Fear of employment issues is a common reason why those wanting to relocate to another nation delay making the difficult decision. Where should I look for work? Will I be able to support myself in another country? How should it be done legally? People are held back by such doubts. In this article, we’ll explain how to obtain a permit to reside in Spain and legally work in the kingdom.
Content:
- Types of residence permit with the right to work in Spain
- Residence permit for employment reasons
- Residence permit with the right to run your own business
- Residence permit for digital nomads
- Residence permit for investors
- Residence permit for social settlement (Arraigo)
- Student residence permit
- Residence permit after marrying a Spaniard or an EU citizen
- Refugee status
Types of residence permit with the right to work in Spain
There are several options for allowing non-residents to legally work in the country:
- Residence permit for employment reasons;
- Residence permit with the right to run a business;
- Residence permit for digital nomads;
- Residence permit for investors;
- Residence permit for social settlement (Arraigo);
- Student residence permit;
- Marry a Spaniard or an EU citizen;
- Seek refugee status.
Let's look at each option in more detail.
Residence permit for employment reasons
If you have a contract with a Spanish employer, you can obtain such a residence permit. Important: You need to find a company that’ll give you a place to stay ahead of time. You must also conclude an employment contract with your employer before applying for a residence permit.
However, not every specialist can land a job offer. Spain's list of popular specialties is updated regularly and each autonomy has its unique specialties. If your qualifications are not included, the employer must justify the wish to hire you by proving that no local people for this position were found in Spain. This is tough, though, and there is no certainty that the authorities will allow the request for your employment to be granted.
Residence permit with the right to run your own business
Anyone can register a business in Spain; but, to be involved in your own company, you must have residence permission. If you put down a detailed business plan for the enterprise: the activity direction, how much you expect to invest, and how many jobs the company will have, you can receive a residence permit with the right to run your own business. You will also be required to demonstrate that you have the financial means to launch an entrepreneurial business and support yourself and your family if you are not relocating alone.
If you require unique qualifications or education to run a company, you also have to show proof that you have them. One of Spain's self-regulatory organisations will have to affirm that the business plan is workable.
Before applying for such a residence permit, it’s preferable to obtain a residence permit without the right to work, go to Spain, investigate the market, and only then think of business ideas.
Residence permit for digital nomads
People who live in the kingdom but work remotely in another country will be able to seek a residency visa in Spain as of the end of 2022. To draft a document, you must offer evidence of previous work in a similar format, as well as submit the following information:
- Data about the level of education and qualifications (to confirm diplomas of universities and business schools or work experience of at least 3 years in a field);
- Data regarding the period of existence of the company/employer: it must have been in existence for at least 3 years and the employee must work there for at least 3 months;
- Info on an employment contract for a period of at least one year;
- Report on solvency (bank statement with income figures. A single person must have a balance of at least EUR 25,000, with an extra EUR 9,441 required for each family member);
- Details of current health insurance in Spain;
- Certificate of no criminal record.
A digital nomad visa is granted for a year initially and then it can be extended for up to three years. A nomad visa holder has the option of working in a Spanish company. However, earnings from such activities should not exceed 20% of the total earnings.
Residence permit for investors
The "golden visa" is a different term for this document. It grants the right to work not only to investors but also to their family members. To receive such a residence permit, you must select one of the following options:
- Purchase a property in Spain worth at least EUR 500,000. These might be houses, apartments in Spain, or a plot of land;
- Buy shares or open a bank account, the minimum investment in Spain is EUR 1 million;
- Purchase government bonds, with a minimum investment of EUR 2 million.
Residence permit for social settlement (Arraigo)
Foreigners who have lived in Spain for at least three years are eligible for this option. Furthermore, the time spent outside the kingdom's borders within the specified time frame shall not exceed 120 days. Candidate requirements for acquiring such a permit:
- This person is not a citizen of any of the EU countries;
- This person has no criminal records and is not denied entrance into Spain;
- The candidate is solvent and has sufficient funds to live on (this year – USD 600 per month).
In addition, the candidate needs to show any connections to Spain. To receive a permit, you have to attend an interview at the local mayor's office and discuss your reasons for relocating, as well as justify the benefits that you’ll bring to the state. The results are reported within 15 days after the meeting. If the result is good, the candidate is reported on social integration. A one-year permit can be obtained based on this report. However, as of 2018, nationals of particular countries can only receive a permit after ten years of residence in Spain – this applies to Russia and other post-Soviet countries.
Student residence permit
This is suitable for individuals studying in Spain - not necessarily at a university; even official language courses with a 6-month training term are taken into account. Holders of a student residence permit have the right to work, classified as an internship. Employment should not exceed 20 hours each week.
To receive a residence permit, you have to prove that you are studying and paying for it, as well as prove that you have the housing and financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of the classes. A certificate stating that you have no criminal background is also required.
Residence permit after marrying a Spaniard or an EU citizen
As a result of such marriages, you can apply for a residence permit and the right to work immediately. In the case of a divorce, however, only those who earn enough money to reside in Spain will be able to keep their status.
Refugee status
Refugees are given the right to work straight away. They may work for the period of the authorities' consideration of the provision of a haven.
Life hack: The review procedure can be extended for three years, and you can receive a resident visa (except for those countries stated above, which require at least ten years in Spain to obtain such a residence permit).