12 min read · Spain Legal Guide · Updated April 2026
Working in Spain: EU citizens work freely — no permit needed. Non-EU nationals need EU passport (free movement) or Golden Visa / Digital Nomad Visa. Minimum wage: EUR 1,134/month (2024). Standard hours: 40/week. Annual leave: 22 days. Notice period: 15 days–3 months depending on contract and seniority. Always have an employment contract reviewed by a lawyer before signing.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the automatic right to work in Spain under the principle of free movement of workers. No work permit is required, though registration with local authorities may be needed after 90 days.
Non-EU nationals must obtain work authorisation before starting employment in Spain. Working without a valid permit is illegal for both the employee and the employer, and can result in deportation and future entry bans.
The primary route for non-EU nationals seeking employment in Spain is the EU passport (free movement) or Golden Visa / Digital Nomad Visa. Key requirements typically include:
Applications are submitted to the relevant immigration authority — either from your home country (entry visa) or in-country (permit renewal or change). Processing times range from 4–12 weeks depending on the permit type and applicant nationality. An immigration/employment lawyer can significantly improve your application's success rate.
Spain's minimum wage is EUR 1,134/month (2024). Collective bargaining agreements (sector-level agreements between employers' associations and trade unions) may set higher minimum rates for specific industries. As an expat employee, you are entitled to the same minimum wage protections as any national.
The statutory maximum working week in Spain is 40 hours. Overtime beyond this must be compensated — either through additional pay (typically 25–50% premium) or time off in lieu. Your employment contract must specify your hours; be wary of contracts that attempt to waive overtime rights.
Employees in Spain are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave per year. Many collective agreements and individual contracts provide more than the statutory minimum. Public holidays are in addition to annual leave entitlement.
Notice periods in Spain: 15 days–3 months depending on contract and seniority. These are minimum statutory entitlements — your contract may provide longer notice periods. During a probationary period (typically 1–6 months), shorter notice applies.
Always have your employment contract reviewed by a qualified lawyer before signing. Key terms to verify:
Employment protection law in Spain provides significant rights for employees facing dismissal. Key points:
If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed or your rights have been violated, consult an employment lawyer immediately — strict time limits apply to employment claims in Spain.
As an employee in Spain, you will contribute to the national social security system, which typically covers: healthcare, unemployment insurance, pension, and disability benefits. Contributions are split between employer and employee, with rates varying by income level and sector.
As an expat, tax residency rules are important: if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you will generally be considered a Spain tax resident and liable to pay tax on your worldwide income. Your employer should withhold income tax at source. Consult a tax lawyer or accountant to ensure you are not liable to double taxation under the Spain tax treaty with your home country.
