Getting a work visa in Spain: a guide to employment

The work visa is a key element for employment and work in Spain for foreign nationals. It allows you to legally work in the country. Many positions and job openings require candidates to have an official document. If everything is in order, the employee has access to the Spanish health care system and social benefits, and legal residency is also ensured. However, if a foreign worker plans to move to Spain with their family, their relatives are also entitled to reside and work legally.

The Spanish work visa is an official document issued to citizens of other countries who intend to work here on a temporary basis. It can be characterized as follows.

2. This document grants the right to employment in a specific area or for a specific employer for a fixed period of time.

3. It is granted for a limited period of time, which depends on the nature of the employment and the requirements of Spanish law. When the permit expires, the worker can renew it if the conditions remain.

4. There are several different types of work visas in Spain, including general, seasonal, investment and others. Each type is distinguished by its own requirements.

6. Some types are often tied to a specific employer. If it changes, the worker has to change the document.

7. In order to obtain a visa, applicants must meet a number of criteria. These include education, work experience, medical examinations, ability to speak Spanish, etc.

8. Owners of a work visa are allowed to bring their family members (spouses and children) with them into the country.

The work visa regulates many nuances related to working and living in the country and protects the rights and obligations of both employees and employers.

Visa types

There are seven categories of work visas in Spain: A, B, C, D, E, F.

Category A is for highly skilled workers with specific knowledge or skills in demand in the Spanish labor market.

Category B is a visa for seasonal workers. Issued to those employed in agriculture, tourism, or other industries with seasonal labor needs.

Category C is a permit for employees employed under free trade agreements. It is for people coming from countries with which Spain has free trade agreements.

Category D is for workers coming from countries with which Spain has labor cooperation agreements.

Category E is for those who are extending their visa to work in category D.

Category F is for people employed in accordance with current European Union regulations. Suitable for applicants coming from the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland.

To open each of these visas, a certain package of documents must be collected. The list can be found on the consulate's website.