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Residence Visa with Work Permit Exemption – Spain

Hassle-free visa processing for your travel needs.

Overview

The Spain Residence Visa with Work Permit Exemption is a long-term national visa that allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for more than 90 days without requiring a separate work permit. This visa is issued for specific professional categories where Spanish immigration laws provide an exemption from the standard work authorization process.

This visa applies to individuals who are:

  • Technicians, scientists, and researchers invited by Spanish public institutions.
  • University lecturers, researchers, and academic staff hired by Spanish universities.
  • Employees of cultural or educational institutions recognized by Spain.
  • Foreign government officials and diplomatic personnel working under international agreements.
  • Foreign media correspondents officially accredited in Spain.
  • Religious personnel and clergy members belonging to registered religious organizations.
  • Members of international scientific missions authorized by Spanish authorities.

Applicants must demonstrate that they fall within one of these exempt categories to qualify for the visa.

Processing Time

  • Applications submitted at the Spain Visa Application Centre are forwarded to the Spanish Consulate General in London on the next working day.
  • The legal processing time is 1 month from the day after submission.
  • Additional documents or an interview may be requested, which may extend the processing time.
  • Applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
  • The Spanish Consulate does not provide updates on application status or reasons for visa refusals via email.

Your Visa, Our Priority – With our express appointment scheduling and expert guidance, your visa process is handled with ease.

Documents Required

All documents listed below are mandatory. Each applicant must submit their own set of documents.
Important: Most documents required for your visa application must be recent and dated within the last 30 days at the time of submission. Ensure all paperwork meets this requirement to avoid delays or rejection.

General Requirements

Visa Application Form

  • Fully completed, signed, and dated.

Photograph

  • One passport-size colour photograph printed on photo paper with a white background.
  • No digital retouching allowed.

Passport

  • Valid for at least 1 year from the intended date of travel.
  • Must contain two blank pages.
  • Photocopy of the bio-data page of the passport.
  • Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must leave their passports at the Consulate during processing.

UK Residency

  • Provide a UK eVisa printout from UKVI with a valid share code.

Proof of Work Permit Exemption

Applicants must provide official documentation proving they qualify for the exemption from work authorizationunder Spanish law.

This includes:

  • Technicians and Scientists:
    • Invitation letter or employment contract from a Spanish public institution conducting research.
    • Description of the project and the applicant’s professional background.
  • University Lecturers and Researchers:
    • Invitation or employment contract from a Spanish university, confirming the applicant’s role in research, teaching, or academic activities.
  • Employees of Cultural or Educational Institutions:
    • Proof of employment at an institution officially recognized in Spain.
    • Validation of the institution’s academic programs in the home country.
  • Foreign Government Officials:
    • Official certificate from the applicant’s government confirming participation in a bilateral cooperation program with Spain.
  • Foreign Media Correspondents:
    • Official accreditation from Spanish authorities.
  • International Scientific Missions:
    • Authorization from the relevant Spanish administration allowing participation in an international research project.
  • Religious Personnel:
    • Certificate from the Spanish Ministry of Justice proving the religious institution’s registration in Spain.
    • Official letter from the religious organization, confirming the applicant’s status and role.

Additional Documentation

Fee Payment Proof

  • Completed and paid Form 790-052 for Autorización inicial de residencia temporal.
  • Paid at BLS Spain Visa Application Centre on the day of submission.

Criminal Record Certificate (For Applicants Aged 18+)

  • Original and photocopy of a criminal record certificate from all countries where the applicant has resided in the past 5 years.
  • UK applicants must provide an ACRO Certificate.
  • Documents must be legalized or apostilled (except for EU-issued documents).
  • If not in Spanish, an official translation must be provided.

Medical Certificate (For Stays Over 180 Days)

  • Original and photocopy of a medical certificate, issued within 3 months before applying.
  • The certificate must confirm that the applicant does not suffer from diseases that may pose a public health risk under WHO International Health Regulations (2005).
  • If issued in the UK, it must state:

“This health certificate states that [Applicant’s Name] does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with what is stipulated by the International Health Regulations of 2005.”

  • If issued in another country, it must be:
    • Translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
    • Legalized or apostilled (unless issued in an EU country).

Proof of Accommodation

  • Rental agreement, property deed, or accommodation confirmation in Spain.
  • If provided by the employer, an official letter confirming housing arrangements.

Proof of Residence in the Consular District

  • Proof of legal residence in the UK, such as a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or university registration letter.
  • This must confirm the applicant lives or studies within the Spanish Consulate’s jurisdiction in London.

Proof of Identity & Representation (If Applicable)

If Applying Through a Representative:

  • Copy of the identity document or passport of the representative.
  • Notarized power of attorney or a legal document proving representation.
  • Foreign documents must be legalized/apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.

Additional Information

  • Stapling documents is not permitted.
  • All documents must be in English or Spanish. Translations into Spanish are only required if specifically requested.
  • Visa approval is not guaranteed, and additional documents may be requested by the Consulate.
  • All decisions regarding visa issuance, duration, and conditions are at the discretion of the Spanish Consulate General in London.

Visa Collection

  • If approved, visas must be collected within 1 month of notification.
  • Applicants can choose one of the following collection methods:
    • Personal collection at the Spanish Consulate.
    • Pre-paid Special Delivery envelope provided by the applicant.

Photo Specifications

Applicants must submit one recent colour photograph (not older than 6 months) that meets the following requirements:

  • Background: Taken against a plain, light-coloured background (white or off-white) to ensure facial features are clearly distinguishable and contrast against the background.
  • Clarity & Focus: The photo must be of high quality, clear, and in sharp focus.
  • Full Face Visible:
    • The applicant must have a neutral expression (non-smiling).
    • No sunglasses, hats, caps, or head coverings, unless worn for religious or cultural reasons.
  • Printing Requirements:
    • Printed on standard photographic paper (camera print).
    • Must be glued to the visa application form (not stapled).
  • Compliance Check:
    • If the submitted photograph does not meet the above requirements, the application will be considered incomplete.
    • The applicant may be required to take new photographs at a photo booth in the visa application centre.

Ensure that your photo meets all specifications to avoid delays in your visa application.

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172124

sales@spainvisaonline.co.uk

+44 2035001581

Visa Charges

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Standard Visa Processing Fees

Package Processing Time Fee Includes
Silver Package Appointments within 6 weeks £550 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Bronze Package Appointments within 4 weeks £750 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Gold Package Appointments within 2 weeks £1250 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, priority submission

Visa service charges are separate from official visa fees charged by the consulate.

Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172124

sales@spainvisaonline.co.uk

+44 2035001581

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