Emigrating means moving from one country to another. Many people want to live and work in Spain. To do so, they need something called a “work visa.” It’s like a special permit to work in another country.
What is a work visa?
A work visa for Spain is an official document issued by the Spanish authorities that allows foreign citizens to reside and work legally in Spain for a specific period of time. This visa is necessary for those who wish to immigrate to Spain with the main purpose of working.
Types of Work Visas
Work Visa with Employer
If someone in Spain wants to hire you to work in their company, you can obtain this visa. That person has to demonstrate that there is no one in Spain who can do that job.
Work Visa for Starting a Business
If you have a great idea to start your own business in Spain, you can obtain this visa. You need to have a good plan and enough money to start.
Work Visa for Experts
If you are very good at something, like science or art, you can obtain this visa. It’s for people with special skills.
Things You Need to Apply for the Visa
Passport
It’s like an identity document to travel to other countries.
Certificate of Good Conduct
It’s a document that shows you haven’t done bad things in your country.
Medical Certificate
It’s a document that says you’re healthy.
Health Insurance
It’s like a shield that protects you if you get sick in Spain.
Money to Live
You need to prove that you have enough money to live in Spain while you work there.
Steps to Apply for the Visa
- Search for a Job or Prepare Your Business: Find a job in a Spanish company or prepare your plan to start your own business.
- Gather Documents: Get all the papers you need.
- Apply for the Visa at the Embassy: Go to the Spanish embassy in your country and ask for the visa. Bring all the papers with you.
- Wait for a Response: After applying for the visa, you have to wait. Sometimes, this can take a while.
- Go to Spain and Register: If you get the visa, you can go to Spain! When you arrive, you have to register at an office to get a special number that allows you to work.
What documentation do I need to apply for the visa in Spain?
- Valid Passport: You need a valid passport with an expiration date after your planned stay in Spain.
- Job Offer or Employment Contract: You must have a job offer or a valid contract with a Spanish company.
- Certificate of Criminal Record: A certificate is required to prove that you have no criminal record in your country of origin or in other countries where you have lived. Medical Certificate: A certificate of good health is necessary to show that you are fit to work and do not suffer from contagious diseases.
- Medical Insurance: You must have medical insurance that covers your health needs during your stay in Spain.
- Proof of Financial Resources: You must demonstrate that you have enough resources to support yourself in Spain, including accommodation, food, and other basic expenses.
- Application Forms: You will need to complete and sign the application forms provided by the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
Who can work in Spain without a visa?
In Spain, most people from other countries need a special visa to work. But there are exceptions. Here’s who can work without needing that visa:
Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland
If you are from an EU country, like France or Germany, or from an EEA country like Norway, or from Switzerland, you can work in Spain without a visa! You just need to register at an office to be able to stay legally in Spain.
Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
If you are the spouse, minor child, or dependent of someone from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can also work in Spain without a visa. You just need a special card to prove that you are a family member of that person.
Citizens of Countries with Special Agreements
Some countries have special agreements with Spain. This means that citizens of those countries can work in Spain without needing a visa. But this depends on the country, so it’s important to check each case.
Some Special Professions
If you are very good at something like art, sports, or if you have a lot of experience in a special job, you can work in Spain without a visa. But you have to meet certain requirements and go through some procedures.
Remember that even if you don’t need a visa, there are still other rules you must follow to work legally in Spain. It’s always good to ask and make sure you do everything correctly. That way, you can work and live happily in Spain!
How much does a work visa for Spain cost?
The price of a work visa for Spain varies according to the type of visa and the applicant’s personal situation.
Consular Fees
Spanish embassies and consulates usually charge a fee for processing the visa application. This fee may vary depending on the type of visa and the consular policies of each country. It’s important to check the official website of the corresponding embassy or consulate for updated fees.
Administrative Fees
In addition to consular fees, in some cases there may be additional administrative fees associated with the visa application. These fees may include the cost of messenger services or the cost of managing additional documents.
Medical Insurance
To obtain a work visa in Spain, medical insurance covering medical care during the stay in the country is generally required. The cost of this insurance may vary depending on the length of stay and the services included in the policy.
Other Related Expenses
In addition to the direct costs associated with the visa application, applicants should also consider other related expenses, such as the cost of document translation, transportation expenses for attending consular interviews, or obtaining additional certificates required by the authorities.
It’s important to note that the total costs associated with applying for a work visa in Spain can add up to a significant amount of money. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and ensure that you have the necessary financial resources to cover these expenses.
Can I Work with a Student Visa in Spain?
If you have a student visa to study in Spain, you can work legally! But there are some rules you must follow:
- Limited Working Hours: If you have a student visa, you can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic period. This allows you to combine your studies with a part-time job to earn extra money or gain work experience.
- Full-Time during Holidays: During academic holidays, such as summer or winter holidays, you can work full-time without hourly restrictions. This gives you the opportunity to work more hours and earn more money during your free periods.
- You Need a Work Permit: Before starting work, you must obtain a work permit from the corresponding Foreigners Office. This permit authorizes you to work legally in Spain while studying. It’s important to make sure you have this permit before starting any paid work.
- Priority to Studies: Although you can work with a student visa, remember that your main goal in Spain is to study. Working should be a complementary activity that does not negatively affect your academic performance. Be sure to balance your work responsibilities with your studies to succeed in both areas.
Can I Work with a Tourist Visa in Spain?
If you have a tourist visa to stay in Spain, unfortunately, you cannot work legally. This visa is designed for visiting the country for tourism, leisure, or family visits, not for employment.
Working with a tourist visa goes against Spanish immigration laws and can result in serious legal consequences, such as fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Spain in the future.
If your intention is to work in Spain, you need to obtain an appropriate work visa that allows you to work legally in the country. This generally involves having a job offer from a Spanish company or being self-employed and meeting the requirements set by immigration authorities.
Always remember to follow local laws and regulations when you are in a foreign country. If you are interested in working in Spain, make sure to obtain the correct visa to avoid legal issues and enjoy a safe and legal work experience in the country.
