Good to know · Residency

General Work Visa / Work Authorization (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena)

The standard route for a non-EU/EEA foreigner to live and work in Spain for a specific Spanish employer, normally requiring a job offer and an employer-initiated authorization process before the individual applies for the matching visa.

Why it matters

Relevant to people who secure a job offer from a Spanish company, as opposed to those relying on remote foreign income (non-lucrative or digital nomad routes).

When

Receiving a job offer from a Spain-based employer who is willing to sponsor the work authorization.

How long it takes

Processing time varies significantly by case type (ordinary work authorization vs. highly qualified professional/intra-company transfer fast-track under Ley 14/2013); exact current timelines not confirmed.

Official page

Consular services page listing 'Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena' as an official national visa category

Last checked

15 Oct 2026