Spain Seasonal Work Visa 2026
Written by
Azra Mehanic
Founder, Move to Austria
Reviewed by
Azra Mehanic
Editorial and source review · August 15, 2026
Understand Spain's four-year seasonal authorization, annual nine-month cap, employer duties, housing and return commitment.
The authorization is multi-year but work is seasonal
Under Spain's rules in force since 2025, a seasonal residence-and-work authorization can last four years, but it permits seasonal employee activity for no more than nine months in each calendar year. It is granted for an employer, subject to rules on linked activities, extensions and authorized employer changes. The four-year card is not permission for continuous year-round work.
The employer leads the process
The worker must generally be outside Spain and not resident there when the initial process begins. The employer files form EX-06, shows that the national employment situation permits recruitment and signs a fixed-discontinuous contract stating the place, job, season duration, hours and start date. The employer also documents solvency, legal standing and the anticipated activity period for the first year.
Travel, insurance and housing have special safeguards
The employer must bear the cost of travel to Spain from the country of recruitment and transport from the arrival point to the accommodation. It must arrange health coverage from the journey until Spanish Social Security registration and make adequate, habitable and hygienic accommodation available. The worker signs a return commitment and must follow the authorized periods and call-up process.
The official decision period is one month
The Ministry's sheet gives a one-month decision period for the authorization and identifies the residence and work fees. During the first authorization year, entry requires the seasonal residence-and-work visa. In later years, the employer issues a new call-up if the conditions remain satisfied. A call-up, extension or employer change has its own deadlines and evidence; the old visa alone is not enough.
Inspect the real offer and return conditions
Before accepting, verify the employer, sector, province, occupation, dates, working hours, gross pay, deductions, travel, insurance, exact accommodation address and cost, and the signed return commitment. Keep copies of EX-06 and the authorization. Do not pay intermediaries for a guaranteed place, and do not assume tourist entry can be converted into seasonal work without the required employer-led authorization.
Helpful resources
Official sources
Requirements and fees can change. Verify your individual case with the responsible authority before applying.
