the church, faiths and religious communities, and professed members of religious orders
  • members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations

The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:

If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from theSpain’s Spanishconsulate embassyor immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Spanish authoritiesconsulate or embassyimmigration authorities.

Taking your family

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants.dependants. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Find out about family reunification.

Visas and permits

You must apply for a visa if you’re travelling to Spain because you’re:

You must apply for a visa, work permit and residence permit if you’re travelling to Spain, even for a short period of time, because you’re:

Short-term visa for exempt work

You need a C-type EET visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for up to 90 days. You must follow the Schengen 90-day in a 180-day period rule when travelling on this visa.

The C-type EET visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for 90 days in a 180-day period and you can’t extend it.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as visitors under the Schengen visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You book an appointment at Spain’s consulate in the UK and submit a C-type EET visa application.

  2. Spain’s consulate will review your application and issue you with a visa if you meet the exemption conditions.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed C visa application form
  • C visa checklist
  • passport valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond your intended stay
  • recent passport-sized colour photo
  • invitation letter or contract from the company in Spain detailing the work you’ll be carrying out
  • a ‘no objection letter’ from your employer detailing the conditions of your employment, if you’re an employee
  • trade licence, accountant’s letter or proof of taxes paid in the past year, if you’re self-employed
  • proof you have enough money to support yourself, such as certified bank statements for the past 3 months
  • proof of return travel
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Spain, such as hotel reservations
  • proof of health insurance cover for your entire stay

Additional documents for your type of work

You may have to show accreditations or authorisations issued by the Spanish authorities, or other documentation, showing you’re carrying out exempt work.

What you need to show will depend on your type of work:

  • technicians, researchers and scientists – project description and professional background
  • managerial, teaching or research staff – degrees or diplomas
  • civil or military officials of non-Spanish governments – certificate issued by the Foreign State Administration
  • correspondents from foreign media – accreditation issued by the Spanish authorities
  • members of international scientific missions – authorisation issued by the competent Spanish administration to take part in the International Scientific Mission
  • members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations – certificate issued by the trade union or business organisation

Religious ministers and members of the church:

  • certificate issued by the Spanish Ministry of Justice if the church or community is registered at the Registry of Religious Orders of the Ministry of Justice
  • certificate issued by the religious organisation, with the consent of the Ministry of Justice, confirming that the applicant is a minister of religion, member of the church hierarchy, or professed religious

Long-term visa for exempt work

You need a D-type visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for more than 90 days.

The D-type visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can renew it for up to 5 years.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants under the Schengen visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You book an appointment at Spain’s consulate in the UK and submit a D-type visa application and temporary residence permit form.

  2. Spain’s consulate will review your application and issue you with a visa if you meet the exemption conditions.

  3. You register with your local city hall in Spain.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spain’s social security, if applicable.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in SpainSpain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

If you’re an artist you need to provide:

  • a work contract for your artistic activities
  • a list of authorisations or licences needed for your activities, if applicable
  • evidence that you’ve applied to the relevant authorities for your authorisations or licences, if applicable

Transferring to the Spanish branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these work and residence permits if you’re transferring to a branch in Spain:

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an intra-company transfer work and residence permit (EU ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Spain to work for:

  • up to 2 years
  • 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
  • have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before your transfer to Spain
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years if you’re a manager or specialist or 1 year if you’re a trainee. You can extend it for an extra year if you’re a manager or specialist.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits your ICT permit application online to the immigration office.

  2. Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK and submit a D Visa application.

  3. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain, if applicable.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • government tax form from your employer
  • evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • last 3 payslips
  • assignment letter
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • proof that the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
  • a service agreement between your employer in the UK and a company in Spain that includes the transfer of workers, if you’re providing services to a company in Spain
  • letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

National intra company transfer (ICT)

ToIf you do not qualify for an EU ICT workpermit, andyou residencemay permitbe able to apply for a national ICT permit.

To qualify you must:

  • have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before transferring to Spain
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This ICT takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for up to 2 more. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. The Spanish company submits your National ICT permit application to the immigration office.

  2. Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application

  3. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • government tax form
  • evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • last 3 payslips
  • assignment letter
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • proof the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
  • a service agreement between your employer in the UK and a company in Spain that includes the transfer of workers, if you’re providing services to a company in Spain
  • letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of the company’s activities

Working for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract

You need one of these long-term work permits if you have an offer of employment with a company in Spain:

EU Blue Card

If you’re highly skilled and plan to work for a Spanish company for at least 1 year you can apply for an EU Blue Card.

The role offered must be from professional group 1 or 2 of the National Classification of Occupations (CNO).

To qualify you must:

  • have an offer of employment from a Spanish company for at least 1 year
  • be on Spanish payroll
  • have a salary of at least 1.2 or 1.5 times the average gross annual salary for professions in groups 1 and 2 that have a particular need for foreign workers
  • have a 4-year university degree (or 3-year university degree and a master’s degree) or have at least 5 years’ work experience
  • be on Spain’s social security system

This EU Blue Card takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for 2 years at a time. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer completes a labour market test (not required for large companies, or if exception applies – check with the Spanish authorities.

  2. Your employer submits an EU Blue Card application (form EX05) to the immigration office.

  3. Once approved, you book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  4. You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

  5. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  6. You register with Spanish social security.

  7. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • government tax form
  • evidence of 5 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • 2 signed employment agreementscontract
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • Spanish company’s VAT declaration
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

You will also need one of the following:

  • TC1/TC2 document for proving the Spanish company’s number of employees (for large companies)
  • last annual report confirming that the company meets net annual business turnover requirements – check exact figures with the authorities as they may change over time
  • certificate from the Ministry of Commerce confirming that the Spanish company has declared an annual investment from outside of Spain of at least 1 million euros in the past 3 years (for large companies)
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

Work permit for highly qualified specialists

To qualify for a highly qualified specialist permit you must:

  • have an employment contract with a Spanish company
  • be on Spanish payroll
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does) and at least €40,077 for technicians and €54,142 for managers and directors (as of 2021).2022).

You will also need to have either:

  • a 4-year university degree (or 3-year university degree and a master’s degree)
  • a certificate showing 3 years of relevant work experience with similar responsibilities to the position you will be doing in Spain

The Spanish company must either:

This permit takes 3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits your work permit application online to the immigration office.

  2. Once approved, you book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  3. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • marriage certificate if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • evidence of work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • signed employment agreement
  • Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities
  • last 3 TC documents issued by social security authorities (if the employer has more than 250 employees)
  • annual reports of the company, if applicable
  • strategic sector certificate, if applicable

Temporary

Providing workservices andto residencea permit

client in Spain

YouIf canyour applyUK employer sends you to work on an assignment or secondment to Spain you’ll need one of the following:

You ifshould check with the Spanish authorities which you haveneed specificbefore knowledge,applying.

There skillsare orseparate experience.permits for providing audiovisual services.

ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services

To qualify for an ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services (cross-border services) you must:

  • haveprovide anservices employmentspecified in a contract withbetween athe SpanishUK employer and the company in Spain
  • behave ona Spanishbachelor’s payrolllevel degree or at least 5 years’ relevant work experience
  • have specificprovided knowledge,services skills,for orthe experienceUK company for at least 9 months and at least 1 year in the fieldUK

The

  • be temporarypaid workat andleast residencethe minimum salary according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll
  • This permit takes 3 to 49 months to get. It’s valid for up to 21 yearsyear and you can extend it.it for up to 2 years.

    If you have a family they can join you as dependants afterif you’vethe beenSpanish incompany Spain(client) foris 1a year.large company. Find out about family reunification.

    How it works

    You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

    1. YourThe employer completes a labour market test (not required for large companies, or if exception applies check with the Spanish authorities.

    2. Yourcompany employer submits your work and residence permit application (form EX03)EX08) online to the immigration office.

    3. Once approved,approved you book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application. with the Spanish consulate or embassy.

    4. You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

    5. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

    6. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.

    7. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

    Application documents

    Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

    • completed D visa application form
    • passport, valid for 12 months
    • CV
    • degree or qualification certificate
    • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
    • evidence of 5 years’ work experienceexperience, if applicable
    • detailed job description
    • signed employment agreement
    • Spanishgovernment company’s tax identificationform
    • letter cardsigned (CIF)by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
    • Spanishpayslips company’sfor constitutionthe deedspast 9 months issued within the past 12 months
    • poweremployment contract with UK company and assignment letter
    • marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
    • birth certificates of attorneyany children joining you
    • police clearance certificates
    • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
    • social ofsecurity thecover companycertificate, inif Spainapplicable
    • evidence statingof theirprivate powermedical toinsurance hirein andSpain
    • memorandum letof gothe employeescompany’s activities
    • IDSpanish company’s certificate of incorporation for the Spanish company
    • Spanish company’s legalquarterly representativeIVA report or corporate tax return
    • policecopy clearanceof certificatesthe contract for the provision of services, if applicable

    ProvidingWorking servicesin tothe aaudiovisual client in Spainsector

    IfYou yourcan UKapply employerfor sendsa youwork toor workresidence onpermit if you’re an assignmentartist, technician or secondmenta toprofessional:

    You’ll ableneed toone useof the EUfollowing ICTpermits:

    ICTStay workvisa

    You andneed residencea permitstay forvisa if you’re working in the provisionaudiovisual ofsector transnationalfor services

    Toup to 6 months.To qualify foryou anmust:

    • be ICTsponsored by a Spanish organisation
    • have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your UK-based company and residencethe Spanish host

    This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up for the provisionlength of transnationalthe serviceswork (cross-bordercontract/assignment services)up to a maximum of 6 months (180 days). You can extend it.

    If you must:have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit, this includes your:

    • providespouse servicesor specifiedpartner
    • children inunder 18
    • dependant children
    • parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

    Check with Spain’s immigration authorities on the exact process.

    If a contractminor betweenis participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

    How it works

    You need to check with the UKSpanish employerauthorities andon the companyexact inprocess. Spain

  • haveThis is a bachelor’srough levelguide degreeto help you prepare.

    1. You or your employer submits your visa application at leastthe 5Spanish years’Consulate

    2. Once relevantapproved, workyou experiencebook an appointment with the Spanish consulate to get your visa stamped.

    3. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if you have provideda serviceslocal forSpanish work contract.

    Application documents

    Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the UKprocess. companyUsually, they need:

    • passport, valid for at12 leastmonths
    • passport-standard 9photo taken within 6 months andof atapplying
    • proof leastof 1hire yearfrom inyour theUK-based UKcompany, if transferred to Spain to provide services
    • beSpanish paidwork atcontract, leastif locally hired
    • proof that you’re working in the minimumaudiovisual salarysector according- for example, an assignment letter (including reference to theprevious relevantexperience), collectiveemployment bargainingconfirmation agreementor (dependsa contract
    • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if not on whata thelocal companySpanish does)work contract

    Residence visa

    You need a residence visa if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for more than 6 months.

    To qualify you must:

    • keepbe yoursponsored UKby employmenta contractSpanish organisation
    • stayhave oneither UKa payrollSpanish work contract or a service agreement between your home company and the Spanish host

    This permit takescan 3take 1 to 92 months to get. It’s valid for up to 12 yearyears and you can extend it for upa tofurther 2 years.

    If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit, this includes your:

    • spouse or partner
    • children under 18
    • dependant children
    • parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

    Check with Spain’s immigration authorities on the Spanishexact companyprocess.

    If (client)a minor is aparticipating largein company.an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

    How it works

    You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

    1. TheYour Spanishemployer company submits your work and residence permit application (form EX08) online to the immigration office.

    2. Once approvedapproved, you book an appointment and submit a D visa application with the Spanish consulate or embassy.

    3. Youembassy and submit a ‘statementD ofvisa entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.application.

    4. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

    5. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.security, if you have a local Spanish work contract

    6. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.Spain.

    Application documents

    Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

    • completed D visa application form
    • passport, valid for 12 months
    • CV
    • degree or qualification certificate
    • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
    • evidenceproof of 5hire years’from workyour experience,UK-based company, if applicable
    • detailedtransferred jobto description
    • signedSpain employmentto agreement
    • governmentprovide tax formservices
    • letterSpanish signedwork bycontract, theif UKlocally company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements hired
    • payslipsproof forthat theyou’re pastworking 9in months issued within the pastaudiovisual 12sector months
    • employment- contractfor withexample, UKan company and assignment letter
    • marriage certificate,(including ifreference married,to orprevious aexperience), certificateemployment confirmingconfirmation youror registereda partnershipcontract
    • birth certificates of any children joining you
    • police clearance certificates
    • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
    • social security cover certificate, if applicable
    • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
    • memorandumSpain, ofif thenot company’son activities
    • Spanisha company’slocal certificate of incorporation for the Spanish company
    • Spanishwork company’s quarterly IVA report or corporate tax returncontract
    • copypolice ofclearance the contract for the provision of services, if applicablecertificates

    Self-employed work

    To qualify for a self-employed work permit you must:

    • set up (incorporate) a company in Spain
    • have the relevant licence for your business and make sufficient investment to carry out your business
    • have enough money to support yourself
    • have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level education or relevant work experience
    • have contracts with potential clients in Spain
    • prove that 1 or more Spanish companies has enlisted your services as a freelancer or independent contractor

    This permit takes 6 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 5 years.

    If you have a family they can join you as dependants after you’ve hadlived in Spain for 1 yearyear. ofFind legalout residenceabout infamily Spain.reunification.

    How it works

    You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

    You:

    • book an appointment with the Spanish consulate and submit your work permit application (form EX07)
    • book a second appointment with the Spanish consulate and submit your D visa application, once your work permit application has been approved
    • submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border
    • register with the local city hall when you get to Spain
    • register with Spanish social security, if applicablesecurity
    • submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months

    Application documents

    Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

    • completed work permit and D visa application forms
    • passport, valid for 12 months
    • CV
    • degree or qualification certificate
    • passport-standard photo, taken within 6 months of applying
    • business plan detailing expected investments, projected profits and the possible number of jobs created
    • approval of your business plan by a relevant association in Spain
    • proof of enough money, or investment contracts, or loans from financial institutions
    • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
    • police clearance certificates

    Founding or investing in a company in Spain

    If you want to invest in a Spanish company or start a company in Spain you need a residency visa for entrepreneurs and business activity (REM) (work permit).

    To qualify:

    • your business must be considered of public interest in terms of job creation, impact on the local area and making a relevant contribution to technological or scientific innovation
    • you must have a business project that’s considered to be of general interest to Spain (and accredited)
    • you must have enough funds – check with the Spanish authorities on how much you’re expected to have

    This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for anothera 2.further 2 years.

    If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

    How it works

    You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

    You:

    • book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application
    • submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you don’t get an entry stamp at the border
    • register with the local city hall when you get to Spain
    • submit your work permit application online to the immigration office once the business has started operating
    • register with Spanish social securitysecurity, if applicable
    • submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months

    Application documents

    Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

    • completed D visa application form
    • passport, valid for 12 months
    • CV
    • degree or qualification certificate
    • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
    • bank reference letter
    • report from the Trade Office (if an investor)
    • business plan
    • proof of sufficient economic funds
    • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
    • marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
    • birth certificates of any children joining you
    • police clearance certificates

    Spanish government guidance

    Read official Spanish government information on:

    Check for travel changes

    European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

    You should always check general travel advice for Spain, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

  • Published 30 April 2021
    Last updated 1630 JuneNovember 2022 + show all updates
    1. Removed the temporary work and residence permit as this is no longer issued. Added details of the new audiovisual stay and residence visas. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

    2. Added details of the new audiovisual sector arrangements. Fixed links to visa forms. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

    3. Updated exemptions with 2 new visas added for work that doesn't require a work permit, but does require a visa.

    4. First published.