Learn about the requirements, types of work visas, and how to apply for a Spanish work permit. Discover Spain's work culture, popular jobs for expats
Spain is one of the most attractive tourist and immigration destinations. Many, among others, are considering moving to Spain for work. This country is famous for its rich culture, comfortable climate, and unique lifestyle that combines work and leisure. Thanks to economic growth and the development of various labor market sectors, Spain attracts tourists and specialists worldwide looking to find a decent job, improve their quality of life, and learn a new culture.
An appropriate visa must be obtained by most foreigners to work in Spain legally. A visa is an official document. It gives the complete right to stay in the country and hold a job legally. In this complete overview, we will explore what types of visas exist, the main Spain work permit requirements and exactly how the application process goes. We will also discuss the nuances of Spanish labor legislation and the peculiarities of working in this sunny country.
Understanding who exactly should apply for a Spain employment visa is an essential step toward legal employment. Spain is a member of the European Union, which imposes special rules.
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland do not need to worry about obtaining a separate work permit in Spain. They have the right to work in Spain, which is the same as the locals. Such applicants have a free employment procedure. They can also open a business and live in the country without special visas and permits.
For most foreigners from other countries, obtaining a work permit is mandatory. The possession of the appropriate visa and work permit is a prerequisite for official employment in Spain.
The process of obtaining a visa and permit depends on the work's duration. It also depends on the activity type. For work that lasts more than 90 days, a visa with the right license is needed.
There are also special categories that require a visa, but with specific nuances:
To determine whether a work visa is required, you should carefully consider the specifics of your case and country of your origin.
Spain work permit can be different. The country distinguishes several types of visas that are designed for specific situations. Here they are:
Each visa type is designed for different purposes and categories of workers, so choosing the most appropriate option for your case is crucial. Migrun company not only assists clients in clarifying the differences but also helps them to complete the entire process of obtaining important documents for living in Spain.
You must collect and prepare some documents to obtain a work permit in Spain. The list of mandatory papers includes the following:
An essential responsibility of the employer is to obtain a work permit for a foreigner. He needs to make a corresponding application to the Ministry of Labor. This is how confirming that he could not find a suitable candidate on the local labor market occurs.
Do not neglect these points. Adherence to all the rules and details will significantly increase your chances of getting your work visa approved.
The process of applying for a work visa in Spain is relatively straightforward. You need to be extremely careful not to miss anything because even the slightest mistake or inaccuracy can result in a refusal to grant a work visa. In addition, you must be consistent. Here are the steps you need to go through:
Spain work visa price may vary depending on the type of permit. Basic work options cost around 60–160 euros, self-employed visas cost from 120 to 1447 euros, and Blue Card costs around 285 euros.
Labor laws in Spain determine working conditions. They ensure the protection of workers' rights and work-life balance.
If looking at the latest reports available to the public, the minimum wage in Spain in 2025 is €16,576 per year. This is equivalent to approximately €1,184 per month with 14 payments or €1,381 per month with 12 payments. Meanwhile, the in-country minimum hourly rate for domestic workers is €9.26, and for short-term contracts (less than 120 days) — €7.01.
These indicators can typically vary by region and industry. For example, the minimum rate in the agricultural or tourism sector may be slightly lower, while it is significantly higher in the IT and financial sectors.
The average salary in Spain varies by profession. According to the latest data, it is generally around €26,000-30,000 annually. High salaries are found in the IT, engineering, and finance sectors, where specialists earn an average of 30,000 to 50,000 euros annually.
The working week in Spain runs from Monday to Friday (5 days). A week is usually 40 working hours. Spain is known for its widespread practice of siesta, a daytime rest period, which often leads to a division of the workday into morning and evening shifts.
Laws regulate the payment and conditions for overtime work. The employer must pay compensation for additional hours or provide time off.
Under local law, employees may receive at least 30 calendar days of regular vacation each year. Paid sick leave is also provided, which is covered by the Social Security system.
Spain remains an attractive destination for labor migration due to its climate, standard of living, and diverse employment opportunities. Foreigners can find work in their specialty and related fields, from high technology to agriculture.
Specialists who speak English or are ready for seasonal work are especially in demand. Since the demand is high, getting a work permit in Spain will be accompanied by increased chances for such potential employees.
Among the most popular areas of employment for foreigners in Spain are the following:
These areas are particularly open to foreigners due to the high demand for personnel and the international nature of the activity. Many employers are willing to help with paperwork and adaptation. In addition, some professions allow you to apply for preferential visa conditions, such as the digital nomad visa Spain or the Blue Card visa.
Before start looking for a job, you should understand the local market and the professions that are in demand. Different regions may have other qualifications and experience requirements.
Most employers accept the European resume format Europass. Your resume should highlight your key skills, experience, and relevant qualifications. Attach a short but informative cover letter explaining why you want to work for this company and why you are suitable for the position. It would definitely be better if it were done in Spanish.
You can use the following popular websites in Spain to search for a suitable job:
Attending professional events and exhibitions to expand your business contacts will be the right decision also.
Don't take risks with unpopular professions. Study the market in detail and pay attention to popular areas such as IT, education, healthcare, and tourism.
Get to know the kinds of questions and features that are typical of Spanish business culture, and be prepared to communicate in Spanish. For non-EU citizens, having a formal job offer is a mandatory requirement for applying for a visa.
One distinctive aspect of Spanish work culture is its strong emphasis on achieving a healthy balance between professional and personal life. Therefore, the requirements to work in Spain are accompanied by family and social ties, which are reflected in the habits and rhythm of work.
Spanish companies mostly follow a traditional hierarchical structure, where the main decisions are made by the top management. But it is important to know that informal communication, building trusting relationships, is of great value to the locals. Colleagues usually address each other by name and maintain friendly contact.
While punctuality is valued, creating strong personal and professional ties is prioritized. As a rule, the first meeting begins with casual general conversation. This approach allows you to establish rapport with the interlocutor.
Working in Spain is an opportunity to live by the sea and enjoy the warm climate, and it is an essential step in developing a career abroad. The country has certain advantages that make it especially attractive to expats. Here are the key benefits that foreign workers most often note and apply for a long-term work visa Spain:
These advantages make Spain one of the leaders in terms of comfort among EU countries. The state's offering of various legal employment formats for different categories of specialists and freelancers is significant.
However, as in other countries, Spain has specific difficulties that foreign workers may face. Here they are:
Despite these restrictions, Spain remains an attractive country for labor migration, especially for those who value work-life balance.
People often consider relocating to Spain for work, as they see serious prospects in this country. It is attractive with its comfortable climate, rich culture, and diverse opportunities in various industries. You can apply for a Spain employment visa and reside in this country for a very long-term period of time.
Be prepared to carefully prepare documents, correctly fill out the application form and comply with all the conditions for applying for a work visa to Spain. Remember that obtaining a work permit is not a five-minute matter. Spain work permit processing time is usually one to three months.
Use modern platforms to find a job, develop skills, and adapt to the Spanish work culture. This approach will allow you to start your career in this country as successfully as possible.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you must obtain a work visa to work legally in Spain.
The cost of a work visa in Spain depends on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. For example, a self-employed visa costs between €120 and €1,447, while a work visa for employees costs between €60 and €160.
As of 2025, the minimum annual salary for full-time employees in Spain is €16,576. The monthly payments are flexible, with options of €1,184 for 14 payments or €1,381 for 12 months.
Processing times vary, but they are usually between 1 and 3 months. To ensure a smooth transition, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date.
Yes, Spain offers a visa for self-employed freelancers and entrepreneurs. You will need to demonstrate your business plan and financial resources.
