Whether a foreigner needs a permit to work in Spain

When you arrive in a country other than the one in which you were born or raised, the first thing to do is to learn how its institutions function and what laws and regulations exist in that country if you intend to settle, live and work there. Language and cultural differences must also be taken into account.

Newly arrived immigrants must meet certain requirements and obtain the appropriate permits to be able to take up employment in Spain.

The Spanish Aliens Act is the main document that foreigners must study in order to be aware of their obligations and rights in Spain.

This law on foreigners is known as Organic Law 4/2000 of January 11 on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration. This is a regulation that governs the entry and stay of non-EU foreign nationals. The latest reform of this law came into force on August 16, 2022 and has provided more opportunities to hire immigrants, increased job offers and given more independence to work for oneself.

Work permits in Spain

The main permits and requirements to seek work in Spain as a foreign national are outlined below.

• Attainment of the minimum legal age.

After obtaining all the necessary documentation, it is necessary to request a Foreigner Identification Card (TIE), presenting an employment contract of more than 6 months and a residence permit. With this card you get a foreigner identification number and legal residence in Spain.

Then you must register with the Social Fund at any office of the General Treasury Service of the Social Fund, register at the local town hall and open a Spanish bank account to receive a monthly salary for work done.

All work authorization documents and procedures that can be granted in Spain include live-in employment, work authorization and self-initiated residence, internship residence, residence as a highly qualified professional, long-term residence, family connection, remote work in Spain, family association or entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship in Spain

Entrepreneurship in Spain in your own company requires a business permit, an authorization provided for in the Entrepreneurship Act. This requires confirmation that the activity undertaken is innovative and of particular economic interest to the country. In addition, a favorable opinion must be obtained from ENISA, a government company dedicated to financing viable entrepreneurial projects.