Process for Business Immigration

All foreigners intending to enter Spain must provide the documentation required to justify the reasons and duration of their stay as well as, in some prescribed cases, the availability of adequate economic means and lodging.

Business Visitors

For those individuals wishing to come to Spain for no longer than 90 days for the following reasons:

• To attend meetings or conferences.

• To arrange deals, negotiate or sign trade agreement or contracts.

• To undertaking fact-finding missions, or to check details or goods.

• To conduct site visits and promotional activities.

You can use your Schengen Visa and passport to remain in Spain.

You may also be asked to provide additional documentation once you arrive in Spain to include, but not limited to: 

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months including a blank page for the visa.

• Proof of financial support for entire length of stay.  This includes bank statements, or other means to support your financial status.
  

• Airplane ticket and official itinerary for the entire trip.
  

• Confirmed Hotel reservations or written notarized invitation from resident of Spain for where you will be staying during your visit.
  

• Written invitation from a business corporation or organization established in Spain, or proof of trade/professional interests in Spain.
  

• Employer’s statement regarding their business or trade relationship with the company in Spain and the purpose of the trip.
  

• Valid health/accidental insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $37.000 (Euro)
  

• A notarized letter of employment from your employer in Mexico (with salary and dates of employment). If self-employed, you must provide business license and tax return.
  

• You must currently have a place of residence and an employer in your home country.
  

• You must have definitive plans for your stay before entering Spain and your length of stay shall not be excessive for the reason of business.
  

• You are not permitted to receive any compensation during your stay, with the exception of reimbursement for food and lodging.
  

• Your visit cannot be extended for any reason.

Working in Spain

To work in Spain, one must have a Número de identidad de extranjero (NIE number).  The NIE, which means ‘Identification Number for Foreigners’, is so you will be in the Spanish tax system. This number is also used as a form of identification in the Spanish system.

Other reasons you need an NIE number:

• Apply for a business permit.

• Apply for a mortgage or other loan.

• Buy a vehicle.

• Set up utilities such as gas, electricity, and telephone.

• Buy or sell property.

• To be employed.

• Pay Spanish taxes.

The NIE Number is a national number, and therefore the location of application is irrelevant as the number can be used throughout Spain.

How to Get an NIE Number in Spain

The application can be applied for at the local National Police Station, or the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros). 

The following documents need to be submitted to the police station to obtain your NIE number:

• A completed and signed original application and a photocopy (the original is returned).

• Your passport and a photocopy.

• Your address in Spain.

• Written justification of why you need an NIE (could be from an accountant, a notary, future employer, etc.).

Once you turn in the documentation, a stamped photocopy of the application is returned to you as is your passport.

• You must ask the officials when to come back and pick up the document.

  • You will not be notified.

• The process time can take anywhere from one (1) to six (6) weeks.

  • You must present the stamped copy along with your passport to pick up your NIE number.
    

• You also must keep track of your number, keep the original in a safe place and turn in photocopies whenever your number is needed.
  

• If you have any questions, call the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros). 
  

Documentation Needed To Apply for A Work Permit

If you would like to work in Spain for a company or person, you must apply for both a Work permit and a Residence permit .  The type of Work permit and / or Residence Permit you are granted will depend on several factors.  When you submit your application, the officials will review your case and provide you with the type of permits suitable for your situation.

Applications for work and resident permits can only be obtained in person at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or at the National Police Station with a foreigner’s department closest to the city or town where you are going to live.

Employees

• Copy of your valid passport.

• Certificate of criminal records issued by the authorities in your home country, UNLESS you presented it upon application for your Schengen visa, or working visa.

• Medical Certificate (you can obtain from any Spanish Doctor).

• Three passport-size photographs.

• Your NIE registration number and the Social Security registration number of your employer.

• Offer of employment including labor conditions.

• The Company activity and full description of the job.

• Proof of the employer’s financial solvency could also be required.

   

Self – Employed

• Copy of your valid passport.

• Certificate of criminal records issued by the authorities in your home country, UNLESS you presented it upon application for Schengen visa.

• Medical Certificate.

• Three passport-size photographs.

• Your NIE registration number and the Social Security registration number of your employer.

• The Company activity and full description of the job.
  • Proof of the employer’s financial solvency could also be required.

Documentation Needed To Apply for A Residence Permit

If an individual plans to work and live in Spain for over 90 days, an individual must apply for a residence permit.

• Copy of your valid passport.

• Residence visa in force.  (Such as a temporary residence permit.)

• Certificate of criminal records issued by the authorities in your home country, UNLESS you presented it upon application for the visa.

• Medical Certificate, UNLESS the applicant presented it when obtaining his visa.

• Three passport-size photographs.

• Proof of financial income to support you during your period of residence, such as work salaries, pensions, etc.

• Proof that your health assistance is guaranteed during your stay in Spain.

The residency application may be applied for IN PERSON, at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or at the National Police Stations nearest the city or town in which you will live.

Types of Work Permits

Employees

Type A Work Permit
The permit is for seasonal or limited work.  The maximum duration for this permit is nine (9) months, including renewal. This permit may also be limited to a specific geographical area. This permit is used for, but not limited projects such as building, plant construction, or equipment installation.

Type B Initial Work Permit
The permit allows an individual to work in a specific profession such as, but not limited to:

• Researchers

• Wildlife Professionals

• Accountants

• Professors

• Health Care Professionals

This permit is also used for specific activities and geographical areas. It has a maximum limit of one (1) year.

Type B Renewed Work Permit
This permit is issued to individuals once their b initial work permits have expired. This allows individuals to carry on various professions or activities up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Type C Work Permit
This permit is issued to the B renewed holders once it has expired. This allows the individual to perform any professional activity throughout the entire Spanish territory. 

Self – Employed

Type D Initial Work Permit
This permit allows an individual to perform a specific activity for a maximum of one (1) year. Spanish authorities can limit this to a specific geographical area. 

Type D Renewed Work Permit
This permit is issued to individuals once their d initial work permits have expired. This allows individuals to carry on various professions or activities up to a maximum of two (2) years.  Spanish authorities can limit this to a specific geographical area.

Type E Work Permit
This permit is issued to the D renewed holders once it has expired. This allows the individual to perform any professional activity throughout the entire Spanish territory. The maximum for this permit is three (3) years.

Either Employed or Self – Employed

Type F Work Permit
The permit allows an individual to perform professional activities within the Spanish borders, provided they return daily to the foreign borders in which they live. This permit is issued for a maximum of five (5) years, which at that time may be renewed.

Type T Work Permit
This permit is issued for an individual who carries out temporary or campaigning activities or services. This permit can be limited to a specific geographical area.

Types of Residence Permits

Temporary Residence Permit
This permit allows an individual to remain in Spain for anywhere from ninety (90) days to five (5) years upon which your permit may be renewed at that time.

Permanent Residency Permit
This permit is available to an individual who have a normal residence permit for a continuous period of five (5) years. This permit should be renewed every five (5) years.