If you are not a national of an EU country, you will need a work permit to carry out any remunerated activity in Spain.
There are several types of permits depending on whether you will work as an employee, self-employed worker, or entrepreneur.
Below are the most important ones:
🏅 Types of Work Permits
🎓 Work Permit for Highly Skilled Professionals
For individuals with university or postgraduate qualifications who have a job offer related to their field.
Key points:
- 📄 Job must match your qualifications and experience
- 💼 Detailed job description showing your role in the company
- 💶 Minimum salary typically €42,000/year (can be lower if you’re under 30)
🧑🔧 Self-Employment Work Permit
Ideal if you want to start your own business in Spain (non-innovative businesses allowed).
Requirements:
- 💰 Show the business is profitable and sustainable
- 📝 Provide a business plan and proof of financial means
🚀 Work Permit for Entrepreneurs
For people who plan to launch an innovative project with economic or social impact.
You must show:
- 🧠 Innovation in your business idea
- 📈 Benefits to the Spanish economy (e.g., job creation, tech improvement)
📝 Application Process (General Steps)
- 📚 Collect required documents:
- Passport
- Employment contract (if employed)
- Business plan (if self-employed)
- Criminal record certificate
- 🌍 Apply from your home country or, in some cases, from within Spain if you are already there legally
- ⏳ Approval usually takes about 3 months, depending on the permit type and your situation
✔️ General Requirements
- ❌ Not be an EU citizen
- 🧾 No criminal record (Spain + last 5 years of residence)
- 🛂 Not be in an irregular situation in Spain
- 📑 Have an employment contract or the means to work as self-employed
- 📘 Meet Spanish labor and fiscal regulations
