Job-seeker visas allow foreign nationals to enter Spain with the purpose of searching for employment for a period of up to 12 months. During this time, if the visa holder secures a work contract, the employer must apply for the initial authorization of temporary residence and employment under the applicable legislation.
Types of Job-Seeker Visas
There are different types of job-seeker visas depending on the applicant’s category and the sector they wish to access. Below are the two main types of job-seeker visas in Spain:
- Visa for Children or Grandchildren of Spanish Nationals by Origin: This visa is intended for the direct descendants of Spanish nationals by origin, allowing them to seek employment in Spain.
- Visa for Job-Seeking in Specific Occupations and Territorial Areas: This visa is restricted to certain labor sectors and geographic areas in response to job demand in those fields.
Job-Seeker Visa for Children or Grandchildren of Spanish Nationals by Origin
This job-seeker visa in Spain is aimed at children or grandchildren of Spanish nationals by origin, who are entitled to apply without the need for an evaluation of the national employment situation. The number of visas available and the selection system will be regulated through a specific ministerial order, which will also outline the application process.
Job-Seeker Visa for Specific Occupations and Territorial Areas
This job-seeker visa in Spain is restricted to certain labor sectors or geographic areas where there is a specific demand for workers. In exceptional cases, if unforeseen circumstances arise in the labor market, the General Directorate of Migration Management may authorize visas beyond the initially established areas.
The number of visas available, the selection system for beneficiaries, and the application process for this job-seeker visa in Spain will be regulated through a ministerial order that specifies the exact conditions.
Requirements for the Job-Seeker Visa
To apply for a job-seeker visa in Spain, applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Article 38 of the law, as well as additional requirements set forth in the ministerial order regulating collective hiring at the source. These requirements include proof of financial resources, a job search plan, and the necessary documentation to submit the application.
- The foreign national must present a completed and signed application form.
- Must not be in irregular status in Spanish territory.
- Must not be registered as a person inadmissible in the territories of countries with agreements with Spain.
- The foreign national must present a valid passport or travel document recognized by Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
- If the applicant is an adult, they must have no criminal record in the countries where they have resided in the last five years for offenses covered under Spanish law.
- Where applicable, the foreign national must hold an initial authorization for residence and/or work.
- The foreign national must meet the specific visa requirements outlined in the procedure for each type of authorization.
- Must have paid the corresponding visa processing fee.
- The foreign national must present a medical certificate certifying that they do not have any diseases with serious public health implications, in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
Application Process and Reauthorization
Additionally, the application submitted by the employer to authorize the residence and work of the applicant will extend their legal stay in Spain until the application is resolved.
Once in Spain, if the applicant secures a work contract, the process for obtaining authorization for residence and employment as an employee will proceed without the need for a new visa, though the procedure must follow the rules specified in migration legislation.
Questions and Answers About Filing an Appeal for Immigration Matters
- Can I work with an expired work permit? It is not legal to work with an expired work permit. If you are in the renewal process, the acknowledgment receipt may allow you to continue working. Be sure to meet the deadlines to avoid legal issues.