Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
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Vacation in Spain
Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
Live in Spain
Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
IberiGo guide
Work authorization for non-EU citizens in Spain
Non-EU citizens who want to work in Spain for a Spanish employer or as self-employed need a residence and work authorization before starting.
Work authorization for non-EU citizens
What it is: Non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain and work for a Spanish employer or run their own business typically need a residence and work authorization before starting work.
How you apply: Employed workers usually apply via the EX-03 form; the self-employed route uses EX-07. The authorization is employer-led in most cases — your Spanish employer initiates the application on your behalf.
After approval: You apply for your entry visa at a Spanish consulate, enter Spain, and then do the TIE fingerprint appointment within the deadline on your resolution.
Practical note: Processing can take several months and approval is not guaranteed — the whole process from application to card in hand typically takes six months to over a year.
EU citizen?
This guide covers work authorization for non-EU citizens. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, use the broader Work in Spain roadmap.
Next 3 steps
- Confirm whether the route is employee work or self-employed work.
- Prepare employer contract or business plan and professional evidence.
- Apply for the residence and work authorization before starting work.
Forms and documents
Official source links
Requirements can vary by personal situation and may change. Always verify with official sources. This is only a starting point; your nationality, consulate, family situation, and documents can change the exact process.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026