Moving to Spain to Work: Requirements and Process

Non-EU nationals need explicit permission to work in Spain. EU citizens work freely after registration, but everyone else requires a visa or residence authorisation that includes work rights.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: register locally — no separate work permit needed
• Non-EU employees: cuenta ajena (employed) work authorisation tied to a specific employer and contract
• Non-EU self-employed: cuenta propia (autónomo) authorisation with business plan and Social Security registration
• Remote work for foreign employers: Digital Nomad visa — not a standard work permit
• Working on a tourist stay or Non-Lucrative visa is prohibited
• Employers who hire workers without authorisation face fines from €6,000 to €60,000 per worker

The standard path for workers with a Spanish job offer. The employer initiates the process and must prove no suitable EU candidate is available.

• Signed indefinite or fixed-term employment contract meeting sector wage floors
• Employer files autorización de trabajo at the provincial Extranjería or online via MERCANTIL/RED EMPLÉO
• Labour market test (situación nacional de empleo): employer demonstrates role could not be filled locally
• Exceptions: shortage occupations, highly qualified professionals, and intra-company transfers skip the labour test
• Worker applies for D visa at consulate once work authorisation is approved
• See our Work Visa (cuenta ajena) guide for the complete document list and timeline

For senior managers, specialists, and researchers meeting salary and qualification thresholds. Processed faster through UGE in many cases.

• Minimum salary: typically 1.5× the average national salary or sector-specific thresholds
• University degree or five years of equivalent professional experience
• Contract of at least one year with a Spanish entity or EU branch
• UGE processes applications in 20–45 days for complete dossiers
• Includes EU Blue Card option for mobility across member states
• See our Highly Qualified Professional visa guide for salary tables and required documents

Freelancers and business owners who work with Spanish clients or operate a local business need autónomo authorisation — distinct from the Digital Nomad visa.

• Business plan or project demonstrating economic viability in Spain
• Qualifications or experience relevant to the activity — homologación required for regulated professions
• Financial means: sufficient funds to cover startup costs and living expenses
• RETA registration (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos) — monthly Social Security contributions from day one
• AEAT registration: Form 036/037 to declare business activity and tax obligations
• Flat-rate autónomo quota (tarifa plana): reduced Social Security for new autónomos for the first 12–24 months in 2026

Spanish employers hiring non-EU workers have legal obligations beyond a standard contract. Workers should verify these before relocating.

• Written employment contract registered with SEPE (public employment service)
• Social Security alta (registration) on day one of employment — employer pays employer share
• Work authorisation approval before the employee starts — working before approval is illegal
• Equivalent salary and conditions to Spanish workers in the same role (equal treatment principle)
• Occupational health and safety compliance and mutual insurance (mutua)
• Withholding IRPF income tax from payslips and filing Modelo 111/190 annually

Your work permit is only the beginning. Within the first weeks of employment or autónomo activity, complete these mandatory steps.

• Empadronamiento and TIE collection if not already done
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — assigned during immigration process, printed on TIE
• Social Security number (NUSS/NAF) — required for healthcare access and pension contributions
• Spanish bank account for salary payments and tax debits
• IRPF registration with AEAT — your employer withholds at source; autónomos file quarterly Modelo 130/131
• Beckham Law option: eligible new residents may apply for the 24% flat tax regime within six months of starting work in Spain