Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

Signing a contract with a Spanish club is a huge step in your career. The Residency for Professional Athletes is a special type of work permit that formalizes this professional relationship, allowing non-EU athletes, coaches, and related staff to live and work legally in Spain.

This is a specific category within the general work permit regime, adapted to the unique needs of professional sports.

The process is initiated by the club or sports entity that wants to hire you. They act as your sponsor and must lead the application before the corresponding Immigration Office in Spain.

A fundamental requirement is that you must possess a federative license. This official license from the corresponding sports federation certifies that you are qualified to compete in official professional leagues in Spain.

This special authorization bypasses the National Employment Situation for certain high-level competitions (like LaLiga in football or Liga ACB in basketball), making the hiring process much more direct than for a standard worker.

Once the authorization is approved, you can obtain your residence and work permit and begin your professional activity in Spain.

After your arrival, you must register with Social Security and obtain your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) to finalize your legal status. The initial permit is typically granted for one year, linked to the duration of your contract.

Our expertise is in coordinating every step with your club, agent, and the sports federation. We ensure that your contract, federative license, and all club documentation are perfectly aligned with immigration requirements, guaranteeing a fast and efficient process that allows you to join your team as quickly as possible.