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3 ways to enter

Spain visas

Spain work visa

Some travellers can work in Spain through freedom of movement or a specific exemption. A short tourist or business visit does not give a general right to work.

Ways to get a Spain work visa

  2. Andorran short-stay work exemption

    No visa needed

    Andorran nationals who are not working in an independent profession.

    Stay
    During the visa-free stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  3. Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule

    Other permit

    People from outside the European Union single market who are employed within it and temporarily work in another single market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

    Stay
    Temporary work; no duration is given.

Who needs it

Travellers without a right to work through freedom of movement or another exemption need suitable work permission. Detailed Spanish work visa requirements are not described.

Who doesn't

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can work without a visa. Andorran nationals have a limited short-stay work exemption.

Good to know

  • Andorran nationals using the short-stay work exemption must not work in an independent profession.
  • The Van Der Elst rule applies only under certain conditions and for work with the same employer.
  • Working holiday visas are another route for eligible nationalities.
  • For people outside the European Union single market, stays beyond 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Spain?

Travellers without a right to work through freedom of movement or another exemption need suitable work permission. Detailed Spanish work visa requirements are not described. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can work without a visa. Andorran nationals have a limited short-stay work exemption.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Spain?

There are 3 options: Work through freedom of movement (no visa at all); Andorran short-stay work exemption (no visa at all); Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule (a special permit).

Who can go to Spain without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Andorran nationals who are not working in an independent profession.

What rules do I have to follow on a Spain work visa?

Andorran nationals using the short-stay work exemption must not work in an independent profession. The Van Der Elst rule applies only under certain conditions and for work with the same employer.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Spain?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Spain visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Spain be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Spain work visa rules?

On Spain's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Spain?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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