Employer-sponsored work visa for non-EU nationals who have a job offer from a Spanish company.
Estimated Cost
$850
Processing Time
~2 months
Validity
12 months
The Employee Work Visa (Visado de Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena) allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain under an employment contract with a Spanish employer. The employer must obtain an initial residence and work authorization from the Spanish labor authority before the employee can apply for the visa. Spain applies a labor market test (situacion nacional de empleo) requiring employers to demonstrate no suitable EU/EEA candidate was available, unless the role falls on the shortage occupations list. The initial permit lasts one year, renewable for up to two-year periods thereafter.
Average: 2 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~10 years
Valid passport*
Minimum 1-year validity with at least 2 blank visa pages.
Initial residence and work authorization*
Granted by the Spanish provincial labor authority (Oficina de Extranjeria) to the employer on the employee's behalf. Employer must demonstrate labor market test or shortage occupation status.
Signed work contract*
Contract must meet Spanish minimum wage requirements (SMI: ~$1,290/month as of 2025).
Criminal background check*
Issued within 6 months, with Hague Apostille and certified Spanish translation.
Medical certificate*
Issued within 3 months of application, certifying absence of public health-risk conditions.
Private health insurance*
Required until Spanish Social Security registration is completed.
Proof of accommodation*
Employer registration with Spanish Social Security*
Employer must be registered and up to date with Social Security obligations.
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | $190 | One-time |
| Residence permit application fee | $80 | Recurring |
| Residence card issuance | $18 | Recurring |
| Document translation/apostille(optional) | $400 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $850 |