Spanish Visas: A Comparison Table for Employers

When bringing international talent to Spain, one of the first steps is determining the right visa for your employees. The right visa ensures employees can work and live in Spain legally, but the process can vary depending on their role, qualifications, and length of stay. Our comparison table breaks down the most common Spanish visas, helping HR and Global Mobility teams understand the best options and support international hires in the best way.

Why Does Visa Choice Matter?

Choosing the right visa for international employees allows them to work and live in Spain legally, avoiding delays or issues. The right option depends on factors like the job, qualifications, and length of stay. For employers, knowing these options makes hiring easier and ensures compliance with Spanish immigration laws. The visa choice can also affect whether an employee can bring family, use public services, and eventually apply for long-term residency or citizenship.

Spanish Visas Comparison Table

Visa Type	Target Applicant	Key Requirements	Max Duration	Notes
Work Visas (with Spanish Work Contract)
Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals	Positions requiring high qualifications	Salary above €40,000/year (may have reductions for workers under 30). Higher education or equivalent experience.	3 years	For high-skilled jobs.
Residence Permit for "Cuenta Ajena"	Non-EEA nationals with a job offer in Spain.	Job offer must be on shortage list if applying from country of origin (for non-Chilean/Peruvian nationals). Can apply after 1 year of residence in Spain.	3 years	More complex application process for non-Chilean/Peruvian nationalities.
EU Blue Card	Highly qualified professionals	Higher education degree or 5+ years of relevant professional experience. Allows free movement across EU member states (after a certain period). Salary typically needs to be over €40.000	3 years	Facilitates movement within the EU. Allows immediate family to live in the EU.
Employment contract in the country of origin
Intra-Company Transfer	Employees transferring from a non-EU company to its Spanish branch.	Must be employed by the company for a specific period. Managerial, specialist or trainee roles.	Varies	Two types: National Residence Authorization (for stays solely in Spain) & ICT-EU residence authorization (for mobility within the EU).
Digital Nomad Visa	Non-EU nationals working remotely for companies outside Spain.	Work for companies located outside Spain (labour) or Spanish company cannot exceed 20% of their total professional activity (professional). Must earn sufficient income.	Varies	Focuses on attracting remote workers.
Internships	Recent graduates seeking internships in Spain.	Must have obtained a higher education diploma within the last two years.	Up to 1 year	Non-renewable. Requires a higher education diploma related to the internship. Options include University Agreement (Convenio Universitario) or Internship Contract.
Student Visa (Estancia por Estudios)	Individuals wishing to study or conduct research in Spain.	Admission to an accredited educational institution.	Matches Study Length	Can work up to 30 hours per week. Can convert to a work permit after studies. Covers university degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, and other regulated courses.
Job Search Visa (Búsqueda de Empleo)	Non-EU students who have completed their studies in Spain.	Must have completed studies at an accredited higher education institution in Spain (at least Level 6 EQF).	Up to 2 years	Allows students to look for a job or start a business. Family members covered if they accompanied the student during studies.
Working Holiday Visa	Young people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, and Japan.	Age restrictions apply (usually 18-30 or 35).	Typically 1 year	Allows work during the stay. Some agreements allow extensions if certain requirements are met.
Family Reunion Visa (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar)	Family members of legal residents in Spain	Applicant must have been a legal resident of Spain for at least one year.	Varies	Allows family members to reunite with legal residents in Spain.
EU Family Member Residence Visa (Visado de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE)	Non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens residing in Spain	Eligibility: Spouse or Registered Partner; Direct Children and Ancestors; Dependent and Cohabiting Family Members; Unregistered Partners	5 years	Valid from the date of issuance or for the duration of the EU citizen's expected stay, if it is less than five years.
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (Permiso de Residencia No Lucrativa)	Non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working	Proof of sufficient financial resources to support oneself without working in Spain, Demonstrated health coverage through a private health insurance	1 year	Allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without working
Work and residence permit as a "Freelancer" (Permiso de residencia y trabajo por Cuenta Propia)	Entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in Spain	The project must be innovative (it must be recognized by a specialized association as such)	Varies	Allows entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in Spain. The project must be innovative.

How Can Employers Support Employees Through the Visa Process?

Employers can play an important role in helping employees through the visa application process. By identifying the right visa type, sharing clear guidance on required documents, and assisting with appointments, employers can make the process easier for their teams. Connecting employees with local resources, like global mobility providers, is a great way to offer specialized support and ensure a successful application.