If you are wondering “Can I work in Spain as a tourist?”, it’s essential to understand the immigration regulations in force in 2025. The short answer is no — it is not legal to work in Spain on a tourist visa. However, there are established legal procedures for those who wish to live and work in the country.
Can You Work in Spain on a Tourist Visa?
No, you cannot legally work in Spain while holding a tourist status. A tourist visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, exclusively for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. During this time, paid work is not permitted.
If someone enters Spain as a tourist and receives a job offer, they cannot legally start working without first obtaining the proper residence and work authorization. Importantly, this permit must be applied for from your country of origin, not from within Spain.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Obtain a Work Permit in Spain
To work in Spain legally, you must follow a specific process:
- Job Offer – Secure a job offer from an employer in Spain.
- Authorization Request – The employer must apply for a residence and work permit (“autorización de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena”) at the relevant Immigration Office in Spain.
- Approval – Once the request is approved, an official favourable resolution is issued.
- Visa Application – With the approved resolution, the worker must apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin.
- Entry into Spain – Once the visa is granted, you may legally enter Spain and start working.
Key point: This procedure must begin in your home country. It is not possible to regularise your status from within Spain if you entered as a tourist.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Some situations allow exceptions to the general rule:
- Highly Qualified Professionals – Under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law, certain high-skilled professionals may apply for residence and work permits from within Spain during their legal stay.
- Arraigo (Roots Residency) – Foreigners who have lived in Spain continuously for a certain period may apply for residence on social, work, or family grounds.
- Students – International students in Spain can work up to 30 hours per week and may apply directly for a work permit once they graduate.
Consequences of Working Without Authorisation
Working without legal permission in Spain can lead to serious consequences:
- Fines – Economic penalties for both the worker and the employer.
- Expulsion – Deportation from Spain and a ban on re-entry for a specified period.
- Future Restrictions – Difficulty obtaining future visas or permits due to a negative immigration record.
Final Recommendations
If your goal is to work in Spain and live there legally, it’s essential to plan ahead and follow the official legal procedures. Entering as a tourist with the intention of finding a job and regularising your status from within Spain is not a viable or safe path and may lead to legal problems.
For accurate and up-to-date information, consult official sources such as the Immigration Portal of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look for a job in Spain while on a tourist visa?
Yes, you may search for job opportunities during your legal tourist stay, but you cannot start working until you obtain the proper authorization from your home country.
What happens if I get a job but don’t return to my country to apply for the visa?
You will be in an irregular situation, which can lead to fines, deportation, and future problems obtaining visas or permits.
Are there programmes that make it easier for foreigners to get work permits in Spain?
Yes, there are bilateral agreements and specific programmes that facilitate hiring foreign workers in certain sectors. Check with the Spanish consulate in your country for details.
You can also contact us directly through this contact Form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp. We’re here to make the process easier for you!.
