by If you are not a national of an EU country, you will require a work permit to carry out any remunerated activity in Spain. There are various types of permits according to your professional status, whether you are going to be employed as an employee, a self employed worker, or an entrepreneur. Below, we detail the most important work permits that exist.
Types of Work Permits:
Work Permit for Highly Skilled Professionals:
The permit is for individuals who hold university or postgraduate qualifications and have an employment opportunity related to their qualification. To be eligible, you must have a minimum salary (ordinarily €42,000 per annum). The minimum salary can be less if you are under the age of 30 years. The key requirements for this permit are:
A job offer related to your qualifications and experience.
A detailed job description indicating your position in the company.
Self Employment Work Permit:
Should you want to open your own business in Spain, this is the right permit. This permit is for individuals who are able to prove that their business is profitable and sustainable. Unlike the entrepreneur work permit, the business does not require innovativeness.
Work Permit for Entrepreneurs
This work permit is for people who want to start a new, innovative business in Spain that can have economic or social importance. You will need to prove that your venture can benefit the Spanish economy through increased jobs or technological improvement.
Application Process:
There are varying processes in which you can apply for a work permit based on the type of permit you require. The following general steps are required, however:
- Collecting the documents you need, like your passport, employment contract (in case you are an employee), or business plan (if you are self-employed and applying), and criminal record certificate.
- Applications may be made either from your home country or, in certain instances, from within Spain if you are already legally present.
- The process of approval typically takes about three months, depending on the category of permit and on your individual circumstances
Requirements:
- Not be an EU citizen.
- Not have any criminal record in Spain or the countries where you have lived for the last five years.
- Not be in any irregular situation in Spain.
- Have an employment contract or the required means to work as a self-employed individual.
- Meet Spanish labor and fiscal regulations
