What must be in place before you can start work in Spain

Terms used

• NIE — The NIE is the identification number Spain gives to foreigners. Employers need it to register you.
• DNI — The DNI is the national identity card number for Spanish citizens.
• TIE — The TIE is the residence card for foreigners. Your NIE is printed on it.
• Alta — The alta is your employer's registration of you in Social Security before you start work.
• IBAN — The IBAN is your bank account number, which your employer uses to pay your salary.
• Número de afiliación — The número de afiliación is your personal Social Security number, which your employer can request when registering you.

Key rules

• NIE first: Without an NIE or DNI, your employer generally cannot register you in Social Security.
• Registration: Your employer must register you in Social Security before you start work.
• Late details: You can send your IBAN and Social Security number after the alta, but before your first payroll.
• Non-EU workers: You also need a valid visa or approval that allows work.
• Tourist visa: A tourist or Schengen visa gives no right to work.

What your employer needs before your start date

Your employer needs your NIE or DNI, your passport and a bank IBAN for payroll. If you are a non-EU worker, they also need your valid work authorisation. The employer must register you in Social Security (the alta) before you start. Without an NIE, they generally cannot do this.

The order to follow

1. Identity number (NIE). Everything else depends on it. A long-stay visa does not normally include an NIE. It is usually assigned after you arrive, when you apply for your TIE, and it is printed on the card. Some visas and approvals already show one, especially work and job-seeker visas, or approvals processed through a large-company route. Look at your approval documents first. If you already have a NIE or a DNI, give it to your employer.

2. Work authorisation. If you are not an EU citizen, give your employer your passport and your visa or approval resolution. For most work-based permits, including highly qualified and digital nomad routes, the visa or resolution lets you work from entry. Apply for your TIE within one month of entering Spain. The receipt for that application does not replace the card, but it lets you carry on working while the card is processed.

3. Social Security number. This is your número de afiliación. You do not need to have it before you talk to your employer. They can request it for you when they register you.

4. Bank details. Your employer needs an IBAN to pay your salary. You can send it, and your Social Security number, after you have them. Do it before the first payroll.

Who cannot start yet

• A tourist or Schengen visa gives no right to work.
• A student permit allows part-time work of up to 30 hours a week without a separate work authorisation, following the 2025 reform.
• If your visa or approval does not clearly allow work, ask your employer or the immigration office before your first day.

The documents list, checklist, timeline and questions below cover the details.

Timeline and deadlines

• Start work if your visa or approval resolution allows it: from the date you enter Spain, for work-based permits

• Apply for your residence card (TIE): within one month of entering Spain (latest 30 days after entry date)

• Keep your application receipt to carry on working while the card is processed: after you apply for the TIE

Documents you need

• Your NIE (foreigner identity number) or, if you have one, your DNI, which your employer needs to register you

• Your passport, valid and in your own name

• Your valid work authorisation, such as your visa or approval resolution, if you are a non-EU worker

• Your Social Security affiliation number, which your employer can request for you when registering you

• A bank IBAN (account number) where your pay will be paid

Checklist

• Look at your visa approval documents to see if they already show a NIE

• Give your employer your NIE or DNI so they can register you in Social Security before you start

• Apply for your residence card (TIE) after arriving, where your NIE will be printed if you did not have one

• Pass your passport and work authorisation to your employer if you are a non-EU worker

• Send your bank IBAN and Social Security number once you have them

Frequently asked questions

Does my long-stay visa already include a NIE?

Usually no, a long-stay visa does not come with a NIE as standard. The NIE is normally assigned after you arrive, when you apply for the residence card (TIE), and it is printed on the card. Some visa types, such as work or job-seeker visas, may already show a NIE on the approval papers, so check them.

Can I work on a student permit before my TIE arrives?

Yes, a student permit lets you work part-time, up to 30 hours a week, without a separate work authorisation. This follows the 2025 reform.

Can I start work on a tourist or Schengen visa?

No, a tourist or Schengen visa gives you no right to work in Spain. You need a work-based permit or another route that allows employment before you start.

Can I give my employer my IBAN and Social Security number after I start?

Yes, you can supply the bank IBAN and the Social Security number later, because your employer can request the number when registering you. The employer still needs your NIE or DNI before registering you, so sort that first.