Which job routes are open to you by nationality and status

Terms used

• TIE — The TIE is the residence card for non-EU foreigners in Spain.
• Extranjería — Extranjería is the immigration office that handles residence and work authorisations for foreigners.
• Alta — The alta is the employer's registration of a worker with Social Security.
• Tarjeta roja — The tarjeta roja is the red card given to asylum applicants, recording permission to work.

Key rules

• EU citizens: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no work permit, except for public posts that involve public authority.
• Non-lucrative permit: A non-lucrative residence permit does not allow you to work, as an employee or self-employed.
• Asylum applicants: Asylum applicants may work six months after their application is formally admitted for processing.
• Students: Students may work only in jobs compatible with their studies.

The short version

Your right to work depends on your nationality and on the permit you hold. EU citizens can work freely. Non-EU citizens can work only if their permit allows it, and the type of permit decides how.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

You do not need a work permit. You can be an employee or self-employed, and your family members have the same freedom. If you stay longer than three months, register as a resident citizen.

Two limits to know:

• Jobs that involve public authority, such as police, military and judges, and some senior civil service posts, are reserved for Spanish nationals. Many other public jobs are open to you.
• Regulated professions need your qualifications recognised in Spain before you can practise.

UK citizens are not covered by this free access. You need a visa or rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Non-EU citizens with a work authorisation

Your authorisation is your route in. You can work once it takes effect. For most work authorisations, your employer registers you with Social Security (the "alta"). Often you must also get your residence card (TIE) within one month of the authorisation or visa entry. The resolution and the fingerprint appointment receipt can allow you to work while the card is on its way. The exact moment varies by route, so confirm it with Extranjería (the immigration office) before your first day.

Students

With a study authorisation you can work as an employee or self-employed, in jobs compatible with your studies. The work must not get in the way of your studies, and the authorisation is not tied to one job. Recent rules raised the weekly limit to 30 hours, up from 20. Some courses, such as non-formal language courses, may give narrower rights, so check yours with Extranjería.

After your studies you can apply for a job-search or entrepreneurship authorisation of up to 12 months. From there you can move to a work route.

Non-lucrative residence

A non-lucrative residence permit does not allow you to work, as an employee or self-employed. That includes remote work for foreign companies. You must show you have enough money without working.

To work, you have to change to a status that allows it, such as a work authorisation or the digital nomad route. That change has conditions and may mean leaving Spain, so ask Extranjería first. Working without authorisation brings fines for you and your employer and can hurt later renewals.

Asylum applicants

You may work six months after your application is formally admitted for processing. Until then you have no right to work. The date is shown on your white card (tarjeta blanca). After that period your card is renewed as a red card (tarjeta roja) that records your permission to work. You renew the red card every six months while your application is pending. Refugee status or subsidiary protection gives full work rights.

What to do next

Find your status above and check the timeline below for your steps. The quick answers below cover starting before your card arrives, spouses and work without a contract.

Timeline and deadlines

When work rights start for each status

• Register as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen if you will stay longer than three months: once your stay goes past three months; you need no work permit to start working

• Get your residence card (TIE) after a work authorisation or visa entry: within one month of the authorisation or of entering on your visa

• Start work after your authorisation takes effect: once the employer has registered you with Social Security (alta); in many cases your fingerprint appointment receipt lets you work while the TIE is on its way

• Work as a student in jobs compatible with your studies: while your study authorisation is valid, up to 30 hours a week

• Apply for a job-search or entrepreneurship authorisation after your studies: after you finish studying; it lasts up to 12 months

• Renew your red card while your asylum application is pending: every six months

Quick answers on who can work in Spain

Can I start work before my residence card (TIE) arrives?

Yes, in many cases you can start once your authorisation takes effect and your employer registers you with Social Security, even if the TIE has not arrived. Your right to work comes from the authorisation, not from the card. Some routes require you to get the TIE within one month, so check the rules for your permit.

Can EU citizens take any job in Spain?

No, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can take almost any job without a work permit, but posts that exercise public authority are reserved for Spanish nationals. That covers roles such as police, military and judges. Regulated professions also need your qualifications recognised first.

Can my spouse work without a separate permit?

Yes, once your spouse's family residence card or authorisation is issued, they can work as an employee or self-employed without a separate permit. This applies to family of EU citizens and to family reunited with a non-EU resident. A spouse on a tourist visa or short stay cannot work.

Is paid work without a contract ever legal?

No, paid work without a contract and without Social Security registration is illegal. A verbal agreement still counts as a work relationship, so your employer must register you before you start and pay contributions. Real exceptions are limited to things like voluntary work or some family help.