Types of Work Visas in Spain for 2025: Find the Right Visa for Your Career

Navigating Spain’s work visa system can seem complex, especially with new rules and categories updated for 2025. Whether you’re a tech expert, a seasonal worker, an entrepreneur, or a corporate transferee, Spain offers a tailored visa route to match your professional profile. The Spanish government’s focus on economic growth and attracting global talent means more refined and clear pathways than ever before. This article breaks down each main type of work visa available, eligibility, application specifics, and helps you assess which is right for your circumstances.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa (Blue Card Spain & Ley 14/2013)

Overview:
Spain’s highly skilled visa category targets professionals with advanced qualifications or experience in in-demand sectors. There are two main routes: the EU Blue Card and the national “Highly Qualified Professional” (HQP) visa under Ley 14/2013.

Who is this for?

• University graduates with specialized degrees
• Managers and directors
• Tech, engineering, healthcare, and scientific professionals
• Individuals offered a salary above Spain’s average (for 2025, generally €33,900+ per year)

Key Requirements:

• Valid job offer from a Spanish company or multinational
• Proof of higher education degree (or significant work experience)
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance
• Proof that the employer is registered and meets fiscal obligations
• Blue Card: The job must be included on the government’s “Shortage Occupation” list

Application Process:
The employer typically applies on your behalf, submitting documents to the Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE). For the Blue Card, an application is made through the Immigration Office. Processing time is usually 30–45 days. After approval, you apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.

Who Should Choose This?
This is ideal for high earners in global companies or those in STEM fields. It offers a streamlined process, fast-track residency, and the possibility to bring family members.

General Employee Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)

Overview:
This is the standard work visa for foreign nationals offered employment by a Spanish company that cannot be filled by local or EU candidates.

Who is this for?

• Non-EU nationals with a job offer in Spain
• Professionals, skilled tradespeople, service workers

Key Requirements:

• Official, full-time job offer
• The job must be listed as difficult-to-fill by the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE)
• Labor market test showing no suitable local or EU candidates
• Employer’s compliance with tax and social security obligations
• Qualifications matching the role

Application Process:
Your prospective employer applies to the provincial immigration office. Once approved, you apply for the national visa at the consulate. Approval typically takes up to 3 months.

Who Should Choose This?
Non-EU citizens hired by Spanish businesses outside highly-skilled or shortage occupations. It is the most common, but also most restrictive, route.

Seasonal Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena de Duración Determinada)

Overview:
For short-term or cyclical roles in agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, the seasonal work visa allows foreign nationals to work in Spain for up to nine months in any twelve-month period.

Who is this for?

• Agricultural workers
• Hospitality and tourism workers
• Students or workers seeking temporary assignments

Key Requirements:

• Official seasonal job offer
• Employer-provided accommodation and travel back to home country
• Labor market test
• Evidence of intention to return after contract

Application Process:
Employer submits application to immigration authorities. Once authorized, the worker applies for the visa at the consulate. Processing is generally faster due to the seasonal nature.

Who Should Choose This?
Workers seeking short-term jobs, particularly in agriculture or tourism, who intend to return home after the contract.

Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013 - Start-Up Visa Spain)

Overview:
Spain encourages foreign entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses via the Entrepreneur Visa, sometimes called the “Start-Up Visa.” This falls under the same legal framework as the highly skilled permit.

Who is this for?

• Non-EU founders launching new ventures in Spain
• Innovators, tech start-ups, or businesses of “general interest” to the Spanish economy

Key Requirements:

• Detailed business plan reviewed by ENISA (state innovation agency)
• Sufficient personal funds to support yourself
• Proof of investment capital
• No criminal record
• Health insurance

Application Process:
Submit your business plan and visa application to UGE, followed by a consular application. Initial residence is granted for up to two years, renewable.

Who Should Choose This?
Entrepreneurs and founders with a scalable, innovative business concept that contributes to Spain’s economy or creates jobs.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT – Traslado Intraempresarial)

Overview:
For multinational companies relocating employees to a Spanish branch or affiliate, the ICT visa allows managers, specialists, or trainees to live and work in Spain.

Who is this for?

• Employees with at least three months’ experience at a company outside Spain
• Managers, specialists, or those undergoing company training

Key Requirements:

• Valid transfer contract and employment relationship
• Documentation of both home and Spanish company
• Proof of expertise or managerial role
• Health insurance
• Sufficient financial means

Application Process:
The Spanish company applies to UGE for authorization. If approved, the employee applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate.

Who Should Choose This?
Employees of multinational companies transferred to Spain for specialized roles or internal training.

Self-Employment Work Visa (Cuenta Propia)

Overview:
This visa is designed for individuals wishing to work as freelancers or set up their own business outside the “innovative” startup scope.

Who is this for?

• Freelancers, consultants, or independent professionals
• Small business owners (shops, restaurants, personal services, etc.)

Key Requirements:

• Detailed business plan with financial projections
• Proof of sufficient investment and funds
• Evidence of necessary professional qualifications or licenses
• No criminal record
• Health insurance

Application Process:
Submit all documents to the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. Approval can take several months due to extra scrutiny.

Who Should Choose This?
Those looking to freelance or start a small, non-tech business in Spain.

Researcher and Training Visas

Overview:
Spain issues specific visas for academic researchers, university lecturers, and non-remunerated internships or training placements.

Who is this for?

• Scientific researchers, university staff, PhD students
• Trainees and interns
• Recipients of research or educational grants

Key Requirements:

• Hosting agreement or official invitation from Spanish institution
• Evidence of research project or training plan
• Proof of funding
• Health insurance

Application Process:
The hosting institution typically initiates the process, followed by the applicant’s consular visa application.

Who Should Choose This?
Academics, researchers, or those invited for structured training in Spain.

Au Pair and Youth Mobility Visas

Overview:
These special categories allow young people to gain cultural and work experience in Spain under special bilateral agreements.

Who is this for?

• Young adults (typically 18–30) from countries with youth mobility agreements
• Au pairs placed with Spanish families

Key Requirements:

• Agreement or contract outlining duties and working hours
• Proof of sufficient means and accommodation
• Health insurance
• No dependents

Application Process:
Apply at the Spanish consulate with all supporting documents.

Who Should Choose This?
Young people seeking cultural exchange, language learning, or gap year experiences in Spain.

Assess your eligibility and goals:

• Are you highly qualified, or entering an in-demand field?
• Is your role temporary or permanent?
• Are you starting a business, or joining a company as an employee?
• Do you have a sponsoring employer or are you self-employed?
• Will you bring family members, or travel alone?

Consider processing times and restrictions:

• Highly skilled and entrepreneur visas are generally the fastest and offer family reunification.
• Seasonal and au pair visas are restrictive in scope and duration.
• Self-employment visas require more documentation and business evidence.

Review long-term benefits:

• Many work visas provide a path to long-term residency and eventually Spanish citizenship, if renewed and maintained for five years or more.

Submitting incomplete or incorrect applications:
Spanish immigration authorities are strict on documentation. Missing health insurance, proof of funds, or improperly translated documents will delay or deny your visa.

Ignoring labor market tests:
Standard work visas (Cuenta Ajena) are only approved if no suitable Spanish or EU applicants are available.

Underestimating financial requirements:
Entrepreneur and self-employed visas demand robust financial proof.

Not accounting for family reunification:
If bringing dependents, ensure your visa category allows for family reunification and that you meet the income threshold.

Conclusion: Making Your Move to Spain in 2025

Spain offers a diverse, highly structured work visa system in 2025, built to attract everyone from skilled professionals to creative entrepreneurs and seasonal workers. Choosing the right visa requires a clear understanding of your own career, financial situation, and long-term goals. By matching your profile to the appropriate visa category, and preparing your documentation carefully, you can unlock new career opportunities and begin your Spanish adventure with confidence. Whether you dream of Barcelona’s tech scene, Madrid’s business world, or the rich cultural landscapes of Spain’s regions, there is a work visa route that fits your ambitions.