IberiGo

Where should we begin?

Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

Explore

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.

1. Status 2. Goal 3. Result
Are you?
What are you trying to do?
Who are you joining in Spain?
How long do you plan to stay?

Work authorization for non-EU citizens

What this is for
Often several months
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
  1. Confirm whether the route is employee work or self-employed work.
  2. Prepare employer contract or business plan and professional evidence.
  3. Apply for the residence and work authorization before starting work.
Forms and documents
Authorization application if you will work for a Spanish employer EX-03 Authorization form Authorization application if you will be self-employed in Spain EX-07 Authorization form TIE card application after approval EX-17 First TIE card after approval 790-012 16.08 EUR
Official source links
Spanish Government Employee work in Spain Official Spain government website Spanish Government Self-employed work in Spain Official Spain government website Policía Nacional Book an appointment Official government appointment portal

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

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