The Spanish government has published three mandatory conditions that foreign nationals must satisfy before they can legally take up any paid employment or professional activity in Spain. The requirements, which apply to all non-EU citizens seeking remunerated work, establish a sequential process that begins with a job offer and ends with a visa.
Three Non-Negotiable Requirements
According to the Spanish government, the first condition concerns age. Any foreign national seeking employment in Spain must be older than 16 years. However, for those pursuing self-employment rather than a standard work contract, the minimum age rises to 18. This age threshold is a strict eligibility criterion, and applicants must provide proof of age when the process begins.
The second requirement is the most procedurally significant. Before starting any work, a foreign citizen must obtain authorisation to both reside and work in Spain. Crucially, this authorisation must be applied for by the employer offering the work contract, not the worker themselves. This means a foreign national cannot independently initiate the residency and work permit process without a confirmed employer willing to file on their behalf. The employer-led process ensures that the job offer is genuine and that the position cannot be filled by a local or EU worker.
Visa Comes Last
The third condition follows directly from the second. Only after the residency and work authorisation has been formally issued can the foreign national then apply for and obtain the appropriate visa to enter and remain in Spain for work purposes. This means that the visa application is the final step, not the first. Workers cannot apply for a visa first and look for employment later under this framework.
This three-step framework effectively means that securing a job offer is not merely a helpful first step but a legal prerequisite. Without an employer willing to sponsor the authorisation application, a foreign national cannot legally proceed with the process at all. Spain's requirements are structured so that each stage depends on the completion of the previous one, making the process sequential rather than parallel.
How to Stay Legally in Spain
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Spain's government published official guidance outlining the different categories of residency available to foreign nationals who want to live in the country. Temporary residency covers stays of more than 90 days and less than five years, with renewals possible if the required conditions are met. This guidance is part of Spain's broader efforts to manage migration and ensure that foreign workers contribute to the economy legally.
For many Nigerian youths and other diaspora communities, understanding these requirements is crucial. The process may seem daunting, but it is designed to protect both workers and employers. By following the sequential steps, foreign nationals can legally work in Spain and enjoy the benefits of the country's labour market.
