Employee Work Visa (Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)
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Employee Work Visa (Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

28-84 days

Application Fee

204 EUR

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Employment visa for non-EU citizens with a valid job offer from a Spanish employer. Allows salaried work for a specific employer under an employment contract.

The Employee Work Visa is Spain's primary work authorization for non-EU nationals. It requires employer sponsorship and a job offer that meets salary and qualification standards. The visa is tied to the specific employer and employment contract.

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Requirements

Personal

Passport Validity

4 months

Criminal Record Policy

Clean record required

Professional

Required Skills

Professional qualifications relevant to the jobValid employment contract signed by the employer

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

Valid for duration of employment

Employment contract

Signed contract with Spanish employer

Job offer letter

Official job offer from employer

Proof of qualifications

Educational certificates, diplomas

Medical certificate

Health examination results

Criminal record certificate

From all countries lived in past 5 years

Sponsor Documents

Employment authorization

UGECE approval from Spanish employer

Company registration documents

Proof of business registration

Financial statements

Company financial proof

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Advantages

  • Direct path to employment in Spain
  • Renewable up to 5 years
  • Pathway to permanent residency
  • Family members can be included
  • Access to Spanish healthcare

Considerations

  • Requires employer sponsorship
  • Employer must prove job cannot be filled locally
  • Tied to specific employer
  • 4-12 week processing time
  • Limited flexibility to change jobs

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Obtain written job offer from Spanish employer

2

Employer applies for authorization

Spanish employer files for work authorization with authorities

3

Receive authorization

Employer receives residence authorization approval

4

Apply for visa

Applicant applies at Spanish embassy with authorization

5

Pay visa fee

Pay €204 visa fee

6

Receive visa

Visa issued in passport

Application Forms

Work Visa Application

Ready to Apply?

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Living in Spain

Cost of Living
25% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€24,000
Quality of Life
186/200
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