Spain
Work Assignment
(rather short-term, ie some months to three years, contract and social security as far as possible abroad and intended return to origin)
Intra company work permit (Law 14/2013) (“ITC”):
The ICT permit allows non-UE nationals to commute to Spain within the framework of an employment relationship, professional or vocational training for a limited period of time.
Conditions:
- Higher education qualification or equivalent or a minimum professional experience of 3 years.
- The existence of a previous and continuous employment relationship of 3 months with one or more of the companies of the group.
- Documentation certifying the relationship with Social Security in the country of origin.
- Private Health insurance valid for the period of the stay in Spain.
- Proof of non-criminal records background checks from the countries where the Crew member lived for the past 5 years.
The application process involves: (i) work permit application (20 working days approx.); (ii) visa application at the Spanish Consulate abroad (2 weeks approx.); and (iii) entry to Spain and starts working. However, if the individual is legally in Spain, it is not necessary to apply for a visa.
For large projects with many employees entering Spain together, it is possible to obtain fast-track processing for the collective application to be considered by the authorities simultaneously.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is intended for non-EU foreigners working remotely for companies based outside Spain. Requirements:
- The individual must be a qualified professional requiring either: (i) being a graduate or postgraduate of prestigious universities, vocational training, and business schools of recognized standing, or (ii) professional experience of at least three (3) years.
- Evidence of the existence of an employment relationship between the employee and the company not based in Spain for at least three (3) months prior to the submission of the application, as well as documentation proving that the company allows the employee to work remotely from Spain.
- Documentation accrediting that the employment relationship can be carried out remotely.
- The existence of a real and continuous activity for at least one year of the company or group of companies with which the employee has an employment relationship.
Application process:
- If the individual is outside Spain, they will get a Residence Visa with a duration of one (1) year, and once it has expired, they will have to apply for the Residence Permit of point (ii) below.
- Whereas if the individual is legally in Spain (e.g. visitor/tourist), they will get a Residence Permit with a duration of three (3) years, which may be renewed for two-year periods as long as the conditions for the Digital Nomad Visa are maintained (there is no limit to the number of renewals).
Employment Immigration
(rather long-term or indefinite, local contract and social security)
Highly qualified professional permit (Law 14/2013) (“HQP”):
HQP permit allows local companies to employ non-UE nationals who are in one of the following situations:
- Managers or highly qualified personnel of large companies or groups of companies or SMEs in strategic sectors.
- Managers or highly qualified personnel in business projects of general interest.
To this end, the company must meet one of the following conditions:
- A large business or corporate group.
- An SME in strategic sector.
- Has to develop a business project of general interest.
Also, graduates and postgraduates from universities and business schools of recognised prestige are entitled to apply for this permit, regardless of the company's size or the sector or activity in which they work.
Note that the HQP permit is linked to the company that sponsors it and, thus, it is not transferable to another company.
Expedited application process: (i) work permit application (15-45 days approx.); visa application at the Spanish Consulate abroad (10 days). However, if the individual is legally in Spain, it is not necessary to apply for a visa.
