Europe – Spain Visa – Long Stay – Work

1. What is the purpose of a long stay work visa for Spain?


A long stay work visa for Spain allows an individual to legally work and reside in Spain for a period longer than 90 days. This type of visa is typically obtained by individuals who have found employment in Spain and need permission to stay and work in the country for an extended period of time. It is also commonly used by entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals who wish to establish or operate a business in Spain. The purpose of this visa is to facilitate legal entry and residence for individuals seeking employment or business opportunities in Spain.

2. How long does a long stay work visa allow me to stay in Spain?

A long-term work visa allows you to stay in Spain for a period of up to one year initially. After this time, the visa can be renewed for up to two additional years at a time, as long as the conditions of your employment and your residence permit remain valid. After five continuous years of residence in Spain, you may be eligible for a permanent residence permit.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a long stay work visa in Spain?


The requirements for obtaining a long stay work visa in Spain include:

1. Proof of employment: You must have a valid job offer from a company in Spain or be self-employed in Spain.

2. Work contract: The work contract should state the terms and conditions of your employment, including salary, duration of the contract, and job description.

3. Work permit: Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales).

4. Valid passport: You must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months beyond the intended length of stay in Spain.

5. Application form: You must fill out and sign the national visa application form.

6. Passport photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (with white background) are required.

7. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Spain.

8. Criminal record check: You may be required to provide a criminal record check from your home country.

9. Proof of financial means: You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Spain.

10. Medical certificate: A medical certificate stating that you are in good health is also required.

11. Proof of accommodation: You may be asked to show proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation, for the duration of your stay in Spain.

12. Additional documents: Depending on your specific situation, there may be additional documents required, such as educational certificates or proof of language proficiency.

It is important to note that the exact requirements may vary depending on the type of work you will be doing and the country you are applying from. It is recommended to contact your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate for specific information and guidance regarding your visa application.

4. Can I apply for a long stay work visa in Spain while I am already in the country on a tourist visa?


No, you cannot apply for a long stay work visa in Spain while on a tourist visa. You must apply for the work visa from your home country or country of residence. It is not allowed to change your immigration status from within Spain.

5. Do I need a job offer or employment contract to apply for a long stay work visa in Spain?


Yes, you will need a job offer or employment contract to apply for a long stay work visa in Spain. This is one of the requirements for obtaining a work visa, as it shows that you have already secured employment in Spain and will be contributing to the Spanish economy during your stay.

6. How much does it cost to apply for a long stay work visa in Spain?


The cost of a long stay work visa in Spain may vary depending on the specific type of visa and your country of origin. Generally, the application fee is around €60 – €80 for most types of visas, plus an additional processing fee which can range from €10 – €40. Additional costs may also include translation fees, travel insurance, and medical exams. It is recommended to check the specific requirements and fees for your particular situation with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

7. How long does it take to process a long stay work visa application for Spain?


The processing time for a long stay work visa application for Spain varies depending on the individual case and the specific Spanish consulate or embassy where the application is submitted. On average, it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for a long stay work visa to be processed. It is recommended to submit the application well in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for processing and potential delays.

8. Do I need to provide proof of financial stability when applying for a long stay work visa in Spain?


Yes, you may be required to provide proof of financial stability when applying for a long stay work visa in Spain. This is to ensure that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain and that you will not become a burden on the Spanish government or society.
The specific amount of funds required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your job offer and salary, but it is generally recommended to have at least €1,000 per month plus additional funds for accommodation. Documentation that can be considered as proof of financial stability includes bank statements, employment contracts, or letters from sponsors or employers guaranteeing financial support.

9. Do I need to have prior knowledge of Spanish language to be eligible for a work visa in Spain?


No, prior knowledge of Spanish language is not a requirement for obtaining a work visa in Spain. However, having proficiency in Spanish can be beneficial as it can help you communicate with employers and colleagues, and navigate daily life in Spain more easily.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for a long stay work visa in Spain?


Yes, the age limit for applying for a long stay work visa in Spain is 65 years old. After that age, it may be difficult to obtain a work visa unless you have highly in-demand skills or qualifications.

11. What type of employment is eligible under the long stay work visa category in Spain?

The long stay work visa category in Spain allows for employment in the following types of jobs:

1. Regular employment contracts: This includes permanent, fixed-term and seasonal contracts.

2. Highly qualified employment: This includes jobs that require specialized skills, knowledge, and expertise.

3. Intra-company transfers: Employees can be transferred within a company from one country to another for a specific job position.

4. Work as an employee of a Spanish company or organization: This includes participating in cultural exchange programs, developing research projects, teaching programs, and volunteer work with non-profit organizations.

5. Self-employment: Applicants can also apply for this visa if they want to start their own business or become self-employed in Spain.

6. Independent professional services: This category includes professionals who offer their services on a contract basis without having an employment relationship with a company or organization in Spain.

7. Scientific researchers and development activities: Individuals working on scientific research projects or doing development activities for Spanish institutions can obtain this visa.

It’s important to note that all these types of employment must be related to a specific profession or activity and have a formal offer of employment from a Spanish company or institution. Additionally, applicants must meet all the requirements set by the Spanish government for the specific type of job they will be performing.

12. Can my family members join me on my long stay work visa in Spain?

Yes, your family members may be able to join you on your long stay work visa in Spain. They will need to apply for a dependent visa and meet the eligibility requirements, such as providing proof of relationship to you and demonstrating sufficient financial means. It is recommended to consult with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for more information on the process for bringing family members to Spain on a long stay visa.

13. Are there any additional documents required for family members accompanying me on my long stay work visa?


Additional documents may be required for family members accompanying you on your long stay work visa, depending on the country you are applying to. These documents may include:

1. Proof of relationship: This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or any other legal document that proves your relationship with your family member.

2. Proof of financial support: You may need to show that you have enough funds to support your family members during their stay in the country.

3. Medical insurance: Some countries may require your family members to have medical insurance during their stay. You will need to provide proof of this when applying for their visa.

4. Travel documents: Your family members will need to have valid passports and any other travel documents required by the country they are visiting.

5. Application forms: They may need to fill out and submit separate application forms for their visas.

6. Biometric information: Depending on the country’s requirements, your family members may need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints or photographs.

It is essential to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa to confirm any additional requirements for accompanying family members.

14.Can I extend my long stay work visa once it expires?


It may be possible to extend your long-stay work visa, but it depends on the specific visa regulations of the country in question. In many cases, extensions are only granted for certain circumstances such as job changes, illness or family reasons. You will need to consult with the immigration authorities of the country where you obtained the visa for specific instructions and requirements for extending your stay. Also, extensions are typically subject to approval by the relevant government agency and may involve additional fees and paperwork. It’s important to plan ahead and apply for an extension well before your current visa expires to avoid any complications or potential overstays.

15. Is it possible to change employers while on my long stay work visa in Spain?


Yes, it is possible to change employers while on a long stay work visa in Spain. However, you must first obtain a new job offer from a company and then apply for a new work permit sponsored by your new employer. This process may require approval from the Spanish immigration authorities. You should also make sure to update your residence permit with your new employment information.

16.Can I travel outside of Spain while on my long stay work visa without jeopardizing my status?


Yes, you can travel outside of Spain while on a long-term work visa, but there are certain conditions that you must meet in order to maintain your visa status:

1. Validity of your visa: Make sure that your visa is valid for the entire duration of your trip. If your visa expires while you are outside of Spain, you may have difficulty re-entering the country.

2. Residency requirements: As a holder of a long-stay work visa, you are required to reside in Spain for at least 183 days out of the year. If you spend too much time outside of the country, it could be seen as abandoning your residency and could affect your future renewals or permanent residency applications.

3. Employment: Your long-stay work visa is tied to a specific job offer in Spain. If you leave the country without notifying or obtaining permission from your employer, it could be seen as violating the terms of your visa.

4. Travel documentation: You will need to have all necessary travel documents such as a valid passport and any required visas for the countries you plan to visit.

It is always recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer before traveling outside of Spain while on a long-term work visa to ensure that you are complying with all necessary requirements and not jeopardizing your status.

17.How can I demonstrate ties to my home country when applying for the Visa?


There are a few ways to demonstrate ties to your home country when applying for a Visa:

1. Proof of employment or business ownership: This can include a letter from your employer, pay stubs, or proof of business ownership such as business registration documents.

2. Property ownership: If you own property in your home country, provide documentation such as property deeds or rental agreements.

3. Family ties: Provide evidence of family members living in your home country, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses.

4. Bank statements: Show sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself during your visit and prove that you have strong financial ties to your home country.

5. Travel history: Show that you have previously returned to your home country after visiting other countries by providing copies of previous visas and entry/exit stamps in your passport.

6. Letter of intent: Write a personal statement explaining why you want to visit the destination country and why you plan on returning to your home country afterwards.

7. A plan for return: Provide an itinerary or flight tickets showing when you intend to return to your home country.

It is important to provide strong and specific evidence of ties to show that you have strong reasons to return to your home country after your trip. Remember that each country may have different requirements for demonstrating ties, so it is important to review the specific guidelines for the destination country where you are applying for a Visa.

18.What are the medical requirements for obtaining a long term Visa?


The specific medical requirements for obtaining a long term visa may vary depending on the country you are applying to and your personal circumstances. However, generally, you may be required to provide a medical certificate or proof of good health from a recognized medical facility in your home country. This could include a physical examination, blood tests, and vaccinations. Some countries may also require you to undergo a tuberculosis test or a chest x-ray. In some cases, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be required to submit additional documentation or meet certain health insurance requirements before your visa can be issued. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for their specific requirements.

19.Do I need health insurance while living and working in Spain on this Visa?


Yes, it is highly recommended to have health insurance while living and working in Spain on this Visa. This is because the Spanish public healthcare system may not cover all your healthcare needs, and having private health insurance can provide additional coverage and peace of mind. Additionally, having health insurance is often a requirement for obtaining a Spanish work permit.

20.What happens if my employer terminates my contract before my Visa has expired?

If your employer terminates your contract before your Visa has expired, you should inform the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) immediately. They will investigate the reasons for your termination and work with you and your employer to find a solution. In some cases, they may be able to transfer your sponsorship to a new employer. If this is not an option, you may be required to leave the country within a certain period of time. It is important to follow all procedures and regulations set by MOHRE in this situation to avoid any potential penalties or issues with future employment in the UAE.