SPAIN

It's true that moving to Spain is appealing for both jobs and migration, they have an excellent work-life balance and a relaxed way of life and is home to amazing architecture, a rich history, and a vibrant culture. Adopting the siesta lifestyle is simple and promotes happiness and relaxation. A tolerant and open-minded society has resulted from the diversity of cultures, nationalities, and religions in Spain. There are multiple processes involved in obtaining a visa for Spain, and it's important to know the kind of visa you require. Once you're there, you'll enjoy a fantastic quality of life with their breathtaking scenery including its magnificent castles, palaces, ancient roads, towers, walled cities, and grand amphitheaters, which is invaluable.
Here are some popular visa types available for Spain
- Schengen Visa:
- Purpose: The Schengen visa is for short-stay visits (up to 90 days) within the Schengen area, which includes Spain.
- Eligibility: Available for tourists, business travelers, and those attending conferences or events.
- Process: Apply through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country
- Long-Term Work Visa:
- Purpose: If you plan to work in Spain for an extended period, this visa is essential.
- Eligibility: Qualifying individuals seeking employment in Spain.
- Process: Apply through the relevant authorities, providing necessary documentation
- Student Visa:
- Purpose: For students attending study courses lasting more than three months.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in Spanish universities or educational institutions.
- Family Visa:
- Purpose: Allows family members of Spanish residents to join them.
- Eligibility: Sponsored by a family member (e.g., spouse, parent, child).
- Au Pair Visa:
- Purpose: For individuals participating in au pair programs.
- Eligibility: Au pairs working with Spanish families.
- Golden Visa:
- Purpose: Long-term residence permit for investors.
- Eligibility: Requires a significant investment in Spanish real estate or other qualifying assets.
- Entrepreneur Visa:
- Purpose: For entrepreneurs starting or investing in businesses in Spain.
- Eligibility: Entrepreneurs with a viable business plan.
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa:
- Purpose: Allows non-working individuals to reside in Spain.
- Eligibility: Sufficient financial means to support themselves.
To apply for a visa to migrate or work in Spain, follow these steps:
- Determine Your Eligibility:
- Minimum Age: To work legally in Spain, you must be over 18 years old
- Choose the Relevant Work Visa Type:
- Spain offers various work visa types based on your circumstances:
- Highly-Skilled Employees: Find a job listed as a “Shortage Occupation” (where there is a lack of suitable candidates within the EU). The employer requests a work visa from the Ministry of Labour, which can take up to 8 months to process.
- Seasonal Workers: Similar process to highly-skilled workers, but seasonal workers must also demonstrate suitable accommodation, covered travel costs, and a commitment to return to their home country after the job ends.
- Self-Employed and Freelancers: Apply for a work visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. These visas are valid for one year and can be renewed if conditions are met.
- Spain offers various work visa types based on your circumstances:
- Gather Necessary Documents:
- Depending on the visa type, you’ll need documents such as:
- Proof of sufficient finances to support yourself.
- Employment contract (for highly-skilled employees).
- Accommodation arrangements (for seasonal workers).
- Business plan (for self-employed/freelancers).
- Depending on the visa type, you’ll need documents such as:
- Apply at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy:
- Visit the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Submit your application along with the required documents.
- Wait for Processing:
- Processing times vary, so be patient while your application is reviewed.
Visa that allows you to work
- Work Visa (Arriving with a Job Offer):
- Purpose: Arrive in Spain already with a job offer.
- Eligibility: You must secure a job before arriving in Spain.
- Process:
- Obtain a work permit or residence permit that allows you to work.
- Arrive in Spain with your job offer in hand.
- Your employer will assist with the necessary paperwork for your work authorization.
- Once in Spain, you’ll need to register with Social Security to start working1.
- Self-Employment Visa (Business Visa):
- Purpose: Allows you to legally live and work in Spain as a self-employed individual (freelancer) or business owner.
- Eligibility:
- Set up your business in Spain.
- Demonstrate relevant skills and experience.
- Validity: Initially valid for one year (renewable for up to four years).
- Process:
- Apply for a self-employment work permit at a Spanish consulate or embassy.
- Provide proof of sufficient finances to support yourself.
- Showcase your business plan or freelance work2.
- Other Work Visa Types:
- Spain Employment Visa: For employees hired by a company, institution, or organization in Spain.
- Spain AU Pair Visa: For au pairs working with Spanish families.
- Spain Entrepreneur Visa: For entrepreneurs starting or investing in businesses.
- Spain Working Holiday Visa: Allows young people to work while exploring Spain.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled non-EU workers.
- Spain Working Holiday Visa: Allows young people to work while exploring Spain3.
Visa that allows you to migrate
- Student Visa:
- Purpose: Ideal for students attending study courses lasting more than three months.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in Spanish universities or educational institutions.
- Validity: Depends on the study program duration.
- Business Visa:
- Purpose: Allows you to work and live in Spain, particularly suitable for those wishing to relocate for work or start a business within the country.
- Eligibility: Depends on the specific business context.
- Validity: Ideal for the duration of employment.
- Non-Lucrative Residency Visa (Retirement Visa):
- Purpose: For non-working individuals who want to reside in Spain.
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself.
- Validity: Initially valid for one year (renewable for up to four years).
- Work Permit as an Employee of a Spanish Company:
- Purpose: Allows you to work legally in Spain.
- Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a Spanish company.
- Validity: Typically valid for the duration of your employment contract.
- Process: Your employer will assist with the necessary paperwork
- Golden Visa (Investor Visa):
- Purpose: Long-term residence permit for investors.
- Eligibility: Requires a significant investment in Spanish real estate or other qualifying assets.
- Family Member of an EU Citizen Visa:
- Purpose: Allows family members of EU citizens to join them in Spain.
- Eligibility: Sponsored by an EU citizen family member.
- Validity: Typically valid for five years.