Residency visas
Why Choose Us
Specialized expertise
in Non-EU residency (1,000+ UK, US, Canadian clients processed)
Multilingual support
English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese
99.2% approval rate
for well-prepared applications
Spain requires non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain work authorization before engaging in any paid employment or business activity. There are two distinct categories: employment visas for salaried workers and business visas for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs.
This guide outlines each visa type, eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and application procedures based on current Spanish immigration law (2026).
Five Work and Business Visa Options
Employee Work Visa
Non-EU/EEA citizens hired by Spanish employers for positions exceeding 6 months
Highly Qualified Professional
Executives, managers, researchers, and specialists in roles requiring advanced qualifications or responsibility
Self-Employed Visa / Autónomo Visa
Non-EU/EEA citizens working independently with multiple clients or operating small business (without significant employees initially)
Common Documentation Requirements
All work and business visas require:
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport (at least 10 years old max, minimum 1-4 months validity depending on visa type, two blank pages required)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (4×4 cm, white background, color)
- Medical certificate: Issued by doctor recognized by Spanish diplomatic missions, confirming no communicable diseases per 2005 International Health Regulations (valid max 90 days before application)
- Criminal record certificates: From all countries of residence in past 2-5 years (varies by visa type), certificate cannot be older than 3-6 months at time of application, must be legalized via Hague Apostille and translated to Spanish by certified translator
- Health insurance: Private coverage from Spanish provider authorized to operate in Spain (some visas allow public Social Security coverage after registration)
Residential Documents:
- Proof of accommodation: Rental contract, purchase deed, or invitation letter from Spanish resident
- Proof of address in home country (varies by consulate)
Application Forms:
- National visa application form (completed by applicant in person or through authorized representative)
- Visa-specific forms (vary by visa type)
Professional/Employment Documents (for employment visas):
- Employment contract: Signed, detailing position, salary, start date, duration
- Job description: Detailed description of responsibilities and requirements
- Company credentials: Registration documents, tax compliance certificates, financial statements
Business Documents (for self-employed and entrepreneur visas):
- Business plan: Detailed plan covering market analysis, financial projections, competitive analysis, operational model, investment requirements
- Professional association endorsement: For self-employed visa only—official approval from recognized association
- ENISA favorable report: For entrepreneur visa only—submitted via online portal, reviewed by ENISA
Work Visa Types Comparison
| Aspect | Employee | HQP | Self-Employed | Entrepreneur | EU Blue Card |
| Processing Time | 2-4 months | 20 days | 3-6 months | 90-120 days | 20 days |
| Min. Salary | No minimum | €40K-€54K | €600/mo | Variable | ~€61K |
| Employer Required | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Business Plan | No | No | Yes (required) | Yes (required) | No |
| Visa Speed | Slow | Fast | Medium | Medium | Fast |
| Main Barrier | LMT delays | Role must be senior | Plan approval | ENISA approval | Salary threshold |
| Validity | 1 year | 3 years | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years |
| Path to Perm. Residency | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
Benefits
Fast-Track Routes for Skilled Professionals
Tax Advantages for Entrepreneurs
No Employer Sponsorship Required
Path to Permanent Residency
What is a Spanish Work or Business Visa?
A Spanish work or business visa authorizes non-EU/EEA citizens to legally engage in paid employment or business activity in Spain for periods exceeding 90 days.
Spain distinguishes between two primary pathways:
Employment-Based Visas: For professionals hired by Spanish companies. Employer sponsors the work authorization; applicant applies for visa at consulate.
Business-Based Visas: For self-employed professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Applicant applies independently; no employer sponsorship required.
Unlike residence visas (which permit living but not working), work and business visas specifically authorize paid activity in Spain. Without valid work authorization, any paid employment including remote work is illegal for non-EU nationals.
How we work
We’ve streamlined the application process into three core stages to reduce stress and maximize your chances of approval.
Work Visa Assessment & Route Selection
We analyze your professional profile, employment situation, business idea (if applicable), and career goals to identify the optimal visa route. We clarify requirements specific to your consulate, processing timelines, and potential barriers (labor market test, ENISA approval, etc.). This step determines your success rate and application timeline.
Documentation & Application Strategy
For employment visas: We coordinate with your employer to gather work authorization documentation and employment contracts. For business visas: We structure your business plan, ensure regulatory alignment, and compile financial proof. We manage translations, apostille certifications, and consulate-specific requirements.
Approval & Arrival Support
Once approved, we guide your TIE registration, Social Security enrollment, tax residency setup, and ongoing compliance. We maintain immigration authority coordination to prevent renewal delays and ensure seamless status transitions.
Get started
Ready to Begin Your Spanish Residency Journey?
Taking the first step toward Spanish residency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what we recommend:
Schedule a Free Consultation Book a 30-minute initial assessment call with our visa specialist. We’ll review your situation, identify your optimal visa pathway, and answer any specific questions about your consulate’s requirements.
Receive Your Personalized Residency Roadmap After our consultation, we’ll provide a tailored action plan including:
- Recommended visa type based on your goals
- Complete checklist of required documents (consulate-specific)
- Timeline and costs for your application
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Execute Your Application We guide you through document collection, translation/apostille coordination, and submission ensuring nothing is missed and your application stands out.
Celebrate Your Approval Once approved, we support your transition to Spain: TIE registration, tax setup, and long-term residency planning.