This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Spain to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:

  • have at least 6 months left
  • be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attending business meetings.

These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

If you’re going for certain types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.

The Spanish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. It decides which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with the Spanish government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country you will need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Spain. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Spanish authorities or embassy.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (apostilised) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Spain, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Spanish authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You can travel to Spain for the following reasons without a visa or permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:

  • attending business meetings or discussions
  • attending seminars or fact-finding meetings
  • attending conferences and workshops
  • attending trade shows
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • receiving classroom-based training
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You must not receive any payment for these activities from a Spanish company or it could be classed as work.

These activities are covered by the visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Spain’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

These do not require a visa or permit in Spain if they’re for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:

  • technicians, researchers, and scientists invited or employed by the Spanish public administrations, autonomous communities, universities, local entities, or organisations that promote and develop research
  • specialised technicians, faculty members, researchers and scientists employed by a Spanish university
  • civil servants or military officials of foreign (non-Spanish) governments participating in activities under a bilateral cooperation agreement
  • representatives or board members of internationally recognised business organisations or unions
  • managerial, teaching or research staff from cultural or educational institutions – private or state-owned, with a renowned reputation, officially recognised by Spain – who will carry out cultural or educational programmes from the UK
  • correspondents from non-Spanish media carrying out journalistic activity in Spain – accredited by the Spanish authorities as correspondents or special correspondents
  • authorised members of international scientific missions engaging in studies or research activities set by an International organisation or agency
  • religious ministers and members of the church, faiths and religious communities, and professed members of religious orders
  • members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations
  • those with an EU-intra company transfer (EU ICT) from another country – your employer needs to notify the immigration authorities

Artists performing in Spain for up to 5 consecutive days, or 20 performance days within a 6-month period, who are not intending to stay longer than 90 days in total are also exempt.

These activities are covered by the visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • assignment letters
  • employment confirmations
  • contracts
  • proof of required qualifications, such as diploma and professional certificates
  • CV
  • health insurance
  • provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Spanish embassy.

Apply for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Spanish authorities or embassy.

Taking your family

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Visas and permits

You must apply for a visa, work permit and residence permit if you’re in Spain, even for a short period of time, because you’re:

Transferring to the Spanish branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these work and residence permits if you’re transferring to a branch in Spain:

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an intra-company transfer residence permit (EU ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Spain to work for:

  • up to 2 years
  • 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
  • have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before your transfer to Spain
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for 2 years and you can extend it for an additional year. You can extend it for an extra year if you’re a manager or specialist.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits your ICT permit application online to the immigration office.

  2. You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK and submit a D Visa application.

  3. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • government tax form from your employer
  • evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • last 3 payslips
  • assignment letter
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • marriage certificate if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • proof that the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies
  • letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

National intra company transfer (ICT)

To qualify for an ICT work and residence permit you must:

  • have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before transferring to Spain
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This ICT takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for another 2. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.

How it works

  1. You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  2. Your employer submits your National ICT permit application online to the immigration office.

  3. You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  4. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  5. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  6. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • government tax form
  • evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • last 3 payslips
  • assignment letter
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • proof the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies
  • letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of the company’s activities

Working for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract

You need one of these long-term work permits if you have an offer of employment with a company in Spain:

EU Blue Card

If you’re highly skilled and plan to work for a Spanish company for at least 1 year you can apply for an EU Blue Card.

The role offered must be from professional group 1 or 2 of the National Classification of Occupations (CNO).

To qualify you must:

  • have an offer of employment from a Spanish company for at least 1 year
  • be on Spanish payroll
  • have a salary of at least 1.2 or 1.5 times the average gross annual salary for professions in groups 1 and 2 that have a particular need for foreign workers
  • have a 4-year university degree (or 3-year university degree and a master’s degree) or have at least 5 years’ work experience
  • be on Spain’s social security system

This EU Blue Card takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for 2 years at a time. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer completes a labour market test (not required for large companies, or if exception applies – check with the Spanish authorities.

  2. You submit an EU Blue Card application (form EX05) to the Spanish consulate or embassy.

  3. You book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  4. You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

  5. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain

  6. You register with Spanish social security if applicable.

  7. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • government tax form
  • evidence of 5 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • 2 signed employment agreements
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
  • social security certificate of cover, if applicable
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • Spanish company’s tax identification number
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
  • Spanish company’s VAT declaration
  • TC1/TC2 document for proving the Spanish company’s number of employees (for large companies)
  • last annual report confirming that the company meets net annual business turnover requirements – check exact figures with the authorities as they may change over time
  • certificate from the Ministry of Commerce confirming that the Spanish company has declared an annual investment from outside of Spain of at least 1 million euros in the past 3 years (for large companies)
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

Work permit for highly qualified specialists

To qualify for a highly qualified specialist permit you must:

  • have an employment contract with a Spanish company
  • be on Spanish payroll
  • meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • have a 4-year university degree (or 3-year university degree and a master’s degree), or have at least 3 years’ work experience

The Spanish company must:

  • have more than 250 employees or meet certain revenue, equity or investment requirements
  • be a strategic sector SME or be involved in a project of national interest

This permit takes 3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits your work permit application online to the immigration office.

  2. You book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  3. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  4. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  5. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • marriage certificate if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • evidence of work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • signed employment agreement
  • Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities
  • last 3 TC documents issued by social security authorities (if the employer has more than 250 employees)
  • annual reports of the company, if applicable
  • strategic sector certificate, if applicable

Temporary work and residence permit

You can apply for a temporary work and residence permit if you have specific knowledge, skills or experience.

To qualify you must:

  • have an employment contract with a Spanish company
  • be on Spanish payroll
  • have specific knowledge, skills, or experience in the field

The temporary work and residence permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants after you’ve been in Spain for 1 year.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer completes a labour market test (not required for large companies, or if exception applies – check with the Spanish authorities.

  2. Your employer submits your work permit application (form EX03) to the Spanish consulate or embassy.

  3. You book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application.

  4. You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

  5. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  6. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  7. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • evidence of work experience if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • signed employment agreement
  • Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)
  • Spanish company’s constitution deeds
  • power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let go employees
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • police clearance certificates

Providing services to a client in Spain

If your UK employer sends you to work on an assignment or secondment to Spain you need an ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services (cross-border services).

To qualify you must:

  • provide services specified in a contract between the UK employer and the company in Spain
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 5 years’ relevant work experience
  • have provided services for the UK company for at least 9 months and at least 1 year in the UK
  • be paid at least the minimum salary according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 3 to 9 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 2 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants if the Spanish company (client) is a large company.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits your work and residence permit application (form EX08) online to the immigration office.

  2. You book an appointment and submit a D visa application with the Spanish consulate or embassy

  3. You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

  4. You register with the local city hall when you get to Spain.

  5. Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if applicable.

  6. You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • evidence of 5 years’ work experience, if applicable
  • detailed job description
  • signed employment agreement
  • government tax form
  • letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
  • payslips for the past 9 months issued within the past 12 months
  • employment contract with UK company and assignment letter
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates
  • ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
  • social security cover certificate, if applicable
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
  • memorandum of the company’s activities
  • Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation for the Spanish company
  • Spanish company’s quarterly IVA report or corporate tax return
  • copy of the contract for the provision of services, if applicable

Self-employed work

To qualify for a self-employed work permit you must:

  • set up (incorporate) a company in Spain
  • have the relevant licenses for your business and make sufficient investment to carry out your business
  • have sufficient financial resources
  • have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level education or relevant work experience
  • have contracts with potential clients in Spain
  • prove that 1 or more Spanish companies has enlisted your services as a freelancer or independent contractor

This permit takes 6 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 5 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants after you’ve had 1 year of legal residence in Spain.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

  • book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit your work permit application (form EX07)
  • book a second appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit your D visa application
  • submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border
  • register with the local city hall when you get to Spain
  • register with Spanish social security, if applicable
  • submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed work permit and D visa application forms
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo, taken within 6 months of applying
  • business plan detailing expected investments, projected profits and the possible number of jobs created
  • approval of your business plan by a relevant association in Spain
  • proof of enough money, or investment contracts, or loans from financial institutions
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
  • police clearance certificates

Founding or investing in a company in Spain

If you want to invest in a Spanish company or start a company in Spain you need a residency visa for entrepreneurs and business activity (REM) (work permit).

To qualify:

  • your business must be considered of public interest in terms of job creation, impact on the local area and making a relevant contribution to technological or scientific innovation
  • you must have a business project that’s considered to be of general interest to Spain (and accredited)
  • you must have enough funds – check with the Spanish authorities on how much you’re expected to have

This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for another 2.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

  • book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy and submit a D visa application
  • submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you don’t get an entry stamp at the border
  • register with the local city hall when you get to Spain
  • submit your work permit application online to the immigration office once the business has started operating
  • register with Spanish social security, if applicable
  • submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed D visa application form
  • passport, valid for 12 months
  • CV
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • bank reference letter
  • report from the Trade Office (if an investor)
  • business plan
  • proof of sufficient economic funds
  • evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children joining you
  • police clearance certificates

Spanish government guidance

Read official Spanish government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Spain, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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