Work permits for employees relocating to Spain

Start with nationality and current status

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals generally do not need the work authorisation required of third-country nationals, but residence registration and other formalities can apply. Family members have their own conditions and documentation.

For other nationals, review the existing residence status and work rights before starting a new application. A tourist stay, a tax registration or ownership of a Spanish company does not automatically authorise employment.

Match the route to the actual role

UGE and ordinary immigration procedures have different criteria. Salary thresholds, qualifications, experience and employer evidence must be checked under the rules in force when applying.

• Highly qualified professional or EU Blue Card routes, where the role, qualifications and remuneration meet the current requirements.
• Intra-company transfer routes for qualifying movements within a group or other eligible arrangements.
• Ordinary residence and employed-work authorisation where appropriate, including the applicable employment and labour-market requirements.
• Other specific routes only where the person and activity actually qualify.

Prepare the employer and employee files

• Identify the employing and, where relevant, sending company, group relationship and proposed workplace.
• Provide role, duties, contract or assignment terms, salary, duration and the business justification.
• Check the passport, qualifications, experience and the personal documents required for that route.
• Plan legalisation or apostille, sworn translations, representation and any family applications.

Coordinate approval, entry and payroll

An authorisation, entry visa, residence card and Social Security registration are different steps. Which are required, and when work can begin, depends on the route and current status.

We can prepare and follow the agreed application process and coordinate the employment implications. Administrative approval and processing dates cannot be guaranteed; confirm the authorised start conditions before the employee begins.

After the move

Track expiry dates, changes of employer or duties, renewals and family arrangements. Immigration permission does not settle tax residence, payroll, Social Security or recognition of regulated professional qualifications.

We assess the scope and fees for the case before starting. Citizenship is a separate procedure with its own requirements, not an automatic consequence of a work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Related services

• Company Formation
• Guide to Hiring Employees in Spain
• Legal