In this post we cover the 5 work permits you can obtain in Spain in 2024 which permit their holders to engage in work activities in Spain.
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In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
A guide on which residencies permit its residents to work in Spain.
- DIGITAL NOMAD WORKING REMOTELY FROM SPAIN »
- SOCIAL INTEGRATION THROUGH ARRAIGO-SOCIAL »
- WORK PERMIT FOR INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT »
- STUDENT PERMIT »
- RESIDENCY AS A HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SOLICITOR »
DIGITAL NOMAD IN SPAIN FOR RENMOTE WORK:
One notable addition to work permits last year was the permission for Digital-Nomads in Spain. This permit is for individuals who can engage work remotely, either as employees or self-employed individuals, allowing them to work from Spain. Some requirements include:
- A real and continuous business activity for at least one year with the employer or group of companies.
- Documentation proving that the work relationship can be conducted remotely.
- For employee relationships, proof of the existence of the relationship with the foreign employer for at least the last three months, along with documentation showing that the employee can work remotely.
- For professional relationships, evidence that the worker has commercial relations with one or more foreign companies for at least the last three months, along with documentation outlining the terms and conditions of the remote professional activity.
Full details of this permit can be seen-here.
SOCIAL INTEGRATION THROUGH ARRAIGO-SOCIAL:
The first work permit covered here which permits work for a Spanish company is either the Arraigo-Social. The Arraigo is a Residence Authorization for Exceptional Circumstances granted after residing in Spain without papers for at least 3 years. This permit is now the primary way for irregular immigrants in Spain to obtain residency. It is granted to individuals who have been continuously in Spain for at least 3 years, who are socially integrated, have no criminal record, and typically have a job offer. This permit can also be requested when a foreign citizen wants to start a self-employed activity or has sufficient economic means.
WORK PERMIT FOR INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT:
Employee Work Permit
The second work permit to highlight is the Residence and Work Authorization for Initial Employment, designed for foreign citizens coming to Spain with a job contract. Currently, this path is primarily available for individuals from Peru or Chile or those falling under specific categories in the Alien Law’s Article 40 or covering specific jobs listed as hard to fill. This restriction is due to the National Employment Situation. The employer must publish the job offer in the Spanish Public Employment Service to check if there are eligible candidates in Spain before hiring a foreign worker. However, this requirement is waived for nationals of Chile or Peru, individuals falling under Article 40, or those covering positions listed as hard to fill.
Self-Employment Work Permit
In addition, the Residence and Work Permit for Self-Employed individuals is an option for those wanting to start their own business in Spain. This permit is processed through the Spanish Consulate, requiring economic means to initiate the business, a business plan detailing the proposed self-employed activity, and meeting general requirements for any authorization or permit in Spain. Further details of this residency can be seen-here.
STUDENT PERMIT:
Since the August 2022 reform of the immigration regulations, the student permit has become an excellent avenue for working in Spain. The Study Stay permit allows students to work up to 30 hours a week, as long as this work is compatible with their studies. This opportunity is available for higher education studies, formal training for employment or obtaining a professional certification, and training leading to technical certification or professional rehabilitation. After completing studies, the permit can be modified to a residence and work authorization, either for employment or self-employment.
RESIDENCY AS A HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL:
Finally, concluding our list of 5 key permits for working in Spain is the Residence Authorization as a Highly Qualified Professional. Governed by the Entrepreneurship Law, this permit has the following features:
The National Employment Situation is not considered.
It can be processed for individuals in Spain legally as residents or for workers outside Spain.
It is for executive or highly qualified personnel.
The worker must engage in a qualified activity and receive a corresponding salary, with a recommended annual salary of around €40,000.
Family members can accompany the worker when the Highly Qualified Professional Residence Permit is granted.
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Golden-Visa Spain (Spain citizenship by investment)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spain visa non lucrative)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (self employed expats in Spain)
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (remote worker in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO OBTAIN RESIDENCE IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.
