The cancellation of the Golden Visa in Spain has changed the landscape of international mobility, but there are still options to attract foreign talent to the country. With the right strategies, companies can continue hiring international professionals and benefit from the arrival of highly skilled workers.
In this article, we explore how companies can continue hiring foreign talent in Spain after the upcoming elimination of the Golden Visa in April and how Orience can facilitate this process.
How does the cancellation of the Golden Visa affect international hiring?
The Golden Visa allowed investors and entrepreneurs to obtain residency in Spain through property purchases or other investments. Its elimination has made it necessary to turn to other ways to attract international talent, such as visas for highly skilled professionals, digital nomads, and intra-company transfers.
Available options for hiring foreign talent in Spain
1. Visa for highly skilled professionals
This visa is ideal for companies needing to hire professionals with experience in key sectors such as technology, engineering, or finance. The Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) manages these permits and offers a quick resolution.
2. Digital nomad visa
For foreign workers who can perform their work remotely, the digital nomad visa in Spain is an attractive alternative. It allows international professionals to reside in Spain while working for foreign companies.
3. Intra-company transfer
Multinational companies can transfer employees from other branches through the intra-company transfer permit, facilitating talent mobility without requiring an additional hiring process.
4. Work permit for employees
Companies can apply for a work permit to hire foreign employees, provided they can justify the need for their hiring and the absence of similar profiles in Spain.
5. Entrepreneur residence permit
Spain offers a special residence permit for entrepreneurs wishing to develop innovative businesses in the country. This visa is an ideal option for startups and expanding companies.
Steps to hire foreign talent in Spain
1. Identify the best hiring pathway
Depending on the candidate’s profile and the company’s needs, the most suitable type of visa should be chosen.
2. Document preparation
Key documents include the employment contract, company accreditation, and worker certifications.
3. Application submission
Applications are submitted to the UGE-CE or relevant foreign offices, with resolution times varying between 20 and 60 days.
4. Approval and permit acquisition
Once the visa is approved, the worker can apply for the residence card in Spain.
5. Employee integration and adaptation
Orience provides post-hiring support, including housing searches, tax advice, and administrative procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Golden Visa cancellation affect current holders?
No, Golden Visa holders will retain their permits and can renew them under current regulations.
2. What happens if the company needs to hire a foreign worker without a university degree?
If the worker is not highly qualified, a traditional work permit can be requested, provided that the hiring is justified.
3. How long does it take to approve a visa for qualified professionals?
The process can take between 20 and 45 days, depending on the administrative workload and the documentation provided.
4. Can a company hire a foreign worker who already resides in Spain?
Yes, as long as they have legal immigration status and meet the requirements for the corresponding work permit.
5. Can a work permit be renewed without leaving Spain?
Yes, renewals can be processed within the country if the criteria established by immigration authorities are met.