Spain Eases Work Visa Rules, Scraps 90-Day Minimum Stay for Skilled Foreign Professionals

In a major policy shift aimed at boosting innovation and global competitiveness, the Spanish government has officially removed the 90-day minimum stay requirement for certain foreign work permits issued under the Entrepreneurs Law (Law 14/2013).

This development makes it significantly easier for international professionals to engage in short-term assignments within the country.

Previously, Spain’s high-skilled immigration permits such as the EU Blue Card, Highly Qualified Professional, Researcher, and Intra-Company Transfer visas required applicants to stay a minimum of 90 days to qualify.

This restriction often excluded experts needed for short-term consulting, research collaborations, or high-impact innovation projects. The updated regulation now enables companies and institutions to legally hire foreign professionals for assignments shorter than 90 days, streamlining the process and reducing red tape.

According to the General Directorate of Migration, the reform is part of Spain’s broader effort to attract global talent, enhance mobility for skilled workers, and align visa policy with the evolving demands of the international labor market. This move also complements Spain’s 2023 Startup Law, which introduced the digital nomad visa and accelerated pathways for foreign tech professionals, remote workers, and entrepreneurs.

While the new policy provides greater flexibility, it is limited to immigration categories under the Entrepreneurs Law. Applicants must still meet all standard requirements such as possessing a valid employment contract, demonstrating relevant qualifications, and earning the minimum salary threshold for the permit category.

It is also important to note that Spain’s General Immigration Regime remains unchanged, and still requires a minimum stay of 90 days for standard work permits, family reunification, and non-lucrative visa holders.

The reform aims to support Spain’s growing startup ecosystem and research sectors by reducing the bureaucratic burden on companies needing temporary international expertise. Employers no longer need to rely on Schengen visas, which prohibit employment, or force candidates into longer-than-needed contracts simply to meet eligibility.

Immigration experts and business leaders have applauded the update, calling it a “forward-thinking” move that positions Spain as a more attractive destination for highly skilled professionals and digital workers in a post-pandemic world.