Working abroad
Working in Spain: permits, NIE and basic rights
Who can work in Spain without a permit, the main authorisations for non-EU citizens and the minimum rights set by the Workers' Statute.
Who this is for
People who want to work in Spain as employees, whether EU citizens or non-EU nationals. It does not cover self-employment, study, asylum or regularisation procedures.
In short
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work in Spain without a permit; if they stay more than three months they must register in the Central Register of Foreigners.
- Non-EU citizens need a residence and work authorisation; a new immigration regulation has applied since 20 May 2025.
- Minimum wage for 2026: 1,221 euros gross per month in 14 payments.
- Hours: 40 per week on an annual average; leave: at least 30 calendar days.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and have exceptions. Always check the official text in the sources below and, for your own case, talk to a trade union, a qualified lawyer or the competent public authority.
EU citizens: free movement
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can work in Spain on the same terms as Spanish nationals. For stays longer than three months you must apply to be entered in the Central Register of Foreigners (certificado de registro), which shows your NIE, the foreigner identification number. [1] You need the NIE for your contract, bank account and social security. See free movement in the EU.
Non-EU citizens: the main routes
The general rules are in Organic Law 4/2000 on foreigners and in the new Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025. [2] [3] The most common routes:
- Temporary residence and employed work authorisation: normally the employer in Spain applies, and the labour market situation matters (for example whether the job is on a list of hard-to-fill occupations). The worker then applies for the visa at the consulate.
- Highly qualified professionals and the EU Blue Card: faster procedures under Law 14/2013, handled by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE). [4]
- International telework: for people working remotely for companies outside Spain (the so-called digital nomad visa). [5]
Official information is on the website of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (inclusion.gob.es) and of Spanish consulates. No intermediary can "sell" you a permit: see fair recruitment.
Recognition of qualifications
To work in regulated professions (doctor, nurse, licensed engineer...) your qualification must be officially recognised (homologación) by the competent ministry. EU citizens follow the European rules: see recognition of qualifications.
Minimum wage (SMI)
For 2026 the interprofessional minimum wage is 1,221 euros gross per month, paid in 14 instalments (17,094 euros a year), with effect from 1 January 2026. [6] Sector collective agreements may set higher amounts.
Working hours and time records
Maximum ordinary working time is 40 hours per week on an annual average, and normally no more than 9 ordinary hours a day. [7] The company must keep a daily record of working time, with start and finish times, and keep it for four years. [8] The Government has announced a regulation on digital time recording: check on boe.es whether it has been published and when it applies.
Annual leave
Paid annual leave cannot be less than 30 calendar days and cannot be replaced by money. [9]
Dismissal
Dismissal must be notified in writing with the reasons. If a court declares it unjustified (improcedente), compensation is 33 days' pay per year of service, up to 24 months' pay, unless the worker is reinstated. [10] Deadlines to challenge it are very short (20 working days) and a conciliation attempt is required before going to court (Ley 36/2011, arts. 63 and 103): contact a trade union or a lawyer straight away.
Who to contact
- Labour and Social Security Inspectorate (ITSS), which also has an online mailbox for reports.
- Mediation and conciliation services of the autonomous communities, before going to court.
- Trade unions and SEPE, the public employment service.
Checklist
- EU citizens: get your NIE and certificado de registro if you stay more than three months.
- Non-EU: check the right route on the ministry or consulate website before you leave.
- Make sure your employer registers you with Social Security before your first day.
- Ask for a copy of your contract and check which collective agreement applies.
- Note your hours: the company must keep the record, but your own copy helps.