What is a Work permit in Spain?

A work permit is necessary in Spain for anyone who is not a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland:

• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: These individuals require both a work permit and a visa to work in Spain, including UK citizens relocating to Spain.
• Spanish Employers: Employers in Spain must apply for a work permit for non-EEA employees before they can begin working legally in the country.

Work permits are typically issued for a specific duration and are often granted alongside a residence permit. The work visa can be renewed annually as long as the requirements are met. After holding a work visa for five years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency in Spain.

To obtain a work permit in Spain, you must meet several requirements, including:
Documents:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Signed work contract
• Medical certificate (issued within three months)
• Proof of residence within the consular district
• Criminal record certificate from your home country
• Proof of qualifications/experience and financial means

Medical Certificate: If issued abroad, it must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Nationality & Job Offer: These will influence the required documents.
EU Blue Card: If eligible, based on qualifications, experience, job offer, and salary (1.5x Spain’s average wage).

The process of obtaining a work permit in Spain includes the following steps:

• Choose Visa Type: Select the appropriate work visa for your situation.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
• Complete Application: Fill out the online application form.
• Provide Fingerprints: Submit your fingerprints as part of the application.
• Pay Fees: Pay the required application fees.
• Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the relevant consulate.
• Submit Documents: Submit the completed form and all required documents.
• Attend Interview: Attend the visa interview as part of the process.
• Receive Visa: If eligible, you will be granted a work visa for Spain.

The processing time for a work permit typically takes one month from the application date. However, this may be extended if additional documents are needed or if an interview is required.

The cost of a work permit or visa for Spain varies by type and may include additional fees:

• Employed work visa: €60–€160
• Seasonal work visa: €73–€550
• Self-employed work visa: €80 (exemptions for certain nationalities)
• Au pair visa: €80–€150
• EU Blue Card: €285
• Long-term work visa: €80
• Au Pair visa processing fee: €83

To renew your work permit in Spain, you must meet the following requirements and submit your application on time:
Renewal Application: Submit your application within the specified time frame—neither too early nor too late.
Documentation and Fees: Include all required documents and pay the necessary fees.
Eligibility: You must demonstrate:
− Continuous employment
− Financial stability
− Valid health insurance
− Legal residency
− A clean criminal record
− No outstanding debt with the Spanish Tax Agency or Social Security
Renewal Process:
− Use a computer with internet access and a printer.
− Go to the "Procedures to renew immigration permits" section.
− Print the application.
− Submit your application through the registry of an administrative office or by certified mail.
− Wait for a notice by certified mail from the immigration office.

After renewing your work permit twice, you may be eligible for a third renewal. If approved, you will receive a Larga Duración Work Permit, valid for five years. After five years of holding a work visa, you can apply for long-term residency in Spain.

Here are some common immigration scams targeting immigrants:

• Government Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be immigration officials or government representatives, requesting personal information or payment of fees. They may contact immigrants via fake social media profiles or fraudulent phone calls.
• Humanitarian Parole Scams: Scammers claim to offer support for an immigrant's case in exchange for a fee or personal information, often reaching out through online platforms or social media.
• Misleading Support Offers: Scammers approach immigrants, promising to act as their petitioner in the United States for a fee.

Our verification service safeguards you against immigration scams by using official channels to validate the authenticity of your work permit. Here's how the process works:

• Document Submission: You begin by uploading your work permit along with any supporting documents, ensuring all information is accurate.
• Authenticity Check: We conduct a thorough verification by cross-referencing your permit against official government databases and leveraging partnerships with relevant authorities to confirm its validity.
• Results: Within 3–5 business days, we provide you with a comprehensive report outlining the results, confirming whether your permit is legitimate or identifying any discrepancies or issues.
• Ongoing Monitoring: We offer continuous monitoring services to ensure that your work permit remains valid and compliant, alerting you to any changes or requirements.
  Assistance with Discrepancies: If any issues are found, our team will guide you through the next steps to resolve them and ensure that your employment remains secure.

With our service, you can have peace of mind knowing your work permit is authentic, protecting you from potential scams and legal complications.