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Country work-permit guide

Spain work permit and immigration guide for non-EU workers

Spain's ordinary employer-sponsored authorisation is not a universal numeric-cap system, but Spain runs the GECCO 2026 collective recruitment-in-origin mechanism, which allows collective processing of at least 10 positions per request and is regulated for 2026 with its own annexes.

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Overview

Spain's ordinary employer-sponsored authorisation is not a universal numeric-cap system, but Spain runs the GECCO 2026 collective recruitment-in-origin mechanism, which allows collective processing of at least 10 positions per request and is regulated for 2026 with its own annexes.

Quotas, caps and ratios

  • Quota / cap: GECCO 2026 collective scheme.
  • No single nationwide numeric ceiling verified for all ordinary employer-sponsored hires; the GECCO 2026 collective recruitment-in-origin order allows collective processing of at least 10 positions per request.

Employer eligibility and restrictions

  • Employer solvency is assessed in the authorisation file; no fixed published threshold was verified.
  • GECCO, seasonal/campaign work, hard-to-fill occupations, Blue Card and ICT follow different regimes.
  • Shortage catalogue and Delegación/Subdelegación guidance govern route specifics.

Main work-permit routes

  • Ordinary work authorisation
  • GECCO collective hiring
  • Seasonal/campaign work
  • EU Blue Card
  • Intra-company transfer

Recent vacancies — Spain

16+ recent vacancies aggregated from InfoJobs, Infoempleo. These vacancies are aggregated from public job boards and are time-sensitive — roles may be filled or expired. Always confirm the offer, employer and any fees directly with the source or employer before applying or paying anything.

Application process

  • Job offer & application — Employer via Oficina de Extranjería: The employer files the initial residence-and-work authorisation (cuenta ajena) using form EX-03 at the Foreigners' Office of the province, electronically via the Mercurio e-office or in person.
  • Fee payment — Employer via Oficina de Extranjería: Both employer and worker pay the government fees on Model 790 (code 062 for the work authorisation, code 052 for residence) within ten business days of the application being admitted for processing. (Payable within 10 business days of admission for processing)
  • Authorisation decision — Authority via Oficina de Extranjería: The Foreigners' Office assesses the labour-market test or shortage-occupation listing and grants the joint residence-and-work authorisation, valid for one year and renewable. (Decided within 3 months from entry in the competent body's registry; positive administrative silence applies thereafter)
  • Visa application — Worker via Spanish Embassy or Consulate (diplomatic mission abroad): Within one month of the authorisation being granted, the worker applies in person for the work/residence visa at the Spanish diplomatic mission in their country of residence, providing a medical certificate and criminal-record clearance. (Visa applied for within 1 month of authorisation grant)
  • Entry to Spain — Worker via Spanish border authorities: The worker enters Spain within three months of the visa being issued. (Entry within 3 months of visa issuance)
  • Social Security registration — Employer via Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social: The employer registers (alta) the worker with the Social Security system within three months of entry, before work begins. (Within 3 months of entry)
  • TIE / foreigner ID card — Worker via Comisaría de Policía (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía): The worker applies for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) at the police station within one month of Social Security registration. (Within 1 month of Social Security registration)

Processing time and government fees

  • Overall processing time: The residence-and-work authorisation is decided within 3 months from the date the application enters the competent body's registry; if no decision is notified within that period, the application is deemed granted by positive administrative silence (silencio administrativo positivo).
  • Government fees: Government fees are paid on Model 790: code 062 (work authorisation, paid by the employer) and code 052 (initial temporary residence authorisation, paid by the worker), payable within 10 business days of admission. The exact EUR amounts are set on the current Model 790 form and are Not published on the procedure sheet — verify with the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones / Oficina de Extranjería.
  • Procedure, applicant (employer-led), granting authority (Oficina de Extranjería), the 3-month resolution limit with positive silence, and the visa/entry/Social Security/TIE sequence were verified against the Ministerio de Inclusión and the EU Immigration Portal; the framework reflects RD 1155/2024 (in force 20 May 2025). Exact Model 790 fee amounts still need confirmation on the live form. This is operational guidance, not legal advice.

Core documents

  • Valid passport meeting the destination validity rule
  • Signed work contract or binding job offer
  • Proof of qualifications / professional experience
  • Criminal-record certificate (apostille/legalisation where required)
  • Certified translations of foreign documents where required
  • Proof of health insurance and accommodation where required

Common questions

Does Spain cap work permits?

There is no verified single nationwide numeric ceiling for ordinary employer-sponsored hires. Spain runs the GECCO 2026 collective recruitment scheme (minimum 10 positions per request) alongside ordinary authorisations.