Spain Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena) Guide

Cuenta ajena (employee account) authorization is for foreign nationals with a formal job offer from a registered Spanish employer who will employ you locally in Spain.

• Specialists and professionals with a signed Spanish employment contract
• Workers whose employer completes Ministry of Inclusion authorization before consular submission
• Applicants whose salary meets sector collective agreement minimums

Both the candidate and employer must meet strict criteria. The employer drives the first stage in Spain.

• Valid job offer with signed employment contract specifying role, salary, duration, and workplace
• Employer must have an active Social Security contribution profile and no serious labour fines in the last six months
• Labour market test (SEPE): employer must usually prove no suitable Spanish or EU candidates unless an exception applies
• Salary must meet or exceed the minimum set by the applicable collective bargaining agreement
• Regulated professions: foreign qualifications may require homologación or professional recognition
• Non-regulated roles: translated diploma or documented experience may suffice

Documents must be recent and properly legalized. The employer provides several key items.

• Foreign documents usually require an apostille (or equivalent legalization) and a sworn translation into Spanish (traducción jurada).
• Most consulates expect documents issued within the last 3 months unless otherwise stated.
• Passport must typically be valid for at least 12 months with at least two blank pages.
• Valid passport with 12+ months validity and blank pages
• Signed employment contract approved by Spanish immigration authorities
• Employer authorization (resolución favorable) from the Ministry of Inclusion
• Company documents: CIF, registration, and proof of Social Security compliance
• Apostilled and translated diploma or experience portfolio
• Criminal record certificate from countries of long-term residence (last five years)
• Medical certificate per RSI 2005 standards
• Visa application form, photos, and consulate fee receipt

Cuenta ajena is a two-stage process: employer authorization in Spain, then consular visa application by the employee.

• Stage 1 — Employer in Spain: file initial work authorization at the Oficina de Extranjería, pay state fees — approval typically 1–3 months
• Stage 2 — Employee at consulate: within one month of approval, apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence
• Visa issuance: enter Spain within three months of visa grant
• Unlike Digital Nomad or some entrepreneur routes, you generally cannot self-initiate this process without employer involvement

Complete registration quickly so your employer can activate Social Security and healthcare access.

• Empadronamiento: register your address at the local ayuntamiento within the first weeks.
• TIE card: book a cita previa for fingerprinting within 30 days of arrival or approval; submit EX-17 and pay form 790-012.
• Tax registration: file Form 030 with AEAT to register your fiscal address in Spain.
• Social Security: employer registers you — obtain NUSS and tarjeta sanitaria (TSI) for public healthcare
• Beckham Law: if eligible, submit Form 149 within six months of Social Security registration
• Do not start working before authorization is fully granted — penalties apply to you and your employer