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The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. It is not offered as legal advice and should not be taken as such. The firm and the contributing authors expressly disclaim all liability to any person in respect of anything done or omitted in reliance upon the contents of this information sheet. Immigration rules and requirements frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.
Who needs a visa?
Business Visa
Work Authorization
Family
Penalties
Do's and Don't
Holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa and have no limitations to travel to or stay in Spain.
The following countries DO NOT need a visa to enter and stay in Spain not more than 90 days in a 6 months period under Business or Tourism Status: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauricio and Santa Sede, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Korea Sur, Romania, San Cristobal and Nieves, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Seychelles, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
All non EU nationals not listed above must apply for a Schengen Business Visa, in order to travel to Spain.
As a Business visitor, a foreign national can only attend meetings, conferences and/or engage in business activities which do not constitute employment.
Please note that as the United Kingdom is NOT a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, even holders of a UK permanent/temporary residency permit will still be required to obtain a Schengen Visa in order to enter the Schengen Territory.
For an up to date list of required documents please contact our global immigration team.
Validity:
The visa allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen area for a period of up to 90 days within a 6 month period.
Processing time:
Processing time for Schengen Visas Applications generally take 1 week approximately depending on the Consulate, from submission of the application.
EU nationals
EU/EEA nationals have no limitations in terms of entering and staying at will, and do not require a work permit to undertake employment.
They are required to register with the Immigration Office in their town they will be residing.
Non-EU nationals
The general process for obtaining work authorization in Spain involves three stages:
1. Obtain work authorization from the relevant Immigration authorities in Spain
2. Obtain a work visa from the Spanish Consulate in country of residence
3. Register with the local authorities and obtain residence permit
Non-EU nationals may be able to obtain one of two forms of work authorization In Spain:
1. Local Residence and Work Permit
The local residence and work permit should be obtained where the foreign worker is employed directly by the company in Spain.
2. Transnational Residence and Work Permit
The transnational residence and work permit should be obtained where the foreign worker is employed by an affiliated company and is to remain on the foreign employment contract. To qualify for the Transnational residence and work permit, the foreign worker must been employed by the foreign company for a minimum of 9 months and they have been working in a similar role for a minimum of 1 year.
The Transnational Work Permit is can obtained in the following situations:
1. Where the foreign national is providing a service to the company in Spain on behalf of his/here employer and; or
2. Where the foreign national is being assigned to the Spanish company, which is a subsidiary or has a link of common ownership with the foreign national's employer
A fast-track service may be available to large companies with more than 500 employees in Spain and have offices in a number of Spanish cities.
Validity:
The local work permit may be issued for a period up to 1 year after which, it can be renewed every two years. The foreign worker may be eligible for permanent residence on completion of 5 years in Spain on a local work permit.
Transnational work permits are issued for an initial period up to one year, after which there is the possibility to apply for an extension up to a maximum of 2 years in total. The extension of transnational work permit may be issued for longer period in exceptional cases.
Once the work permit application has been approved, the foreign worker must apply for a work visa, within 30 days of the date of the approval notification, at the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence.
For further information please contact the global immigration team.
EU nationals
Dependants
The spouse and children can accompany the EU national to reside in Spain.
To be recognised as the spouse or child of an EU national, they must obtain certification from the authorities in relevant EU country that the marriage/birth is recognised.
Unmarried / Same Sex Partners
The Spanish authorities may recognise unmarried / same sex partners if the relationship is recognised and registered in the home country.
Non-EU nationals
The general process for obtaining residence permits for family members of the foreign worker includes 3 stages:
1. Obtain residence authorization from the relevant Immigration authorities in Spain
2. Obtain a residence visa from the Spanish Consulate in country of residence
3. Register with the local authorities and obtain residence permit
Dependants
The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18 can accompany foreign workers to Spain.
An application for dependants' residence authorization must be submitted at the same time as the foreign worker's application for a work permit. Once residence authorization has been obtained, the dependant must obtain a residence visa at the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence.
Dependants' residence permits are usually granted for the same duration as the foreign worker's work authorization.
Unmarried / Same Sex Partners
The Spanish authorities may recognise unmarried / same sex partners if the relationship is recognised and registered in the applicant's home country.
Employer:
Employing a foreign worker who does not have the requisite work authorisation is an offence. If convicted the company may be fined.
Do:
1. Contact our global immigration team as soon as possible regarding any potential application as we may be able to assist with preparing documents
2. Provide all requested information and documents promptly to enable us to prepare your application efficiently
Don’t:
1. Perform any duties that may be construed as work whilst in Spain as tourist or as a business visitor
The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. Please note that the information was correct at the time of writing, however the immigration rules and regulations of Spain, like many other countries, frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.