Visa Guide
Employer-sponsored visa for non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Spanish company
What you need to earn
No minimum income for applicant, employer must demonstrate adequate salary per collective bargaining agreements
How long it takes
- Processing Not published by the administration; varies by province (estimate)
- Initial duration 1 year, limited to one occupation and province
- Renewals 4 years
- Total possible 5 years to long-term residency (RD 1155/2024 art. 81.1 extended renewals from 2 to 4 years)
What it gets you
- Standard Spanish progressive tax rates (19–47% on the reference scale)
- Full social security coverage
- Path to long-term residency after 5 years
- The 4-year renewal lifts the occupation and province restrictions
- Includes spouse and dependants
The parts people miss
- Initial authorisation is tied to one occupation and one province
- The occupation must be on the shortage list, or the employer must pass the labour market test
- Processing can be slow if employer documentation is incomplete
- Must maintain employment to keep the authorisation valid
Whether you can work
Initial authorisation is limited to one occupation and one province; the 4-year renewal removes both limits
Figures current for 2026. Spanish income thresholds move each February with the minimum wage.
