TL;DR
- Spain now offers short-term work permits for stays under 90 days for certain skilled professionals.
- These permits apply to digital nomads, EU Blue Card holders, researchers, and highly qualified workers.
- UAE-based professionals can legally work on short projects in Spain without long-term visa commitments.
Spain recently updated its immigration rules to allow skilled foreign workers to obtain short-term work permits valid for up to 90 days. This is a significant change because, until now, work permits required a minimum stay of three months.For professionals in the UAE, home to many consultants, freelancers, tech experts, and researchers, this means easier access to Spain’s job market for brief assignments. Whether you want to spend a few weeks working remotely in Madrid or take part in a short-term research project, the new rules simplify the process.These permits offer more flexibility without sacrificing legal protections or requirements. They are designed especially for categories like Digital Nomads, EU Blue Card holders, Highly Qualified Professionals, and similar skilled workers.
What’s Different Now?
Shorter Validity: Work permits can now cover stays shorter than 90 days. You can apply for the exact duration of your project or contract, even if it’s just a few weeks.More Permit Types Included: This update affects several specific permit categories, including:
- Digital Nomad visa
- EU Blue Card
- Highly Qualified Worker permits
- Researcher visa
- Intra-company transfer permits
Not a Shortcut: You still need to meet all eligibility requirements, submit documents, and go through the formal application process. It’s just more flexible in terms of duration.Legal Work Authorization: Previously, many short-term stays required a Schengen visa, which does not allow work. Now, eligible professionals can legally work on short-term projects without visa issues.
What Hasn’t Changed?
Spain’s traditional immigration routes, such as general work permits, family reunification visas, and non-lucrative visas, still require minimum stays of 90 days or more. These pathways remain strict and follow older rules.Eligibility criteria, including education, job offers, salary minimums, and documentation, are still strictly enforced. The update only affects specific permits under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law.
How and Where to Apply
If you’re based in the UAE, you can apply for Spain’s short-term work permit through the Spanish consulate in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You’ll need to submit your documents in person, including:
- A valid passport
- Proof of income
- Private health insurance
- Evidence of remote work or project-based employment
- Most documents must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled.
Already in Spain on a tourist visa? You can apply locally at the immigration office (Extranjería) or through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE), as long as you’re still within your first 90 days. This local route often results in longer residence permits, up to three years.Processing times vary: 1–3 months when applying from the UAE and about 20 working days if applying from within SpainIn either case, documentation must be complete and accurate. The rules are strict, and any missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or derail the process.
Spain’s Two Immigration Routes: What You Should Know
Spain operates two main systems for foreign workers:
- General Regime: This is the traditional, slower visa system. It covers most workers planning long stays and has stricter timelines and less flexibility.
- Entrepreneurs Law: Introduced to attract highly skilled workers, investors, and digital nomads, this system is faster and more flexible. The new short-term permit rules apply exclusively here.
For UAE professionals interested in short projects or remote work in Spain, the Entrepreneurs Law is the pathway to focus on.
How UAE Employers and Professionals Benefit
Companies in the UAE with projects or partnerships in Spain now have an easier way to send specialists, consultants, or freelancers for brief assignments. There’s no need to go through lengthy visa processes or commit to long-term employment contracts.For workers, this means:
- Clear legal status during short stays
- Authorization to work without visa violations
- Ability to comply with tax and labor laws
- More opportunities to collaborate internationally without uprooting
Looking Ahead: Spain’s Role in a Flexible Global Workforce
Spain’s new rules fit with global shifts toward project-based, remote, and flexible work. More professionals want to split time between countries or work abroad for short periods. Spain aims to welcome this trend and compete with other European countries offering similar options.For UAE professionals, this opens doors to Europe without the usual visa hurdles. It also strengthens business and cultural links between Spain and the UAE.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for this short-term permit if my project is only two weeks long?Yes. The new permits cover any period up to 90 days, so even short projects qualify.Q2. Do I still need a job offer or contract to apply?Yes. You must provide proof of your assignment, including contracts and qualifications.Q3. Will these permits allow me to work anywhere in Spain?Yes, but only under the categories covered by the Entrepreneurs Law and for the type of work authorized.
