Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)
Autorizacion de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena
The standard employment-based residency permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Spanish company. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled locally (labor market test). Some professions on the shortage list are exempt from this test. Initial permits are for one year, with subsequent renewals for two-year periods.
Ley Organica 4/2000 (Immigration Law)1 year, renewable (then 2-year renewals)EUR 80 application fee
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Job offer from a Spanish employer
- Employer must prove the position cannot be filled by EU/EEA nationals (labor market test)
- No criminal record certificate (apostilled)
- Medical certificate
- Private health insurance (until social security coverage begins)
- Employment contract with terms meeting Spanish labor law requirements
Timeline & Cost
Benefits
- Full access to Spanish social security system (healthcare, pensions, unemployment)
- Spouse and children can apply for family reunification after first renewal
- Contributions count toward Spanish pension
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
- Full labor rights under Spanish employment law
Limitations
- Tied to the sponsoring employer for the first year
- Employer must handle most of the application process
- Labor market test (situacion nacional de empleo) can be difficult to pass
- Initial permit may be restricted to a specific region and sector
- Processing time can be lengthy (3-6 months total)
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