The following action items that will take the most time. Plan ahead and start early because the process could take 3 to 6 months!
Securing a job in Spain!
- Residence/Work Authorization stamped by the Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo e Inmigración) in Spain (your company or employer needs to get this for you)
- Police Records Certificate
- Original Medical certificate
If you are already in Spain and want this permit:
- Contact your nearest Foreigner’s Office “Oficina de extranjera” for information.
(Go to my Spain visa page for information on other types of visas for Spain.)
Get a job in Spain.
Get your employer to apply for approval from the Immigration Office in Spain.
If you’re a U.S. resident. or non-U.S. resident:
Gather the required documents and follow the procedures for the “Work Visa” or “Residence visa: To work in Spain as an employee.”
Submit the information that you gathered in Step 4 to the consulate that you located in Step 3.
Depending on the consulate you might be required to make an appointment to apply in person. Your consulate website will have details on whether you will need to make an appointment in order to submit an application or if you can apply by mail.
Congratulations! After a period of waiting, the Spain Consulate/Embassy will give to you your brand new Spanish visa.
Don’t get sick! Check vaccination requirements here at the CDC.
If the visa is approved, the foreigner has one month (from the approval notice day) to appear in person to pick up the visa. Failure to pick up your visa within one month will be considered as a refusal of the visa and your application will be filed.
This visa will be valid only for Spain but allows up to five days for transit in the Schengen area before entering Spain.
Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person to apply for your residency card within one month.
Once you enter Spain, you can start working and you must register with the Social Security System as established by law.
Further Reading
Want Professional Visa Help? If you are a U.S. citizen and want professional help with getting a visa, check out my post on the 4 Best Travel Visa Services in the United States.
Worldwide Moving Guide: Everything you need to know in order to plan your move to 65+ countries around the world.
Find an Embassy or Consulate: Check my Worldwide Embassy and Consulate Finder to find the diplomatic representation nearest you.
Worldwide Jobs Guide: Be sure to check out my posts on how to find jobs in any country in the world.
Worldwide Dating Guide: Also, check out my posts on the best online dating sites in 60+ countries around the world.
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