Travel to Spain for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s consulate or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Spain to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Spain is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Spanish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Spain’s consulate or  immigration authorities](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/home) before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Spain. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s immigration authorities or consulate.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

translated
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Spain, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Spain’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

attending business meetings or discussions
attending seminars or fact-finding meetings
attending conferences and workshops
attending trade shows
meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
receiving classroom-based training
leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You must not receive any payment for these activities from a Spanish company or it could be classed as work.

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Spain’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permits from other countries

You do not require a visa or permit in Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you have an EU ICT permit from another country. You must be going to work for a branch of the same company that sponsored your current EU ICT permit. Your employer needs to notify Spain’s immigration authorities before you travel.

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
an employment confirmation
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as diplomas and professional certificates
CV
health insurance
provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
a residence card issued by the EU country that granted the current permit

You need to follow the Schengen visa waiver rules.

Working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180 day period

You do not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

working in the audiovisual sector
completing artistic activities for the public
recording a piece for the purpose of distributing it through mass media

You need to be able to show proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector. This could be:

an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience)
an employment confirmation
a contract

In addition, you will need to hold:

provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
Social security cover certificate, if applicable
Social Security Number (NASS), if locally hired in Spain

If you have a family they can join you as dependants under this exemption, this includes your:

spouse or partner
children under 18
dependent children
parents or guardians, if you’re under 18.

If a minor is participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

If you need to stay for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you have the following options:

Exempt work that requires a visa

The following do not need a work permit in Spain but will require a visa:

technicians, researchers, and scientists invited or employed by the Spanish public administrations, autonomous communities, universities, local organisations, or organisations that promote and develop research
specialised technicians, professors, faculty members, researchers and scientists employed by a Spanish university
civil servants or military officials of non-Spanish governments participating in activities under a bilateral cooperation agreement
managerial, teaching or research staff from cultural or educational institutions – privately or state-owned, with a renowned reputation, officially recognised by Spain – carrying out cultural or educational programmes from the UK
correspondents from non-Spanish media, accredited by the Spanish authorities as correspondents or special correspondents, carrying out journalistic activity in Spain
authorised members of international scientific missions engaging in studies or research activities set by an international organisation or agency
religious ministers and members of the church, faiths and religious communities, and professed members of religious orders
members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations

The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:

If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Spain’s [consulate](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk  or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Spanish consulate or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Find out about family reunification.

Visas and permits

You must apply for a visa if you’re travelling to Spain because you’re:

You must apply for a visa, work permit and residence permit if you’re travelling to Spain, even for a short period of time, because you’re:

Short-term visa for exempt work

You need a C-type EET visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for up to 90 days. You must follow the Schengen 90-day in a 180-day period rule when travelling on this visa.

The C-type EET visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for 90 days in a 180-day period and you can’t extend it.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as visitors under the Schengen visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy by email and submit a C-type EET visa application.
Spain’s consulate will review your application and issue you with a visa if you meet the exemption conditions.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed C visa application form
C visa checklist
passport valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond your intended stay
recent passport-sized colour photo
invitation letter or contract from the company in Spain detailing the work you’ll be carrying out
a ‘no objection letter’ from your employer detailing the conditions of your employment, if you’re an employee
trade licence, accountant’s letter or proof of taxes paid in the past year, if you’re self-employed
proof you have enough money to support yourself, such as certified bank statements for the past 3 months
proof of return travel
proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Spain, such as hotel reservations
proof of health insurance cover for your entire stay

Additional documents for your type of work

You may have to show accreditations or authorisations issued by the Spanish authorities, or other documentation, showing you’re carrying out exempt work.

What you need to show will depend on your type of work:

technicians, researchers and scientists – project description and professional background
managerial, teaching or research staff – degrees or diplomas
civil or military officials of non-Spanish governments – certificate issued by the Foreign State Administration
correspondents from foreign media – accreditation issued by the Spanish authorities
members of international scientific missions – authorisation issued by the competent Spanish administration to take part in the International Scientific Mission
members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations – certificate issued by the trade union or business organisation

Religious ministers and members of the church:

certificate issued by the Spanish Ministry of Justice if the church or community is registered at the Registry of Religious Orders of the Ministry of Justice
certificate issued by the religious organisation, with the consent of the Ministry of Justice, confirming that the applicant is a minister of religion, member of the church hierarchy, or professed religious

Long-term visa for exempt work

You need a D-type visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for more than 90 days.

The D-type visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can renew it for up to 5 years.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants under the Schengen visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D-type visa application and temporary residence permit form.
Spain’s consulate will review your application and issue you with a visa if you meet the exemption conditions.
You register with your local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spain’s social security, if applicable.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
completed temporary residence permit form
D visa checklist
recent passport-sized colour photo
passport with 2 blank pages, valid for the duration of your intended stay in Spain
copies of all the pages of your passport
invitation letter or contract from the company in Spain detailing the work you’ll be carrying out
accreditations or authorisations issued by the Spanish authorities or other documentation showing your work is permit exempt, if applicable
criminal record certificate (legalised (with an apostille))
medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner (legalised (with an apostille)
fee self-assessment form

If you’re an artist you need to provide:

a work contract for your artistic activities
a list of authorisations or licences needed for your activities, if applicable
evidence that you’ve applied to the relevant authorities for your authorisations or licences, if applicable

Transferring to the Spanish branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these work and residence permits if you’re transferring to a branch in Spain:

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT) for managers, specialists or trainees
national intra company transfer (ICT)

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an intra-company transfer work and residence permit (EU ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Spain to work for:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before your transfer to Spain
meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
keep your employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist or 1 year if you’re a trainee.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer submits your ICT permit application to the immigration office.
Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK and submit a D Visa application.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
government tax form from your employer
evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
last 3 payslips
assignment letter
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
social security certificate of cover, if applicable
marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence - for the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
proof that the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
Spanish company’s constitution deeds
power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
Spanish company’s tax identification number
Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

National intra company transfer (ICT)

If you do not qualify for an EU ICT permit, you may be able to apply for a national ICT permit.

To qualify you must:

have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before transferring to Spain
have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This ICT takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it for up to 2 more. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

The Spanish company submits your National ICT permit application to the immigration office.
Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy by email and submit a D visa application.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
government tax form
evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
last 3 payslips
assignment letter
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
social security certificate of cover, if applicable
marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years - for the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
proof the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
a service agreement between your employer in the UK and a company in Spain that includes the transfer of workers, if you’re providing services to a company in Spain
letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
Spanish company’s constitution deeds
power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
Spanish company’s tax identification number
Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
memorandum of the company’s activities

Working for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract

You need one of these long-term work permits if you have an offer of employment with a company in Spain:

highly qualified specialists permit: EU Blue Card or national work and residence authorisation for highly qualified professional
temporary work and residence permit

Work permit for highly qualified specialists

To qualify for a highly qualified specialist permit you must:

have an employment contract with a Spanish company
be on Spanish payroll
meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does) and at least €40,077 for technicians and €54,142 for managers and directors (as of 2022)

There are two different types of work and residence authorisation for highly qualified specialist:

EU Blue Card: you qualify if you hold at least a Bachelor´s degree (higher education of at least three years duration), or 5 years of professional relevant experience comparable to the aforementioned Bachelor´s degree (3 years within the last seven for IT sector)
national work and residence authorisation for highly qualified professional: if you do not qualify for EU Blue Card but you hold a diploma on higher level professional training, higher level plastic arts and design studies or higher level sports studies, or 3 years of professional relevant experience comparable to the aforementioned studies.

This permit takes 3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You or your employer submits your work permit application online to the immigration office.
Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
marriage certificate if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard [passport photo](https://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Downloads/Technical%20Reports/Annex_A-Photograph_Guidelines.pdf  taken within 6 months of applying
evidence of work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
signed employment agreement of at least 6 months
Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)
Spanish company’s constitution deeds
power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

Temporary work and residence permit

This type of work and residence permit is available if you are offered a Spanish local contract but do not qualify for a highly qualified professional type of permit due to salary threshold, experience or qualification.

This permit takes 6 to 10 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for 4 more. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process.

Provided your employer has gone through the Labour Market Test process and authorities have certified that the position cannot be covered in the current labour market (this can take up to two months) then the process is as follows:

Your employer submits your work permit application online to the immigration office.
Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
evidence of work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
signed employment agreement of at least 6 months
Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)
Spanish company’s constitution deeds
power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative

Providing services to a client in Spain

If your UK employer sends you to work on an assignment or secondment to Spain you’ll need one of the following:

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT) for managers, specialists or trainees
national intra company transfer (ICT)
ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services

You should check with the Spanish authorities which you need before applying.

There are separate permits for providing audiovisual services.

ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services

To qualify for an ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services (cross-border services) you must:

provide services specified in a contract between the UK employer and the company in Spain
have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 5 years’ relevant work experience
have provided services for the UK company for at least 9 months and at least 1 year in the UK
be paid at least the minimum salary according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 3 to 9 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 2 years.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

The Spanish company submits your work and residence permit application (form EX08) online to the immigration office.
Once approved you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application with the Spanish consulate or embassy.
You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
evidence of 5 years’ work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
signed employment agreement
government tax form
letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
payslips for the past 9 months issued within the past 12 months
employment contract with UK company and assignment letter
marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years - for the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
social security cover certificate, if applicable
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
memorandum of the company’s activities
Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation for the Spanish company
Spanish company’s quarterly IVA report or corporate tax return
copy of the contract for the provision of services, if applicable

Digital nomads (remote work visa)

You need a visa for remote workers if you want to live in Spain and work remotely for a company based outside the country.

To qualify you must:

have a degree or at least 3 years’ work experience
be able to perform your duties remotely while staying in Spain
be employed by a company outside Spain (starting at least 3 months before you apply) or have a labour/professional relationship with a company outside of Spain

You can do additional work for a company in Spain as long as:

you keep your professional relationship as a contractor with a company outside of Spain
you have a professional relationship with the company in Spain (rather than employment)
it’s not more than 20% of your total professional activity

A remote work visa takes around 20 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

If you’re outside Spain

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D-type visa application.
Once approved, you get your visa stamped at the consulate.
You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.
You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

If you’re inside Spain

You can enter Spain as a tourist and apply once you’re in the country. You will need to apply within 90 days.

You submit a work and residence permit to the immigration office.
Once approved, you can start working remotely.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
You submit a residence card application at the local immigration office, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form or work and residence permit
passport, valid for 12 months
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
proof of a relationship with the company for at least 3 months - for example, an employment contract or assignment letter
proof that your work can be done remotely - for example, a letter from the company
proof that the company has been operating for at least 1 year - for example a certificate of incorporation
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
marriage certificate if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO

Working in the audiovisual sector

You can apply for a work or residence permit if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

working in the audiovisual sector
completing artistic activities for the public
recording a piece for the purpose of distributing it through mass media

You’ll need one of the following permits:

You do not need a permit if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Stay visa

You need a stay visa if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for up to 6 months. To qualify you must:

be sponsored by a Spanish organisation
have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your UK-based company and the Spanish host

This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up for the length of the work contract/assignment up to a maximum of 6 months (180 days). You can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit, this includes your:

spouse or partner
children under 18
dependant children
parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

Check with Spain’s immigration authorities on the exact process.

If a minor is participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You or your employer submits your visa application at the Spanish Consulate.
Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email with the Spanish consulate to get your visa stamped.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if you have a local Spanish work contract.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

passport, valid for 12 months
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of hire from your UK-based company, if transferred to Spain to provide services
Spanish work contract, if locally hired
proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector - for example, an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience), employment confirmation or a contract
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if not on a local Spanish work contract

Residence visa

You need a residence visa if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for more than 6 months.

To qualify you must:

be sponsored by a Spanish organisation
have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your home company and the Spanish host

This permit can take 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for a further 2 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit, this includes your:

spouse or partner
children under 18
dependant children
parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

Check with Spain’s immigration authorities on the exact process.

If a minor is participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer submits your work permit application to the immigration office.
Once approved, you book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if you have a local Spanish work contract.
You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

passport, valid for 12 months
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of hire from your UK-based company, if transferred to Spain to provide services
Spanish work contract, if locally hired
proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector - for example, an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience), employment confirmation or a contract
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if not on a local Spanish work contract
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO

Self-employed work

To qualify for a self-employed work permit you must:

set up (incorporate) a company in Spain
have the relevant licence for your business and make sufficient investment to carry out your business
have enough money to support yourself
have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level education or relevant work experience

This permit takes 6 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 4 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants after you’ve lived in Spain for 1 year. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare:

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit your work permit application (form EX07).
You book a second appointment with the Spanish consulate and submit your D visa application, once your work permit application has been approved.
You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
You register with Spanish social security.
If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed work permit and D visa application forms
passport, valid for 12 months
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
business plan detailing expected investments, projected profits and the possible number of jobs created
approval of your business plan by a relevant association in Spain
proof of enough money, or investment contracts, or loans from financial institutions
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO

Founding a company in Spain

If you want to start a company in Spain you need a residency visa for entrepreneurs and business activity (REM) (work permit).

To qualify:

your business must be considered of public interest in terms of job creation, impact on the local area and making a relevant contribution to technological or scientific innovation
you must have a business project that’s considered to be of general interest to Spain (and accredited)
you must have enough funds – check with the Spanish authorities on how much you’re expected to have

This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it for a further 2 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application.
You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you don’t get an entry stamp at the border.
You register with the local city hall (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.
You submit your work permit application online to the immigration office once the business has started operating.
You register with Spanish social security, if applicable.
If you are staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed D visa application form
passport, valid for 12 months
CV
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
bank reference letter
report from the Trade Office
business plan
proof of sufficient economic funds
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO

Spanish government guidance

Read official Spanish government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Spain, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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