A work visa for Spain, also known as a Type D visa for employment, allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Spain. The process involves obtaining a work permit before applying for the visa, and it’s typically sponsored by your employer. Below are the steps to apply for a work visa for Spain:
Obtain a Job Offer and Work Permit
- Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must be willing to sponsor your work visa.
- Work Permit (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo): The employer applies for a work permit on your behalf. This application is submitted to the Spanish Ministry of Labor and Social Economy.
Employer’s Responsibilities
- Application Submission: The employer must submit the work permit application along with required documents, such as your employment contract, company registration, and proof that the job could not be filled by a local or EU citizen.
- Processing Time: The processing time for the work permit is typically 1 to 3 months. Once approved, the work permit will be sent to the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Gather Required Documents
- Visa Application Form: Complete the national visa application form, which can be obtained from the Spanish consulate or their website.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Spain, with at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) that meet Spanish visa photo requirements.
- Work Permit Approval: A copy of the work permit approval from the Spanish authorities.
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract signed by both you and your employer.
- Proof of Financial Means: While the work permit usually covers this, you might still need to show that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself initially.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of private or public health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in Spain.
- Medical Certificate: A document issued by a licensed doctor stating that you do not suffer from any diseases that could pose a threat to public health.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from your home country (and any other countries where you’ve lived in the past 5 years) showing that you do not have a criminal record.
- Proof of Accommodation: A document proving you have a place to stay in Spain, such as a rental agreement or a letter from your employer confirming accommodation arrangements.
- Proof of Payment of Visa Fee: The fee varies depending on your nationality.
Schedule an Appointment
- Consulate/Embassy: Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country to submit your visa application. Appointments can be booked online or by phone, depending on the consulate.
Submit Your Application
- Attend your appointment at the consulate or visa application center. Bring all required documents and be prepared to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Pay the visa fee, which is typically around €60-80, though it can vary depending on your nationality.
Wait for Processing
- Processing Time: The processing time for a work visa is usually between 1 to 3 months. The consulate will notify you once your visa is ready for collection.
Collect Your Visa
- Visa Issuance: Once approved, you’ll be notified to collect your passport with the work visa sticker. Review the visa details to ensure everything is correct.
8. Travel to Spain
- Entry into Spain: With your work visa, you can enter Spain and start your employment.
- Register with Local Authorities: Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local police station. This card serves as your residency permit.
9. Working in Spain
- Employment Start: You can start working as soon as you arrive in Spain and complete your local registration.
- Work and Residency Permit: The work visa allows you to live and work in Spain for the duration specified in your work permit and employment contract. If your contract is extended, you can apply for a visa renewal.