General regime · Spanish Immigration Regulations
Residence and work as an employee
A permit for foreign nationals who want to live and work in Spain through an employment relationship with an employer.
Is this the right option for you?
This is the usual route when a company or employer in Spain wants to hire you. If you live outside Spain, the employer files the application and, once it is approved, you apply for the visa at the consulate.
It can also be applied for from Spain, as a change of status, if you have lived legally in Spain for at least one year, or if you have successfully completed higher education, vocational training or other studies covered by article 190 of the Spanish Immigration Regulations (Royal Decree 1155/2024), provided you meet the other requirements.
We review both the worker’s situation and the hiring company, the position offered and the applicable requirements to determine whether the application is viable.
If you have a highly qualified profile or your own company is relocating you, there may be faster routes: corporate immigration.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Employment contract
A signed contract that guarantees continuous activity throughout the permit. If it is part-time, the annual salary must be equal to or higher than the full-time Spanish minimum wage.
National employment situation
As a general rule, the occupation must be on the list of hard-to-fill occupations, or the employer must show that the position is difficult to fill. It does not apply in the exemptions under article 40 of Organic Law 4/2000 or, in general, in the changes of status from Spain provided for in the Regulations.
Employer in good standing
The employer must be registered with Social Security and up to date with its tax and Social Security obligations.
Employer solvency
Sufficient financial, material or human resources for the business project and to meet the obligations of the contract.
Worker’s qualifications
The training and, where applicable, the professional qualifications required for the position, duly recognized in Spain where necessary.
Personal situation
Not being in Spain irregularly and having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last five years.
Who files the application
From outside Spain, the employer files it online; once approved, you apply for the visa at the consulate. From Spain, for changes of status, it can be filed by the company, the foreign national or an authorized voluntary representative.
Duration
The initial permit is linked to the employment contract. It can then be renewed if the requirements are maintained.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Passport valid for at least one year.
- Employment contract signed by both parties.
- Company documents: identification, Social Security registration and proof of solvency.
- Description of the position.
- Degree or proof of professional qualifications, where required.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Medical certificate, for the visa application.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.