Invest in Catalonia
Work and residence permits
EU Citizens (EU+the European Economic Area+Switzerland) do not require a visa or a residence permit to live and work in Spain, since freedom of movement within the EU applies to goods and capital, as well as people.
Non-EU citizens wishing to work, or carry out any professional or for-profit activity must be over 16 years of age and have a visa and a work and residence permit. Generally speaking, residence permits are awarded together with work permits. This may be:
- temporary: valid for a period of more than 90 days and fewer than five years.
- permanent: this authorises the individual to live and work in Spain indefinitely and is obtained after having lived legally and continually in Spain for five years.
The most commonly used type of permit for living and working as self-employed is the initial permit, which can be renewed at a later date:
| Characteristics | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial permit: this may be awarded with limitations on working in a specific sector of activity and/or geographical location. | 1 year |
| 1st Renewal: awarded for working as an employee in any activity and geographical location, to holders of initial permits when these expire. | 2 years |
| 2nd Renewal: awarded for working as an employee in any activity or geographical location, to holders of a permit that has been renewed after it has expired. | 2 years |
There are other types of permits similar to residence and work permits for cross-border workers, for the transnational provision of services, valid for a specific length of time, etc.
Constitutional Law 2/2009 introduces important amendments to immigration rules; these include special systems for obtaining work and residence permits for highly qualified researchers and professionals (EU blue card). Royal Decree 557/2011 of 20 April, which comes into force on June 30th, will specify the procedures to follow.
