SERVICES

Work Permit for Employees in Spain

A professional career in Spain is a dream for many. The Work Permit for Employees is the official pathway that allows a Spanish company to hire you as a non-EU citizen. We manage this complex process for both you and your employer, making it simple, secure, and successful.

online scheduling

Book your Appointment Now

The best way to start solving your doubts is to schedule a call with one of our professionals.

All prices are final and include VAT. We have interpreters from French, Portuguese, Arabic (Moroccan variant), Russian and Ukrainian. Other languages may be available on request

€80

30’

video call

Immigration Consultation

Unsure of the requirements to immigrate to Spain? We provide a clear path forward and manage the entire process for you.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€185

45’

video call

Tax Consultation

Perfect for individuals and companies in Spain who require expert guidance on complex tax matters.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€250

60’

video call

Immigration and Tax Planning

A comprehensive session to make informed decisions before moving to Spain. We analyse your legal residence, the potential tax impact of your relocation and the obligations you should anticipate.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

About the service

What is the Work Permit for Employees in Spain?

That job offer you’ve received is your golden ticket to a new life in Spain. The Work Permit for Employees, officially known as the autorización inicial de residencia temporal y trabajo por cuenta ajena, is the procedure that transforms that offer into a legal reality.

This is fundamentally an employer-driven process. Your future company in Spain must initiate and lead the application on your behalf. They must prove that they need to hire you specifically.

The biggest challenge is overcoming Spain’s National Employment Situation (Situación Nacional de Empleo). This means the employer must demonstrate that the job vacancy could not be filled by a candidate already in the Spanish or EU job market.

However, there are crucial exceptions to this rule. If the position is on the official shortage occupation list (catálogo de ocupaciones de difícil cobertura), or if you are a citizen of Chile or Peru, this requirement is waived.

Other exceptions apply for highly qualified professionals, artists, or those with family ties to Spaniards.

The process has two main stages. First, your employer submits the application for your residence and work authorization to the Immigration Office in Spain.

Once approved, you must then apply for your work visa at the Spanish Consulate in your home country. This visa allows you to travel to Spain, start working, and get your residency card (TIE).

Our expertise lies in providing strategic legal advice to your employer. We help them build a strong case, prove the necessity of your profile, and navigate the complexities of the National Employment Situation. We ensure the application is flawless from the start, significantly increasing the chances of a fast and positive outcome.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of Work Permit for Employees in Spain

Stable Legal Employment

Work with a legal contract and full social security benefits.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Each year of work counts towards long-term residency and citizenship.

Bring Your Family

Once established, you can start the family reunification process.

Full Worker's Rights

You will have the same labor rights as any Spanish worker.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Work Permit for Employees in Spain

These are requirements for Work Permit for Employees in Spain applicants:

No Suitable EU Candidat

The employer must prove the vacancy cannot be filled by someone in the national or EU job market (unless an exception applies).

Binding Job Offer

There must be a signed job offer or contract that guarantees a full-time activity for at least one year.

Solvent and Legal Employer

The Spanish company must be legally registered, up to date with its tax obligations, and able to guarantee your salary.

Qualified Employee

You, the employee, must possess the legally required qualifications and professional training for the position.

No Irregular Situation in Spain

You, the employee, must not be in Spain in an irregular situation when the application is submitted.

Do you have any questions about the immigration process to Spain?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for the Work Permit for Employees in Spain

This is the necessary documentation for the Work Permit for Employees in Spain

Employee's CV & Qualifications: Your academic degrees and professional qualifications, often requiring official approval.
Signed Job Offer or Contract: The official document detailing the work conditions and your salary.
Proof of Fees Paid: The official receipts for the payment of the corresponding administrative fees.

Our numbers speak for themselves

Our track record

On average, we tell good news about their immigration cases to 9-10 people each day. A real perk of the job.

Refusals overrulled in appeals

+ 0

Immigration cases solved and in process

+ 0

Appeals efficiency

0 %

Join a Community of Satisfied Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 501 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Givago Dias Mendes 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasia Danilova 
 26/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Marc and Soundous for all the support they gave me and my mom in obtaining our residence. You are an amazing team, and I feel very lucky to have found your company to guide us through this process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Camryn Jones 
 25/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Dario and his team throughout my visa process. They made everything completely stress-free and were incredibly helpful every step of the way. Dario speaks excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable, and he was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything. He and his colleagues handled every detail with care, efficiency, and in a very timely manner, which gave me a lot of confidence and truly made my life so much easier throughout the entire process. By far the best lawyer I’ve worked with in Barcelona. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Dario and his team to anyone needing help with visas or immigration.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marc Ovalle 
 22/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Marc and his team and the experience has been truly remarkable! From day one, their professionalism has been outstanding. The depth and breadth of knowledge across the entire team have consistently impressed us and given us complete confidence in our partnership. They are reliable, insightful, and truly committed. Thank you Marc!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Oelrich 
 20/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He tenido una muy buena experiencia, nos ayudaron en la resolución de dudas y consultas desde el primer contacto. El proceso fue muy rápido, claro y expedito.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abs Ka 
 19/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend recommended Illay Legal  to help obtain my permanent residency in Spain. Exceptional service! Marc explained every part of the process clearly and precisely. Once I provided all the necessary details, the team did all the work: pre-completed the necessary paperwork, helped retrieve padron and digital tax certificate, secured appointments in my preferred neighbourhood and checked in with me before and after both appointments. I subsequently switched both my tax and business accountancy contracts to Marc's firm and have enjoyed the same very high level of service. Communication via email and WhatsApp, and extremely responsive to answering any small or large questions/concerns. A huge endorsement to the whole team - I would highly reccomend. Regards Ismail
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dean 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasiia Sizova 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawyers I truly trust and genuinely enjoy working with. Huge thanks to Marc and Soundous for guiding me through a very stressful documentation process over the past few years. Together we managed to resolve a complicated situation I ended up in because of a bureaucratic issue with my previous paperwork. They have well-organized processes and a lot of experience with different kinds of cases — even the tricky ones. Whenever I was stressed or freaking out, they were always there to reassure and support me. That human approach means a lot. With them, you are in very good hands 💚
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MRI. Emran 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ILLAY Legal handled my immigration case in Spain very professionally and completed it on time. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adriana Garzon 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente asesoría y muy oportunos los tiempos. El acompañamiento en todo el proceso es de gran calidad.
  
 
  
  
 
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Work Permit for Employees in Spain

Can I come to Spain as a tourist and then get a work permit?

Generally, no. The standard work permit application must be initiated by your employer while you are outside of Spain. You must wait in your home country for the approval before you can apply for the visa to enter.

What is the "shortage occupation list" and how does it help?

It is an official list published quarterly of jobs for which there is a shortage of qualified candidates in Spain. If your job offer is on this list, your employer does not need to prove the National Employment Situation, making the process much faster and simpler.

How long does the entire process usually take?

The process can be lengthy. The first part in Spain (employer’s application) can take 5-7 months. After approval, the visa application at the consulate can take another 1-2 months. Planning ahead is crucial.

What happens if I lose my job in Spain?

If you lose your job, you may have the right to register as a jobseeker and, depending on how long you’ve worked, you could be granted an authorization to look for new employment. You must act quickly to avoid falling into an irregular situation.

Is there a faster alternative for certain professionals?

Yes. If you have a university degree and a job offer with a salary above a certain threshold (approx. €45,000-55,000), you may qualify for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa, which is a much faster and more flexible process.

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