Visa options for Spain to work will not be straightforward. As a New Zealand citizen, you can live and work in Spain through various visa options, depending on your age, employment situation, and the nature of your stay. Here’s a comprehensive guide.
This information will help you decide. Here we explain what the process is to get a visa to work and live in Spain. Also if you visit as a tourist, learn about how many months you can stay if you want to learn Spanish at a school in Spain. After you have booked your flights, be sure to register at https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/our-services
Learn about your visa options for Spain to work and live
Read about staying in Spain as a tourist on a NZ passport
Currently, New Zealand passport holders can enter Spain visa-free for short stays:
- Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Spain or other Schengen Area countries.
- Purpose: Tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteering.
- Future Requirement: Starting in late 2026, New Zealanders will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before traveling. This is not a visa but a pre-screening process for visa-exempt travellers. The application is online and typically approved within minutes, valid for three years or until passport expiry.
Visa Options for Spain to Work
- Working Holiday Visa (Aged 18–30)
- Duration: Up to 12 months.
- Eligibility: Must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Purpose: Allows you to work and holiday in Spain.
- Quota: Limited number of visas available annually.
- Application: Apply to the Wellington Spanish Embassy.
- Employee Work Visa For Spain
Spain Employee Work Visa Process:
- Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- Work Authorization: Employer applies for a work authorization (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo) on your behalf.
- Visa Application: Once approved, apply for a national work visa at the Spanish consulate.
Spain Employee Work Visa Documents Required:
- Valid passport.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Copy of the work contract.
- Criminal record check.
- Medical certificate.
- Proof of financial means.
Processing time can take several months for any visa for Spain. Nothing is straightforward for Spanish Visas. Expect delays and frustration.
- Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa Duration: Initially granted for 12 months, renewable for up to five years.
Digital Nomad Visa Visa Eligibility:
- Must be a remote worker or freelancer.
- Earn a minimum monthly income (currently set at €2,400).
- Have health insurance coverage.
- Benefits: Potential tax reductions and the ability to reside in Spain while working remotely.
Studying Spanish in Spain
- Tourist Stay: You can study Spanish as part of your 90-day visa-free stay.
- Longer Courses: For courses exceeding 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa.
- Student Visa: Required for studies longer than 90 days, allowing you to stay for the duration of your course.
Regardless of your visa type, obtaining a NIE is essential and will be issued via Wellington.
- NIE Number: NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is essential for legal and financial activities in Spain.
- Private Healthcare: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage during your stay.
- Professional Visa Advice: Consider consulting with an immigration agent or relocation expert to navigate the visa application process smoothly.
Embassy of Spain in Wellington
- PO Box 24150 Manners Street
Wellington 6142
New Zealand - Level 11 i Center
50 Manners Street
Te Aro
Wellington 6011
New Zealand - https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/wellington/es/Paginas/index.aspx
Here’s what you need to know about the TIE card:
What is the TIE Card?
The TIE card, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, is a Spanish photo ID card document that identifies foreign and non EU nationals residing in Spain. The TIE is an official identity card issued to foreign nationals who are staying in Spain for more than six months.
It serves as your residence permit and proof of legal stay in Spain. It contains your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is your unique foreigner identification number in Spain.
I once had a discussion with a Gibraltar border police agent who was adamant my TIE card was not an ID card. The police officer stated it was a residency card, so you will be asked for your passport when travelling even within Spain.
Who needs the TIE card?
If you have a work visa, student visa, or any other long-term residence permit, you must apply for a TIE within 30 days of arriving in Spain. It applies to both temporary and permanent residents.
What does the TIE card allow you to do?
- Legal proof of your right to live and work in Spain.
- Use it as your official identification document during your stay.
- Access public services like healthcare, banking, signing contracts, and interacting with government agencies.
- Travel within the Schengen Area without needing additional documentation related to your residence status.
How to get the TIE card?
You usually apply for it at the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station in Spain.
You’ll need to bring your passport, visa approval, application forms, and sometimes biometric data (fingerprints, photo).
Once issued, the card is typically valid for the duration of your visa or residence permit.
If you’re moving to Spain for work or study and plan to stay longer than 6 months, getting the TIE card is an essential step to ensure you’re fully legal and integrated into the Spanish system.
Read How to Apply for the TIE Card
- Make an Appointment (Cita Previa)
You will need to book an appointment online at the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) at the police station where they process the TIE cards. The appointment system is called “Cita Previa” and is essential because walk-ins are not accepted.
Select the Procedure: Choose “Certificados y asignación de NIE” (Certificates and NIE assignment). This is applicable for your initial TIE application. Choose the Police Office in your town and book the appointment. Follow the prompts to select a date and time that is available. Complete the Modelo 790 Código 012 Form here
- Book your Cita Previa at the police office
- Complete the Modelo 790 Código 012 Form
- Pay the required TIE card fee
- Gather All Required Documents
You will generally need to bring:
- Passport (original and a photocopy)
- Visa approval/residence authorisation (the document from the Spanish consulate or immigration office showing your visa or residence permit)
- Completed EX-17 form (application for the TIE card) — available online or at the office
- Proof of appointment confirmation (Cita Previa)
- Two recent passport-size photographs (usually with a white background)
- Proof of payment of the fee (Modelo 790, code 012) — this is a tax payment form you pay at a bank
- Proof of address in Spain (like a rental contract or certificate of registration—“empadronamiento”)
- Biometric data: fingerprints and photograph will be taken during the appointment
- Attend Your Appointment
Go to the appointed location at the scheduled date and time with all your documents.
You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and your documents will be checked.
The official will issue you a receipt (resguardo) — proof you applied for the TIE card. This receipt is important to carry around as a temporary legal document until you get your card.
- Collect Your TIE Card
After processing (usually within 30 calendar days), you will be notified to collect your TIE card.
You must return to the same office to pick it up in person and show your receipt and passport.
Once collected, the TIE card is your official ID in Spain.
TIE Card Fees
The fee for the TIE card is approximately 12 to 15 euros, payable via Modelo 790 form (code 012) at the bank before your appointment.
Please note: Resources shared here are also for UK and Australian citizens however the information is useful to learn the steps you will need to take and your visa options for Spain to work.
Before coming to Spain, make sure you sign up for a reliable overseas banking app. I have been using Wise.com for all my banking needs since 2018, and it has been excellent. I understand there are some reports of people having money taken through card fraud with Wise. However, I have experienced similar issues with my NZ ASB bank physical card and in Spain with Bankia (now CaixaBank).
Having worked in IT for over 20 years, I can say none of my online accounts have ever been compromised. To protect yourself, always set up two-step verification so a code is sent to your phone. I also recommend using fingerprint and face recognition. Additionally, ensure that if someone gets hold of your phone, it cannot be unlocked, and that no messages are visible on the lock screen.
Also after using Revolut for a year, I knew Wise.com was a better app and website for my banking in Spain.
ETIAS Visa Required From Q4 2026
While it’s not a visa, this new digital pre-screening is mandatory for all tourist visa-exempt travellers to the Schengen Area.
New Zealanders must apply for an ETIAS visiting Spain or any other Schengen country.
The application is fully digital and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Valid for 3 years: ETIAS allows multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period.
Contact Kiwis in Spain
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message Kent or stay connected via our Facebook and Instagram pages.