The employed work permit (trabajo por cuenta ajena) is for non-EU nationals who have received a job offer from a company in Spain. The process has two stages: first the employer applies for the permit in Spain, and once the permit is granted you obtain your visa from the consulate.
Main requirements
- A signed employment contract or a binding job offer
- The position must meet the "national employment situation" test: the occupation must be on the list of hard-to-fill occupations, or the employer must document that no suitable candidate could be found
- The employer must have no outstanding tax or social security debts and must be in a position to pay the salary
- The degree and qualifications required for the occupation
- A clean criminal record
The process
- The employer applies to the Oficina de Extranjería in the province where you will work
- Once the permit is approved, you apply for the visa at the consulate within one month
- After you enter Spain, you are registered with social security and you obtain your residence card (TIE)
How we work with you
- We review your contract and whether the position meets the permit requirements
- We prepare the application together with your employer
- We support you through the visa and residence card stages
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a job offer. Can I still apply?
This permit requires an employer to file the application. If you don't have a job offer, we can look together at options such as the digital nomad visa, the self-employment permit or the student visa, depending on your situation.
Can a permit be obtained for any occupation?
No. The position must meet the national employment situation test. For highly qualified positions there is a separate type of permit where this test does not apply.
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Requirements and amounts are updated every year. Your file is prepared under the rules in force on the day you apply.