Types of Spain Work Permit
Post-Brexit, UK citizens need one of these authorisations to work legally in Spain.
Account-Employee Permit (Cuenta Ajena)
The standard route if you have a Spanish employer. Your company must sponsor you, and the application is filed in Spain on your behalf.
- Employer initiates application
- Tied to specific employer & role
- Must pass "national employment situation" test
- Renewable annually (then 2-yearly)
Highly Qualified Professional
Faster processing and fewer bureaucratic hurdles for senior roles in science, technology, engineering, arts, and management.
- University degree or 5+ years experience required
- Salary ≥ 1.5× sector average
- Exempt from employment situation test
- Can be combined with Beckham Law tax benefits
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
For employees transferring from a UK company to a Spanish entity within the same multinational group.
- Must have worked for the company 3+ months
- Managers, specialists, or trainees
- Up to 3 years (managers/specialists)
- No employment situation test required
EU Blue Card
Spain's implementation of the EU Blue Card directive for highly skilled non-EU workers. Offers mobility across EU member states.
- Higher education qualification required
- Job offer ≥ 1.5× national average salary
- Valid up to 4 years
- Pathway to long-term EU residence
Document Requirements
Your employer files the employer-side documents; you file the personal documents at the consulate.
| Document | Who Provides | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid UK passport (6+ months remaining) | Applicant | Required |
| Employment contract signed by both parties | Employer | Required |
| Social Security registration of employer | Employer | Required |
| Certificate of no Spanish/EU candidates (SEPE) | Employer | Required |
| Company registration documents | Employer | Required |
| University degree / professional qualifications | Applicant | Required |
| Criminal record certificate (UK & Apostille) | Applicant | Required |
| Medical certificate | Applicant | Required |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | Applicant | Recommended |
| CV / professional profile | Applicant | Recommended |
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Spain work permit process has two phases — employer-side in Spain, then visa at the UK consulate.
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Receive a job offer
Secure a written job offer from a Spanish employer. They must be registered with Spanish Social Security and have no outstanding immigration violations.
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Employer files at immigration office
Your employer submits the work authorisation application at the provincial delegation of the State Secretariat for Migration (Subdelegación del Gobierno). They include the employment contract, company documents, and SEPE certificate.
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Work authorisation granted
The immigration authority reviews the file (typically 1–3 months). Once approved, the employer is notified and the authorisation reference is issued.
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Apply for the work visa at a UK consulate
Within 1 month of the authorisation, you apply for the Type D work visa at the Spanish consulate in the UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh). Bring all personal documents.
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Enter Spain
Once you have the work visa, you must enter Spain within 3 months. Your employer should register you with Social Security immediately.
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Obtain TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
Within 30 days of arriving, apply for your TIE at the local police station (Oficina de Extranjeros). This is your biometric residence card and proof of legal status.
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Register on the Padrón municipal
Register your address at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento). The Padrón certificate is required for many services, school enrolment, and eventual citizenship applications.
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Renew before expiry
Renew your permit 60 days before it expires. After two renewals (typically years 1, 2, and 4), you can apply for long-term residence and eventually permanent residence after 5 years.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Legal right to live and work full-time in Spain
- Path to permanent residence (5 years) and citizenship (10 years)
- Family members can join via reunification
- Access to Spanish public healthcare via Social Security
- Eligible for Beckham Law tax regime (highly qualified)
- EU Blue Card holders gain EU-wide mobility
Disadvantages
- Must have a job offer before applying
- Employment situation test adds employer burden
- Initial permit is tied to one employer
- Process is bureaucratic and can be slow
- Self-employment requires a separate Autónomo visa
- Changing careers or employers requires new authorisation
Need Help With Your Work Permit?
Spain's work permit process involves coordination between your employer, Spanish immigration authorities, and the consulate. Our specialists at Agrin can manage the entire application for you.
Get Expert Support at Agrin.uk