Work permit processing times in Spain: what employers need to know

Spain is increasingly becoming a top destination for international talent, especially in industries like technology, engineering, research, and education. Its growing startup ecosystem, high quality of life, and EU access make it attractive for both skilled professionals and companies eager to hire them.

However, employers looking to hire foreign workers in Spain must understand one crucial aspect of the hiring process: work permit processing times. While the Spanish immigration system offers several types of visas, the timelines can vary significantly depending on the type of permit, the region, and the applicant’s country of origin.

This article will break down average work permit timelines, what factors influence them, common causes of delay, and how to speed up the process, particularly through the support of a Spanish Employer of Record for companies without a local legal entity.

Average work permit processing times in Spain

The time it takes to obtain a work permit in Spain varies depending on the visa type, the application’s completeness, and where the request is being processed. Below are some general estimates:

Highly skilled professional visa

Processing is generally fast for roles qualifying under the Ley 14/2013 for entrepreneurs and international talent. Applications are handled by the UGE (Large Companies Unit) in Madrid and are often processed in 20–30 working days.

General work visa

Standard work permits that go through regional immigration offices typically take longer. Depending on the autonomous community and seasonal workloads, processing times can range from 1 to 3 months.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card offers an accelerated pathway, aimed at highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. In theory, this visa is processed within 30 days, although real-world timelines can stretch depending on region and document readiness.

Intra-company transfer visa

Multinational companies transferring staff to Spain under an intra-company transfer scheme usually see timelines between 30 to 45 days, provided all documentation is in order.

Work permit application stages

Understanding the phases involved in the application process will help employers estimate realistic start dates:

1. Employer application submission: The company submits a request to hire the foreign worker to the relevant immigration office or UGE.
2. Government review and resolution: Authorities assess the application. If approved, a favourable resolution is issued.
3. Consular appointment: If the applicant is outside Spain, they must attend an appointment at a Spanish consulate to obtain the work visa.
4. Entry and residence formalities: Once in Spain, the employee must register their address, apply for a NIE (tax ID), and obtain a TIE (foreign identity card) within 30 days.

Each step can introduce delays if not handled efficiently.

Factors that influence processing times

Several variables impact how long it takes to secure a Spanish work permit:

• Type of visa: Fast-track options like the highly skilled professional visa typically move faster than general permits.
• Location of the applicant: Applications filed from within Spain (e.g., for status change) may follow a different process than those started abroad.
• Document quality: Missing, inconsistent, or untranslated documents can stall applications for weeks.
• Processing region: Spain’s 17 autonomous communities operate their own immigration offices, and processing efficiency varies widely.
• Time of year: Expect slower processing during summer holidays and end-of-year periods due to staff shortages.
• Role classification: Under certain schemes, jobs classified as “hard to fill” or highly skilled may be eligible for quicker processing.

Common causes of work permit delays

Many employers underestimate how easily delays can occur in Spain’s immigration system. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation, such as expired identification, missing translations, or contracts lacking proper notarisation, can cause significant setbacks.

Moreover, companies that haven’t registered adequately with Spanish labour or immigration authorities may find their applications stalled.

Processing times can also vary depending on the region, with some areas facing longer administrative delays compared to more efficient provinces like Madrid or Barcelona.

On the employee’s side, unresolved issues such as pending background checks, unavailable visa appointments, or expired passports can also slow things down. Finally, companies without a Spanish legal entity may face added complications when trying to sponsor foreign workers, extending the overall timeline.

Tips to expedite the application process

Although delays are sometimes unavoidable, there are several proactive steps employers can take to streamline the process:

1. Submit a complete and compliant application: Ensure all documents are correctly prepared, signed, translated, and legalised before submission.
2. Engage immigration advisors or legal support: Professionals who know the system can pre-screen applications and help avoid common errors.
3. Use fast-track frameworks: Highly skilled roles may qualify under the UGE pathway, which is more efficient than regional applications.
4. Check CAO and labour market considerations: Some roles may bypass labour market testing if they fall under shortage occupations.
5. Monitor the process closely: Regular follow-ups with authorities can prevent applications from stalling unnoticed.

How an Employer of Record (EOR) can help with work permit processing in Spain

Managing work permits can be complex for many international companies, especially those without a Spanish subsidiary. This is where a Spanish Employer of Record becomes a strategic asset.

An Employer of Record is a local partner that acts as the legal employer of record for your team in Spain. While you control the employee’s daily tasks, the EOR handles all the legal, HR, and administrative responsibilities on your behalf.

A Spanish EOR can:

• Legally sponsor foreign employees for work permits, removing the need for your business to set up a local entity.
• Prepare and submit complete, compliant applications under the appropriate visa category.
• Coordinate with regional or national immigration authorities to track progress and manage any issues.
• Ensure eligibility for fast-track routes like the highly qualified professionals visa through the UGE.
• Once the permit is approved and the employee begins working, you will handle onboarding, tax setup, payroll, and benefits.

For example, a US-based marketing agency wanted to relocate a skilled strategist to Spain but lacked a local entity to sponsor the work permit. Handling regional requirements and managing documents remotely quickly became overwhelming, risking months of delay.

By partnering with a Spanish Employer of Record, the company was able to fast-track the application through the highly skilled professional route. The EOR handled sponsorship, ensured all documents were compliant, and coordinated directly with the Spanish authorities. As a result, the work permit was approved in under four weeks, allowing the employee to relocate and start working much sooner than expected.

This makes an EOR especially valuable for companies that:

• Companies that are hiring one or a few employees in Spain.
• A business that is testing the market before committing to an entity.
• Need to hire quickly without delays from paperwork or legal establishment.

By partnering with an EOR, you reduce both time-to-hire and compliance risk, and you gain a local expert who understands Spain’s immigration landscape and regulatory requirements.

You can change the processing time

Spain’s work permit processing times range widely, from a few weeks for highly skilled professionals to several months for standard work visas. Factors such as visa type, application completeness, administrative region, and employer readiness all affect how quickly an employee can start working.

To minimise delays, employers should plan ahead, prepare complete documentation, and explore fast-track options when eligible. For those without a Spanish legal entity, partnering with a Spanish Employer of Record can provide a faster, more reliable route to hiring foreign talent.

Looking to hire in Spain without dealing with legal delays and paperwork? Talk to our team about how a Spanish Employer of Record can help you hire and secure work permits – quickly and compliantly.