Spain
September 2010
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Spain. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Attending business meetings or discussions
- Making sales calls to potential Spanish clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Spain
- Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings
Type of Business Visas – The visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.
- Schengen Type C Visa
Basic Requirements –
- Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
- Good health and character;
- Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Spain;
- No intention to permanently reside in Spain;
- A ticket for onward travel from Spain.
Estimated Processing Times – This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Spain for 90 days out of 180 days. Visas cannot be extended in country.
Typical Documents Required –
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases
- a valid visa or authority to enter Spain
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - The immigration process for corporate transfers to Spain varies depending on location of comapany, size of company, nationality of employee and payroll location. The most common immigration category for temporary employment in Spain is the transnational permit, for intra-company transferee employees who remain on home company payroll.
Who is this visa for? - This visa is for employers who would like to transfer skilled workers between entities linked by common ownership or where there is a bilateral agreement in place. The employee must remain on home payroll and must have worked for the sending company for at least nine months.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining intra-company work authorization involves a three step process summarized below.
- Work permit application
- Type D Visa application
- Residence permit application post arrival
Estimated Processing Time – ten to thirty weeks, depending on size of Spanish company
Validity periods - With this visa you can employ overseas workers for a period of up to one year. Permits are renewable.
Family Members – Secondary/ family dependants are permitted to work.
