Visa Guide
A 12-month residence to look for work, open only to descendants of Spaniards of origin and to applicants in shortage occupations
What you need to earn
€600/month (100% of the monthly IPREM) for the applicant
How long it takes
- Processing Not published by the administration (estimate)
- Initial duration 12 months (raised from 3 months by RD 1155/2024)
- Renewals Convert to a residence and work authorisation once an employer files on your behalf
- Total possible 12 months, then conversion to a work authorisation
What it gets you
- Live in Spain while job hunting
- 12 months to find employment
- Convert to work permit once employed
- No employer sponsor needed upfront
- Access to Spanish job market
The parts people miss
- Eligibility is narrow: descendants of Spaniards of origin, or shortage-list occupations only
- Cannot work until an employer files an initial residence-and-work application for you
- Need sufficient funds for the full 12 months
- No guarantee of finding employment
- A separate, distinct permit exists for people who completed higher education in Spain
Whether you can work
Cannot work until a job offer is secured and converted to a work permit
Figures current for 2026. Spanish income thresholds move each February with the minimum wage.
