What do you have to do to obtain a work visa for Spain?

Foreign citizens who wish to engage in any professional or work activity for profit, either self-employed or employed, will need a work visa for Spain, which can only be applied for at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. Prior to this, the employer—whether a company or an entrepreneur—must have processed a residence and work authorization through the competent regional authority.
Those with a residence permit can bypass all the steps described below. On the other hand, those who are in Spain on a short-term tourist visa or illegally will not be able to complete this process.

What are the requirements to obtain a work visa for Spain?

The procedures and requirements for obtaining a work visa for Spain vary depending on whether it is for an employed or self-employed job.
For an employed job, it will be necessary to have received a firm job offer before starting the procedures to apply for the work and residence visa, which is only available to those over 16 years old.
For a self-employed job, this type of visa will only be granted to those over 18 years old.
In both cases, the application must be submitted in person after obtaining an appointment and providing the following documents:
1. The duly completed application form, which can be downloaded from the Spanish consulate website.
2. A copy of the work and residence authorization obtained by the employer.
3. An updated passport with a minimum validity of four months from the expected date of arrival in Spain, and which was issued no more than ten years before. It is important to note that a visa becomes invalid as soon as the passport expires or is canceled, even if the visa's duration extends beyond that date.
4. Two passport-sized color photographs on a white background.
5. A criminal record certificate.
6. A medical certificate proving that the applicant does not suffer from any serious or contagious disease that poses a risk to public health.
In any case, additional documents may be required from the applicant, such as qualifications or an authorization to perform the corresponding work activity. Those planning to work as self-employed will also need to provide evidence of their financial solvency—either personal or obtained through financial aid—to move to Spain, along with a business plan for the professional activity they wish to carry out or the commercial establishment they plan to open, including an investment forecast and the expected profitability.
The denial of the visa does not entitle the applicant to a refund of the processing fees of 60 euros or the equivalent in local currency.
After receiving the visa, foreign workers must register with Social Security and apply for a Foreign Identity Card.

How is a work and residence visa renewed?

The process to renew the work and residence visa can be done from Spain as long as it is completed within the deadline, meaning within 60 days prior to its expiration date. The work and residence visa can be renewed up to three times. The initial permit is valid for one year, and the first and second renewals allow the individual to continue working in any professional or labor activity for an additional two years. The third renewal automatically grants permanent residence, which provides the right to the same labor conditions as Spanish citizens.