The tourism and hospitality industry in Spain is one of the main pillars of the national economy. In 2024, the sector contributed more than 12.8% of GDP and generated nearly 2.8 million jobs, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). With the global recovery of tourism and the rise of new travel trends, such as luxury tourism and digital tourism, corporate immigration management has become essential to meet the demand for qualified personnel in hotels, agencies, and international chains.
+In this context, many tourism companies are looking to attract and relocate foreign talent to strengthen their teams in Spain. In this article, Orience explains how to correctly manage corporate immigration processes, what requirements companies must meet, and how our team can guide you step by step to make the most of the growth of the Spanish tourism sector.
The importance of Corporate Immigration in Spanish tourism
Tourism is a highly globalized industry that depends on international talent. From chefs and hotel managers to digital marketing experts and multilingual customer service professionals, the sector requires specialized profiles that are often hard to find in the local market.
According to the Exceltur 2024 report, 38% of Spanish tourism companies state they have difficulty filling qualified positions during peak season. Corporate immigration allows these companies to legally and efficiently hire professionals from other countries, helping to maintain the high quality and competitiveness standards of Spanish tourism.
What Corporate Immigration is and how it works in Spain
Corporate immigration refers to the process by which a company transfers or hires foreign employees to work in Spain. This involves obtaining visas and work permits tailored to each professional profile and the company’s needs.
There are several types of permits and visas to facilitate the international mobility of employees within the tourism sector:
- Intra-company transfer visa: for employees temporarily assigned to Spain within the same multinational company.
- Work permit for highly qualified employees: aimed at professionals with specific experience or degrees in key areas of tourism and hotel management.
- Entrepreneur and executive visa: ideal for operations directors, investors, or expansion managers in the tourism sector.
- Authorization for professional internships: for young talents participating in training programs in Spanish hotels or tourism companies.
Common challenges in managing Corporate Immigration
The complexity of Spanish and European regulations can pose a challenge for tourism companies seeking to hire or relocate foreign employees. Some of the most frequent challenges include:
- Administrative delays in processing visas and residence permits.
- Lack of awareness of specific legal requirements by companies.
- Difficulties in validating degrees or professional accreditations.
- Lack of specialized advice on immigration procedures.
These obstacles can delay staff incorporation and affect business operations, especially during periods of high tourist demand.
How Orience facilitates Corporate Immigration for the tourism sector
At Orience, we are experts in international mobility and global talent management. Our goal is to simplify the legal, administrative, and logistical processes involved in corporate immigration for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Our services include:
- Personalized advice on the most suitable visas and permits for each profile and company.
- Comprehensive document management, from initial application to final approval.
- Coordination with immigration authorities and embassies.
- Post-arrival assistance for relocating employees and their families in Spain.
- Ongoing support for permit renewals and compliance with legal requirements.
Thanks to our experience in labor mobility and investment residency programs, we help tourism companies attract and retain international talent that drives their growth.
Benefits of proper Immigration Management in the hospitality and tourism sector
An efficient corporate immigration strategy offers competitive advantages for both companies and employees:
- Faster onboarding of foreign staff during key times of the year.
- Reduced administrative costs by centralizing immigration management with an expert team.
- Higher international talent retention thanks to legal security and employee integration in Spain.
- Improved corporate reputation by complying with current labor and immigration regulations.
Additionally, proper planning allows companies to anticipate staffing needs for each season, preventing shortages during periods of high occupancy. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain received more than 84 million international tourists in 2024, and the trend continues to grow — reinforcing the need for multilingual and qualified staff.
Steps to manage Corporate Immigration in tourism
The corporate immigration process requires careful planning. Below are the key steps:
- 1. Staff needs analysis: determine which positions need to be filled and for how long in Spain.
- 2. Selection of the appropriate visa: choose the right permit based on the position and employee’s country of origin.
- 3. Preparation and review of documentation: ensure that contracts, degrees, and background checks are in order.
- 4. Submission to the competent authorities: through Spanish immigration offices or consulates.
- 5. Post-arrival assistance: help the employee integrate and establish legal residence in Spain.
With Orience as your strategic partner, tourism companies can delegate each of these stages to a specialized team that ensures compliance and maximum efficiency in both time and results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corporate Immigration in the tourism sector
Which companies can apply for corporate visas in Spain?
Any company with a registered office or active operations in Spain can apply for corporate visas, as long as it can prove an employment relationship with the worker and meets immigration requirements.
How long does the corporate immigration process take?
The timeframe varies depending on the type of permit. On average, intra-company transfer visas take between 20 and 45 business days to process.
What advantages does Spain offer to attract international talent?
Spain has a Entrepreneurs Law that simplifies visa issuance for highly qualified professionals, along with a competitive tax framework and high quality of life.
Can employees bring their families?
Yes. Corporate residence permits allow direct family members to be included, who can also obtain residence and work permits in Spain.
Why choose Orience to manage corporate immigration?
Because Orience combines legal expertise, knowledge of the tourism sector, and a comprehensive management approach that ensures fast, legal, and tailored results.
Conclusion: boost your tourism business with Orience
Corporate immigration management in Spain’s tourism sector is key to maintaining competitiveness and meeting rising international demand. With Orience’s support, companies can attract global talent, streamline immigration processes, and ensure legal compliance for every hire. Contact us to discover how we can help your tourism business grow in Spain.