Spain work visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Spain work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Spain consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Spain work visa
Spanish Consulate in London or Edinburgh, or BLS International centres acting for the consulate. The employer must first obtain the work authorisation in Spain before you can apply.
Required documents
- Valid passport (min. 1 year validity, 2 blank pages)
- National visa application form (Solicitud de visado nacional), signed
- Recent passport photo on white background
- Original work authorisation approved by the Spanish labour authority
- Signed employment contract
- Criminal record certificate (ACRO) legalised with Apostille and sworn translation into Spanish
- Medical certificate stating no diseases under the International Health Regulations 2005
- Proof of UK residence status (BRP, share code or settled status)
- Copy of the employer's company documents where requested
- Proof of fee payment
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- National work visa (standard)€80
- UK nationals (reciprocity fee)€516— Spain applies a reciprocity fee to British citizens for long-stay visas.
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
- BLS service fee€17— £14.85 incl. VAT per applicant, mandatory for every category.
- Next-day courier passport return€34— £29.99 optional return by courier.
- SMS / email tracking€2— £1.95 optional.
- Premium in-centre service€115— £100 per applicant. Does not speed up the appointment or the decision.
- Premium lounge€200— From £175 per applicant (£160 each for groups of 5+).
The consular fee must be paid in GBP at the exchange rate published by the consulate. The reciprocity fee for UK nationals is significantly higher than the standard EU rate — check the current amount before paying.
Booking an appointment
Appointments are booked online with BLS International (London, Manchester, Edinburgh). Standard slots can be several weeks out in peak season. Paid extras (premium in-centre service £100, premium lounge from £175, next-day courier £29.99) add comfort but do not speed up the appointment or the decision.
Practical tips
Your employer starts the process in Spain — you cannot apply until the work authorisation is approved. Order the ACRO certificate and Apostille early; legalisation plus sworn translation often takes longer than the visa itself.
What is unusual about the Spain process
Spain charges UK nationals a reciprocity fee for long-stay visas. After arrival you must apply for the TIE (foreigner identity card) within 30 days.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Spain Visa Application Centre – London20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AGAll Schengen visa applications for Spain from UK residents are submitted at BLS, not at the consulate.
- Manchester — Spain Visa Application Centre – ManchesterUnit 1, 205 Chapel Street, Salford, Manchester M3 5PFServes the consular district of Manchester; submission usually 08:30–13:30.
- Edinburgh — Spain Visa Application Centre – EdinburghCentre serving Scotland; check the BLS site for the current address and opening hours.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Spain consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Spain work visa cost?
- For a Spain work visa, the consular fee is €80. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National work visa (standard) — €80; UK nationals (reciprocity fee) — €516; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; BLS service fee — €17; Next-day courier passport return — €34; SMS / email tracking — €2; Premium in-centre service — €115; Premium lounge — €200. The consular fee must be paid in GBP at the exchange rate published by the consulate. The reciprocity fee for UK nationals is significantly higher than the standard EU rate — check the current amount before paying. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Spain work visa take to process?
- A decision on a Spain work visa typically takes around 30 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Spain work visa?
- Spanish Consulate in London or Edinburgh, or BLS International centres acting for the consulate. The employer must first obtain the work authorisation in Spain before you can apply. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Spain work visa?
- The Spain consular network lists: Valid passport (min. 1 year validity, 2 blank pages); National visa application form (Solicitud de visado nacional), signed; Recent passport photo on white background; Original work authorisation approved by the Spanish labour authority; Signed employment contract; Criminal record certificate (ACRO) legalised with Apostille and sworn translation into Spanish; Medical certificate stating no diseases under the International Health Regulations 2005; Proof of UK residence status (BRP, share code or settled status); Copy of the employer's company documents where requested; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Spain work visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Appointments are booked online with BLS International (London, Manchester, Edinburgh). Standard slots can be several weeks out in peak season. Paid extras (premium in-centre service £100, premium lounge from £175, next-day courier £29.99) add comfort but do not speed up the appointment or the decision.
- Can I apply for a Spain work visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Spain, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
Related guides
Or compare countries side by side and browse all guides.