Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations for multinational companies seeking to relocate international talent. Its quality of life, global connectivity, business ecosystem, and favorable legal framework make it an ideal environment for qualified workers. However, relocating employees requires understanding the available visas and meeting specific requirements.
In this article, you will discover the main types of employee visas in Spain, the steps to obtain them, and how Orience simplifies the entire process so your company can expand without complications.
Visas for Employees in Spain: What Types Exist?
Spain offers various types of authorizations for foreign employees, depending on the worker’s profile, contract duration, and the nature of the transfer. The main ones are detailed below:
1. Work Visa as an Employee
This is the classic visa for workers hired by a Spanish company. It is processed from the country of origin and requires a firm job offer.
- A prior employment contract is required.
- The company must justify that the position cannot be filled by a citizen of the European Economic Area.
- Initial duration of one year, renewable.
2. Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Ideal for multinationals transferring employees between subsidiaries or offices within the corporate group.
- Managed under Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneurs’ Law).
- Exempts the requirement to search for local talent.
- Applicable to executives, technicians, or trainees.
- Fast resolution (generally within 20 days).
3. Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Designed for workers with academic training or significant experience in key areas.
- Requires a minimum salary consistent with the professional level (e.g., €40,000 annually for executives).
- Also covered by Law 14/2013.
- Allows simultaneous inclusion of family members.
4. International Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomads)
Since 2023, this new visa allows foreign workers to provide services for companies outside Spain while legally residing in the country.
- Applications can be made as a company or individually.
- Requires proof of financial solvency and a remote work contract.
- Initial duration of one year, extendable up to five years.
Common Requirements for Processing Work Visas
Beyond the type of visa, there are documents and conditions that are usually required in most applications:
- Preliminary step: obtaining the NIE for the foreign employee.
- Formal employment contract or document proving the employment relationship.
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, experience, etc.).
- Updated criminal record certificate.
- Private health insurance (or Social Security registration in case of employment contract).
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Payment of administrative fees.
How Does Orience Facilitate the Process?
Orience offers a comprehensive solution that eases the administrative burden and speeds up the corporate immigration process. This includes:
- Legal evaluation of each employee’s profile and selection of the optimal visa.
- Preparation of all documentation in line with immigration requirements.
- Coordination with the employer company in Spain and in the country of origin.
- Management of consular appointments, legalizations, and sworn translations.
- Tracking the application until approval.
- Assistance with registration, Social Security affiliation, and obtaining the residence card (TIE).
With Orience, companies can focus on their operations while the legal team ensures each worker arrives in Spain on time and in compliance.
Advantages of Well-Managed Corporate Migration
- Reduced onboarding times for foreign talent.
- Prevention of administrative errors that may cause delays or denials.
- Better integration of the worker and their family in the host country.
- Strict compliance with Spanish immigration laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the entire process take from start to the employee’s arrival in Spain?
The timeframe may vary between 30 and 90 days depending on the type of visa, the consulate’s workload, and document readiness. Orience optimizes each stage to speed up arrival. - What happens if the employee changes position or company during their stay?
For most visas linked to a company, it is necessary to notify the change and request a permit modification. Orience manages these updates. - Can the employee’s family be included in the application?
Yes. Most visas allow for the simultaneous processing of residence permits for the spouse and minor children. This requires additional documentation and proof of financial means for the family unit. - What happens if a visa is denied?
Orience analyzes the reasons for the denial, files appeals if viable, and restructures the application for a new submission with stronger guarantees. - Can Orience help companies without an established office in Spain yet?
Yes. We also provide advice on creating a subsidiary, registering the company, and setting up the necessary legal infrastructure to hire foreign staff in Spain.
Conclusion
Obtaining work visas for international employees in Spain is a technical but accessible process if you have a well-designed strategy and professional support.
With the support of Orience, your company can grow in Spain without legal obstacles, attracting and relocating talent quickly, safely, and in full compliance.
Do you want to relocate employees to Spain without setbacks? Contact Orience and plan your migration strategy with experts who understand your corporate needs.