Spain’s Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the charm and rich culture of Spain, the working holiday visa is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Each year, this visa gives young travelers the chance to immerse themselves in Spain’s historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and breathtaking countryside. With its proximity to so many other parts of Europe, Spain truly offers an unparalleled experience for any young person seeking adventure and cultural enrichment.

Imagine This:

• Exploring the streets of Madrid and soaking up the architecture from the Royal Palace of Madrid to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
• Ordering a paella in a local restaurant 
• Immersing yourself in nature and hiking in the Pyrenees
• Going wine-tasting in Andalusia and Valencia and sampling some of the world’s best wine

Eligible countries have the opportunity to live, work, and explore Spain for up to a year through this visa. It offers the perfect balance of travel and work, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish lifestyle while gaining valuable experience in a unique cultural setting.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Spanish Working Holiday Visa—from eligibility requirements and the application process to tips for settling in and finding work. Get ready to make the most of your adventure in Spain!

Who Can Apply for the Spain’s Working Holiday Visa?

The Spain Working Holiday Visa is open to young travelers aged between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 years old for Canadian applicants). The applicants must be from countries that have a mutual understanding with Spain and are a part of its Youth Mobility Program. The countries are as follows:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia 
• New Zealand
• Canada

The purpose of the Spain Holiday Working Visa is to foster cultural exchange and give young globetrotters the chance to explore Spain while making a living to supplement their finances. The visa is valid for up to a year and you cannot extend it or apply for a second one. 

Who is Eligible?

• Applicants from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply for the visa
• Applicants must be 18-30 years old (or 35 years old for Canada). They should not have turned 31 (or 36) years old yet by the time of application. 
• This opportunity is only open to first time applicants and the main purpose of the trip should be tourism 
• Applicants must be travelling solo and must not be travelling with dependents 
• Anyone applying for this visa must be able to converse in basic Spanish and must have started and completed at least two years of higher education 
• Applications must be submitted through the appropriate visa center in your home country, with some exceptions for Australian and Canadian nationals residing abroad. The visa you’ll receive is a long-stay "vacances travail" (working holiday) visa, valid for one year and non-renewable. It allows you to take on paid employment without prior approval from the Spanish Administration, ensuring a flexible experience during your time in Spain.

Requirements 

The requirements for the Spanish Working Holiday Visa can vary depending on nationality. Here is a general checklist of the must-haves:

1. A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay and for six months after your intended departure date. It must also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
2. A Photocopy of the details page of your passport 
3. A Completed Visa Application Form: Remember to sign the application form after filling in all the required details 
4. A Passport-Size Photo: The photo background must be light. DO NOT staple the photo to the form, you can only use glue 
5. Proof of tertiary study: Proof must show that you attended at least two years of higher education 
6. Proof of Funds: You must show evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain. Valid proof of funds include bank statements, valid credit cards with sufficient credit available, and traveler’s cheques. The amount required varies depending on your nationality but it is typically around €2,500.
7. Statutory declaration (if there’s a sponsor): If the applicant is being sponsored, the sponsor must provide a statutory declaration which has been signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (depending on the country you are applying from). Sponsor must also provide their bank statement, a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, and a legalized copy of their passport. 
8. Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Spain. The insurance must include medical coverage and cost of repatriation. 
9. A Return Ticket: You will need to show a return ticket dated before the expiry date of your visa, or alternatively, enough funds to purchase a return ticket. 
10. A Medical Certificate: The medical certificate should be no more than three months old.
11. Proof of Accommodation: You may be asked to show proof of accommodation for at least the initial part of your stay. This could be a hotel booking, rental agreement, or a letter from a host in Spain.
12. A Police clearance: You must provide a police clearance certificate that covers the last five years and the document you submit must not be more than three months old 
13. Visa Application Fee: Payment of the visa application fee of €99 

You must also have proof that shows that you speak Spanish fairly well.

You cannot submit your visa application more than three months prior to your date of entry into Spain and submitting the application does not translate to an automatic visa approval. Spanish immigration can still reject your application, so make sure you include all the required documentation. Spanish immigration can also ask for additional documents if there is need. To keep updated with any new requirements, you can check the official Spanish immigration websites.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

For your working holiday in Spain, securing comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Global Travel Cover offers protection for both medical emergencies and travel mishaps, ensuring you're covered for the entire duration of your stay. Here's why it's the best choice:

• Medical Coverage in case of medical emergencies 
• Ski & Snowboard Injury Coverage which is perfect for the adrenaline seekers
• Intensive Care
• Prescription Medication
• Medical & Political Evacuation
• Return of Mortal Remains
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Lost Checked Luggage & Theft
• Trip Interruption
• Personal Liability

With Global Travel Cover, you're fully protected for both the medical and travel elements of your trip, giving you peace of mind for a worry-free adventure.

Applying For Your Visa

Each country may have different rules and regulations around the application process, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with your country’s process by accessing the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Generally, you will need to:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the criteria for applicants. 
2. Start Your Application Online: Visit the Spain-Visas website to begin your application. 
3. Book an Appointment: After submitting your form, schedule an appointment at the visa application center in your country. Make sure you don’t miss your appointment slot, rescheduling or booking another appointment within your desired timeframe may be difficult depending on where you are applying from. 
4. Print out all the required documents 
5. Show up for your appointment

Visa processing takes anywhere from three days to a month but the usual processing time is two weeks. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a message or email notification. You can choose to go and collect your passport in person or have it mailed to you (remember to specify this during your appointment. 

Job Opportunities in Spain

A Spanish Working Holiday Visa gives you the opportunity to work either part-time or full-time. You are required to work with the same employer for at least the first three months then you are free to find other employers after that. There are a lot of jobs you can do in Spain, here are some of them: 

• Hospitality & Tourism: A good number of Spanish restaurants and cafés at popular tourist destinations have international workers. You can apply to be anything from a waiter to a bartender.
• Au Pair: This is perfect for people who love kids. You can stay with a welcoming Spanish family while you take care of their kids for room and board plus a small allowance. Being an au pair is also a perfect opportunity to learn more about Spanish culture.
• Retail: You can work in boutiques, malls, and retail stores as a sales assistant or a cashier. This choice is perfect for bigger cities. 
• Language Teaching & Tutoring: This is the perfect choice for native English speakers. You can work as a tutor and mingle with the locals. 
• Seasonal Jobs: Summer camps, vineyards, and ski resorts offer seasonal work depending on the time of year. You can go pick grapes in vineyards during grape season. 
• Farm Work & Agriculture: the rural areas or smaller towns offer opportunities to work in farms. You can do some fruit picking or work as a farm hand. 

Document Checklist

Before getting on your flight for Spain, check if you have all the required documents. You can check for: 

• Your passport
• Your proof of accommodation 
• Your return ticket (if required)
• Proof of funds
• Valid health insurance 

Arrival at Spanish Immigration:

Make sure you present your passport and all the necessary documents to immigration authorities. You should also register with local immigration within a month of your arrival in Spain. You can do your registration at the local Oficina de Extranjeros or at the city hall (Mairie).

Travel and Adventure Tips

Now that we’ve discussed the application process, get ready to explore Spain to your heart’s content. Experience the vibrant culture and allow yourself to be taken in by the romantic surroundings. Take in all the architectural wonders and the breathtaking landscapes. Walk down the streets of Madrid and wrap it up by visiting the beaches along Costa Brava. 

You can also befriend the locals and get firsthand information about hidden gems like the lavender fields of Provence and a lot of other breathtaking areas that are nestled in quieter, out of the way locations. 

For adrenaline seekers and lovers of hiking, the Pyrenees is the perfect spot for you. 

The cost of living in Spain is fairly affordable and this is such a steal considering the high standards of living and the excellent public and health services. 

Getting Around Spain

Finding your way around Spain is easy and this is mostly because of their almost-flawless transport system. 

• High-Speed Trains (AVE): Spain has the second longest rail network system in the world and is considered a world leader in rail transport. So you can just hop on a train and go to every corner of Spain. You can use websites like Omio and Trainline to book. 
• Public Transport: You will find metro, bus, and tram systems in most Spanish cities. Most buses are available from 6AM to 11PM but night buses are available in the bigger cities. For tourists, the Navigo card in Paris or T+ card in Madrid is a must have.
• Car Rentals: You can also opt for the traditional car rental for more flexibility. 

Useful Travel Tips 

• Book flights or train tickets early, don’t leave bookings until the last minute. 
• Try as much as you can to travel during the off-peak seasons in order to get better flight or train prices.
• Make an effort to visit out of the way hidden gems that will give you a better picture of Spanish culture.
• Get a Eurail pass if you plan to do most of your travelling by train. This will save you time and money. 
• Be financially astute and take advantage of discount offers for tourists and students. Strike up a conversation and ask for any information on available deals, etc. 

Setting Up Your Finances in Spain

Popular banks for foreigners in Spain include Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank. The banks have banking apps that you can easily navigate and they are tailored for use by tourists and are a favorite with expats. Banking apps like N26 or Revolut are also quite popular with tourists.

You will need the following documents to open a bank account:

• Passport
• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or accommodation confirmation)
• Visa details (if requested)
• NIE Number (Foreign National Identification Number)

Travelling Around Europe from Spain

One of the perks of working and living in Spain is the easy access to surrounding countries. You can travel freely around Europe within the Schengen Area. Since Spain is part of the Schengen Agreement, your visa allows you to visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing additional visas. This includes popular destinations such as Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and more.

However, if you plan to visit non-Schengen countries (such as the UK or Croatia), you may need to check their individual entry requirements and visa rules based on your nationality.

Affordable Flights

Europe is home to several low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, which offer budget-friendly flights to many neighboring countries. Booking flights in advance or during sales can save you a lot of money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Spain's Working Holiday Visa?

Spain's Working Holiday Visa allows young adults from eligible countries to live, work, and travel in Spain for up to one year, offering a memorable opportunity for cultural exchange and exploration.

Who is eligible for Spain’s Working Holiday Visa?

To apply, you must be between 18-30 years old (inclusive), or up to 35 years old if you're from Canada. 

How long does Spain's Working Holiday visa last?

The visa is valid for 12 months. Citizens of Canada may be eligible to extend their stay for another 12 months under specific agreements. Check with the Spanish consulate site.

Can I extend my Spain’s Working Holiday visa?

Generally, the Spain Working Holiday visa is not extendable. However, certain nationalities like Canadians may be eligible for an extension of another 12 months under the Youth Mobility Program. For more information on extension eligibility, refer to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What jobs can I take with this visa?

The visa allows you to work in seasonal, temporary, or part-time jobs to fund your stay in Spain. Common roles include:

• Hospitality: Waiter, bartender, receptionist, or kitchen assistant.
• Tourism: Tour guide, hotel staff, or events coordinator.
• Retail: Sales assistant, cashier, or store manager.
• Teaching: English language tutor or assistant teacher.
• Au Pair: Live-in caregiver for children and light household duties.

However, you cannot take on full-time or permanent employment under this visa. Visit Spain’s Working Holiday Visa Guide for specific guidelines.

How do I find a job in Spain?

You can use our SuperLite App—the perfect hub to find jobs, connect with fellow travellers, and enhance your CV—all in one convenient place.

Do I need to register with Spanish authorities to work?

Yes, once you arrive in Spain, you must register with the local authorities to obtain a NIE (Foreign National Identification Number). This is crucial for legal employment. Registering is mandatory within 30 days of your arrival. Check with your local Spanish town hall for more details on registration.

How do I set up a bank account in Spain?

To open a bank account in Spain, you will need:

• A valid passport or NIE.
• Proof of residence (rental contract or utility bill).
• Proof of funds (bank statements or proof of employment).

Popular banks in Spain include Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank, which provide services to international residents.

What happens when my Spain Working Holiday visa expires?

Once your visa expires, you must leave Spain unless you have applied for a different visa, such as a student visa or work visa. If you wish to stay in Spain longer, you can look into extending your stay through other legal channels.

Can I travel outside Spain and return while on this visa?

Yes, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes countries like Italy, Germany, and Portugal, as long as you respect the 90-day rule for non-Schengen countries. For example, you can visit the UK or Morocco, but you’ll need to meet their entry requirements. Always check the visa requirements for non-Schengen countries ahead of time.

What is the average cost of living in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain varies by city. For instance, Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, with monthly rent averaging around €1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. In smaller cities like Valencia or Seville, the rent could be around €800 to €1,000 per month. Grocery costs and transportation are generally affordable, but dining out and entertainment can add up. For an updated estimate of the cost of living in various cities, visit Numbeo.

Key Takeaways

Spain’s Working Holiday Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for young travelers to experience life in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries while supporting themselves through temporary work. Whether you're working as a waiter in Barcelona, teaching English in Madrid, or picking grapes in La Rioja, this visa allows you to truly immerse yourself in Spanish culture and gain valuable work experience.