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Upgrade to a work residence permit with the right to be employed, based on the year of residence

This amendment allows foreign nationals who initially entered Spain on a residence permit without the right to work (for example, a Residencia No Lucrativa) or on another non-work-related residence permit to obtain a work permit. This is one of the most common ways of regularising employment.
Assess the chances
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
  • Personal manager
    Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
  • Preparation of documents
    We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
  • Case audit
    If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
Non-EU foreign nationals who:
Have lived legally in Spain on a non-work residence permit for at least one year.
We have found an employer in Spain who is willing to offer an employment contract.
Key legislation
    • Organic Law 4/2000 (Law on Foreigners).
    • Royal Decree 1155/2024 (Articles 182–184), governing the amendment.
Requirements
A residence and work permit is issued for two years.
Length of residence: Provide evidence of legal and continuous residence in Spain for at least one year.
Employment contract: An employment contract (or offer of employment) for a period of at least one year.
Salary: The salary must be no less than the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional) on an annual basis.
Compliance with regulations: Working conditions must comply with current legislation and the collective agreement.
No criminal record.
Required documents
Main list
Modification application form (Official Form EX-03).
A copy of your passport and TIE.
Employment contract (signed).
Proof of compliance with the conditions of the current residence permit.
Certificate of no criminal conviction.

Application procedure

  • Contract formalities:

    Signing an employment contract with a Spanish employer (the contract comes into effect upon approval of the residence permit).
  • Gathering documents:

    A complete set of documents confirming legal residence over the past year, as well as the employer’s good standing and financial stability.
  • Submitting an application:

    Submission of the application (Official Form EX-03) by the employer or their authorised representative to the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the area where the employee works. Important: This type of amendment is exempt from the requirement to take the national employment situation into account.
  • Awaiting a decision:

    Awaiting a decision from the Immigration Office. The official processing time is three months.
  • Registration and TIE:

    Once a positive decision has been received, the applicant must register with the Social Security system (Seguridad Social) and apply for a new resident card (TIE) with the status of ‘residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena’.
Back to work: The key to stability in Spain
Changing from a non-work residence permit to a work residence permit is a crucial step that requires a legally sound employment contract and proof of one year’s residence. We handle all communication with your employer, prepare the contract and submit the application to the Immigration Office, ensuring that all formalities are met for the successful issuance of a two-year work residence permit.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
  • Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
  • Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
  • Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
  • Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
  • Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
  • Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
  • Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
  • Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
  • Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.
  • since €1375
    On behalf of the main applicant.
    No hidden fees.
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  • Payment procedure
    First, we sign a contract.
    50%
    before the provision of services begins;
    50%
    on the day the documents are submitted
Not included and charged separately:
  • State fees and charges: Payable in the country where the application is submitted (medical certificates, certificates of good conduct).
  • Personal expenses: Private health insurance, tuition fees or the cost of drawing up a business plan (depending on the type of residence permit).
  • Important: All government fees within Spain are already included in the service fee.