Travel to Spain for work

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Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Spain and how to get one if you do

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.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s consulate or immigration authorities.

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.

Spain is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

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

If you’re working in more than one country, you 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 Spain’s immigration authorities or consulate.

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

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille)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 Spain’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• 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 Schengen 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.

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permits from other countries

You do not require a visa or permit in Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you have an EU ICT permit from another country. You must be going to work for a branch of the same company that sponsored your current EU ICT permit. Your employer needs to notify Spain’s immigration authorities before you travel.

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

• an assignment letter
• an employment confirmation
• a contract
• proof of required qualifications, such as diplomas and professional certificates
• CV
• health insurance
• provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
• a residence card issued by the EU country that granted the current permit

Working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180 day period

You do not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

• working in the audiovisual sector
• completing artistic activities for the public
• recording a piece for the purpose of distributing it through mass media

You need to be able to show proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector. This could be:

• an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience)
• an employment confirmation
• a contract

In addition, you will need to hold:

• provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
• Social security cover certificate, if applicable
• Social Security Number (NASS), if locally hired in Spain

If you have a family they can join you as dependants under this exemption, this includes your:

• spouse or partner
• children under 18
• dependant children
• parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

If you need to stay for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you have the following options:

• Stay visa - for up to 6 months
• Residence visa - for more than 6 months

Exempt work that requires a visa

The following do not need a work permit in Spain but will require a visa:

• technicians, researchers, and scientists invited or employed by the Spanish public administrations, autonomous communities, universities, local organisations, or organisations that promote and develop research
• specialised technicians, professors, faculty members, researchers and scientists employed by a Spanish university
• civil servants or military officials of non-Spanish governments participating in activities under a bilateral cooperation agreement
• managerial, teaching or research staff from cultural or educational institutions – privately or state-owned, with a renowned reputation, officially recognised by Spain – carrying out cultural or educational programmes from the UK
• correspondents from non-Spanish media, accredited by the Spanish authorities as correspondents or special correspondents, carrying out journalistic activity in Spain
• 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

The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:

• C-type EET visa if you’re working up to 90 days
• long-term D visa if you’re working for more than 90 days

If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.

Applying for a visa or permit