Work permits (non E.E.C. citizens)
Foreigners in general need a work permit in order to be able to
work in Spain, although there are some professions that due to their particular
characteristics have a special treatment (some government officials, media
corespondents, scientific missions, top posts, artists on tour, etc.).
In this regard, we are again faced with different situations and
types of permits.
WHERE THE FOREIGNER IS AN EMPLOYEE
- Type A work permit for seasonal work of up to a maximum of
nine months. This would entail a specific contract within
a specific geographic area.
- Type B work permit (initial): To work in a specific
profession, activity and geographic area for a maximum of one year.
- Type B work permit (renewed): This is needed to carry on
various professions or activities during a period of up to a
maximum of two years in a geographic area, which could be limited. This
permit is available to those who have the type B (initial), once
it expires.
- Type C work permit: with this permit one could work in any
activity in any part of the Spanish territory for a period
of up to three years. One would have a right to this type of permit
once the type B (renewed) permit expires.
WHERE THE FOREIGNER IS SELF EMPLOYMENT
- Type D work permit (initial): Granted to carry on a
specific activity for a maximum of one year. It could be limited to
a specific geographic area.
- Type D work permit (renewed): With this permit one could
work in various activities during a period of up to two years.
Although it is not frequent, one could find some limitations with
regards to the number of activities allowed and to the geographic area,
depending in the particular case.
- Type E work permit: Authorizes the person to carry on any
type of activity without geographic limitation. It is valid for
up to three years and it could be obtained once a Type D work permit
(renewed) expires.
- Permanent work permit: Allows any type of work activity,
working for others or self-employment. Could be obtained
by the holders of type C or E work permits, once these expire.
This general situation could be vary slightly in favor of, among others,
the citizens of countries or areas with which Spain has special links (Latin
America, the Philippines, Guinea Equatorial, Andorra, Gibraltar) as well as
relatives or other relations of Spaniards.
NEW FOREIGNER'S CARD
This is a new Card, regulated by new legislation, dated February 1997.
Basically, this document is an identity card, with information and
photograph, that all foreigners must have, to accredit his or her legal permanence in
Spain for a period longer than three months. Having such card, however, is not
obligatory at this time but it will be progressively established, in accordance with
the corresponding technical means and offices that will be established in the
future.
April 1997
t o p
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