Spain · work · guide
Spain Cross-Border Work Permit: Requirements and Guide
This permit is for workers who live in a region bordering Spain and want to work across the border.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 27 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/w/40.-autorizacion-de-trabajo-por-cuenta-ajena-para-trabajadores-transfronterizos
Who can apply
You can apply for this permit if you live in a province or area bordering Spain. You must not be a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. You also cannot be a family member of citizens from those countries who are subject to that regime.[1][2]
You must not be in Spain irregularly. You must have the training required to practice your profession. The national employment situation in Spain must also allow your hiring.[3][4][5]
You must not have a criminal record in Spain or in your previous countries of residence for the last five years. The crimes must exist under Spanish law. You must not be rejectable in countries that have an agreement with Spain. You must not represent a threat to public order, security, or public health. You cannot have any quarantine-susceptible diseases under International Health Regulations.[6][7][8][9]
Employer and contract requirements
Your employer must be registered in the Social Security system. They must be up to date with their taxes and Social Security obligations.[10]
Your employer must have enough economic, material, or personal resources for their business and to meet the contract obligations. If your employer is an individual, they must prove they have enough money to support themselves and their family after paying your salary.[11][12]
You must have a signed employment contract. This contract must guarantee continuous work during the permit period. The contract conditions must comply with current laws.[13][14]
Documents you must submit
You must submit the official application form EX-03. Your employer must sign this form if you submit it in person. You must also provide a complete copy of your valid passport or travel document.[15][16]
You must provide proof that you live in a province or area bordering Spain. You must also submit a criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived during the last five years.[17][18]
You must submit a medical certificate. If applicable, you must also provide homologated proof of your professional training.[19][20]
You must translate foreign documents into Spanish or a co-official language using a sworn translator. You must also legalize foreign public documents through consular channels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Hague Apostille, unless a treaty exempts them.[21][22]
Fees and processing times
You must pay a fee to process your application. You must pay this fee within ten business days of submitting your application.[23][24]
The government has three months to make a decision on your application. This time starts the day after your application is registered.[25]
After your application is approved
Your employer must register you in the Social Security system. They must do this within one month of receiving the approval notification.[26]
You must personally apply for your foreign identity card. You must do this within one month of receiving the approval notification.[27]
Checklist
- Official application form EX-03 signed by your employer[15]
- Complete copy of your valid passport or travel document[16]
- Proof of residence in a province bordering Spain[17]
- Criminal record certificate for the last five years[18]
- Medical certificate[19]
- Homologated proof of professional training, if required[20]
Questions people ask
Who is eligible for the Spanish cross-border work permit?
You are eligible if you live in a province bordering Spain and are not a citizen or family member of a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You must not be in Spain irregularly, and you must have the required training for your job.[1][2][3][4]
What requirements must my employer meet?
Your employer must be registered with Social Security and have no outstanding tax or Social Security debts. They must have enough resources for their business and your contract. If they are an individual, they must have enough money to support themselves and their family after paying your salary.[10][11][12]
Do I need to translate my documents into Spanish?
Yes. You must translate documents from other countries into Spanish or a co-official language. You must use a sworn translator for this.[21]
Do my foreign documents need to be legalized?
Yes. You must legalize foreign public documents through consular channels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Hague Apostille, unless a treaty exempts them.[22]
How long does the government take to process the application?
The administration has three months to make a decision. This period starts the day after your application is registered.[25]
When do I need to pay the application fee?
You must pay the processing fee within ten business days of submitting your application.[23][24]
What must happen after my permit is approved?
Your employer must register you in Social Security within one month. You must also personally apply for your foreign identity card within one month.[26][27]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.