Visas
Work Visa for Spain
How the standard employer-sponsored work visa process works for non-EU nationals.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15The employer's initial authorisation request and the subsequent visa application both take time — the combined process commonly runs from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specific route and consulate.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
For most non-EU nationals moving to Spain specifically for a job, the Work Visa is the standard route. It generally requires a Spanish employer willing to sponsor your application, and involves both the employer and the employee completing separate steps.
Requirements
- A genuine job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor the process, in most standard categories
- The role generally needs to meet specific conditions the employer must also satisfy (such as demonstrating the role couldn't easily be filled locally, in some cases, though several exemptions and simplified routes exist for specific sectors and qualifications)
Step-by-step process
- Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor a work authorisation
- Your employer initiates the process by requesting authorisation from the relevant immigration authority in Spain
- Once the employer's request is approved, you apply for the visa itself at your home country's Spanish consulate
- Travel to Spain within the visa's validity window once approved
- Apply for your TIE within the required window after entry, and confirm your employer registers you with Social Security from your actual start date
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Signed job offer or employment contract
- Employer's authorisation approval
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate, if required
Common mistakes
- Starting work in Spain before the full process (employer authorisation plus visa) is complete
- Assuming any job offer automatically qualifies — some categories have specific salary, qualification or sector conditions
Practical tips
- Simplified or faster routes exist for specific situations — highly qualified professionals, intra-company transfers, and certain shortage occupations — worth checking if any apply to you
- Once you have your Work Visa and are in Spain, see our guide to understanding your employment contract for what to check before you start
How Tuchati can help
If you have a job offer and want to understand what the visa process involves for your specific situation, Tuchati can help you understand the steps ahead.