Spain Working Holiday Visa – Youth Mobility Visa
A Spain Working Holiday Visa, also known as a Youth Mobility Visa in Canada, allows young people from certain countries to live and work in Spain for a limited period.
To learn more about the Spain Working Holiday Visa or Youth Mobility Visa, contact our immigration experts at (+44) 333 4149244. We at The Immigration Advice Service will guide you in detail
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Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Spain Immigration Lawyers
When it comes to obtaining a Spain visa or permit, IAS Spain immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.
With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.
Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:
Expert support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success
Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.
Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.
In-house document checks done by lawyers who are accredited by the IBA in Madrid and Seville.
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Why you need a Spain Working Holiday Visa?
The Spain Working Holiday Visa program allows young people from certain countries to travel and work in Spain for up to one year. You can work for up to 3 months per employer.
The program promotes cultural exchange and facilitates travel opportunities between the participant’s home country and Spain.
The program is available to Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, and South Korean citizens. It is for young people aged between 18 to 35. The upper age limit varies for different countries.
During your stay in Spain, you can take on any employment, although you cannot opt for professions that require a qualification or professional licence.
Working Holiday Visa: Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme name | Spain Working Holiday Visa / Youth Mobility Programme |
| Duration of stay | Up to 12 months. |
| Work & travel allowed? | Yes — you may travel and work; work cannot be main purpose only. |
| Number of countries covered | Only certain eligible countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea) in current public guidance. |
| Maximum time with a single employer | You can work for up to 3 months per employer (Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores) |
| Age limit | General rule: 18-30 years old; for Canadian applicants up to 35 years. |
| Renew/extend allowed? | Generally non-renewable / non-extendable. |
Why was the Spain Working Holiday Visa Launched?
The Spain Working Holiday Visa was launched in 2018 to open opportunities for young people to explore the country and its culture while gaining valuable international work experience.
They launched the visa in response to the increasing demand from youth worldwide who wanted to travel and work in Spain and employers who wanted to hire foreign talent to fill certain positions.
Moreover, it supports the Spanish economy by providing new, innovative skills and perspectives from foreign workers.
The visa program also benefits employers who can take advantage of talented and motivated candidates from abroad.
This program opens up new possibilities for businesses that may not have been available before and can help to bring new energy and ideas into the Spanish job market.
Furthermore, this visa has been helping to shape the future of international business in Spain since its inception.
Eligibility for Spain Working Holiday Visa
Before you apply for the Spain Working Holiday Scheme, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
The eligibility criteria for the Youth Mobility Visa vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin. However, some general requirements apply to all applicants:
- Age between 18 and 30 (or 35 for Canadian citizens)
- Sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay i.e., €7,200), according to Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples(IPREM)
- Not be accompanied by family members
- Not have a criminal record
- You did not avail this opportunity in the past
- You are not accompanying any dependants
- Understanding of the functional level of Spanish
- The purpose of travel should be to work and travel, not to work only
For Canadians
- A police check from all the countries the applicant has been to in the last 5 years.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility criterion | Standard requirement | Country-specific / additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | 18-30 years old (inclusive) | Canada: up to 35 years. |
| Funds / financial self-sufficiency | Applicants must have sufficient funds | – |
| Accompanied by dependants | Must not be accompanied by dependants. | — |
| Previous participation | Not participated in the programme before. | — |
| Main purpose of stay | Travel and culture with work being supplementary; not primarily to enter workforce. | — |
| Proficiency in Spanish | Functional level required. | Australian version explicitly requires proof of functional Spanish (e.g., DELE A1). |
| Higher education requirement | Proof of at least 2 years of higher education (tertiary) completed. | — |
| Criminal record / health requirements | Clean criminal record, medical certificate (disease free) required. | — |
Documents Required for Youth Mobility Visa
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you’ll need to gather the required documents for your visa application form. These documents include the following:
- A valid passport
- A birth certificate
- Travel Insurance
- A medical certificate
- A completed national visa application form
- Proof of funds (such as a bank statement)
- A return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to buy one
- Proof of completion of at least 2 years of higher education
- Evidence that you have arranged employment in Spain
- Health insurance from a private insurance provider or National Healthcare System
- A work authorization or Foreigners’ Identification Number (NIE)
- Support letter from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
- A clearance certificate from the Police station in your Country
Documents Checklist
| Document | Standard requirement | Additional country-specific detail |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | With validity to cover intended stay; at least 2 blank pages. | — |
| Birth certificate | Original or legalized/ apostilled copy. | — |
| Completed visa application form | Completed and signed. | — |
| Passport-size photograph | On light background; glued not stapled. | — |
| Proof of funds / bank statements | Bank statements for last 3 months, showing required funds. | – |
| Travel/medical insurance | Full coverage, including repatriation. | — |
| Return ticket or funds to purchase one | Must hold or show ability to purchase return ticket. | — |
| Medical certificate | Statement indicating applicant does not suffer from diseases that could pose a public health risk. | Document must be recent (e.g., less than 3 months old). |
| Police clearance certificate | For all countries applicant has lived in last 5 years; must be recent (often < 3 months). | — |
| Proof of higher education | Evidence of at least 2 years of tertiary studies. | — |
| Functional level Spanish evidence | e.g., DELE A1 or higher. | — |
| NIE application form (if required) | For some consulates: form 790 plus foreigner’s identification number request (NIE). | — |
How to Submit Working Holiday Visa Application?
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application to the Spanish consulate in your home country. Make sure to fill out all the forms accurately and include all necessary documents.
For Canadians
- Attend the appointment at Spanish Embassy in Ottawa
- You can mail your finished application along with all the documents to Toronto at [email protected] if you are not a resident of Ottawa.
The Interview and Approval
Once your application is submitted, you may be asked to attend an in-person interview at the Spanish embassy or the Spanish consulate in your country of origin. At the interview, you’ll be asked various questions about your plans for your stay in Spain and your ability to support yourself financially.
What Does the Visa Interview Look Like?
It is a short meeting of applicants with a consular. They will ask simple questions about your background, visa application, and reason for applying for this scheme. You should have your documents in a proper file.
Await the Decision
When your application is submitted and you’ve had your interview, all that’s left to do is wait for the decision. The Spanish consulate will review all your documents and information and decide whether to grant you the Visa.
Receive Visa
You will receive a notification upon the approval of your visa. You must present this visa when entering Spain.
Enjoy Your Stay
Once you have received your visa and arrived in Spain, you can start enjoying your stay. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that Spain has to offer and make the most of your working holiday.
Application Process & Timeline
| Step | Action required | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation of documents | Gather all required documents as per checklist. | — |
| 2. Submission of application at Spanish consulate/embassy | Submit application in person or by appointment. | — |
| 3. Interview (if applicable) | Attend a short interview at consulate; questions about plans and finances. | — |
| 4. Await decision | Consulate reviews documents and decides on visa. | Typically 3–6 weeks. For New Zealand: approx. 2 weeks. |
| 5. Visa granted and travel to Spain | Receive visa, travel and start period of stay. | — |
| 6. Post-arrival formalities | Register with local police; open bank account; ensure documents are safe. | Within first few days/weeks of arrival. |
Fee and Processing Time of Working Holiday Visa
Fee
After completing the application form, you will need to pay the visa fee, which can also usually be done online. The fee varies depending on the country of origin. It is €80 for Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. While Canadians have to pay €100.
Processing Time
The processing time for a visa on the Youth Mobility Program is 3 to 6 weeks. It is two weeks in New Zealand.
What to Do After Arriving in Spain?
After arriving in Spain on a Youth Mobility Visa, there are a few things that you should do to ensure that your stay is legal and that you have all the necessary documents in order. Here are a few steps you should take:
- Settle at your pre-arranged place
- Register with the police
- Open a bank account
- Familiarise yourself with Spanish culture and customs
It’s recommended to keep all the documents related to your visa in a safe place. These can be required at any point during your stay.
Is Spain Working Holiday Visa Extendable to More Than 12 Months?
The visa is non-renewable and non-extendable, which means that once the visa has expired, you will not be able to renew or extend it, and you will have to leave the country. However, you need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a student visa or a work visa, if you meet the requirements and conditions of those visas.
Benefits of This Visa for Young People
Cultural Exchange
The program provides an opportunity for young people to experience Spanish culture and customs firsthand and to gain a deeper understanding of this vibrant country and its people.
Work Experience
It allows young people to gain valuable work experience abroad, which can benefit their future careers.
Language Skills
Living and working in Spain provides an opportunity to learn a new language which can be helpful in both personal and professional contexts.
Travel
The program also allows young people to travel and explore the country at their own pace. Spain is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. In addition, it is heaven for football lovers.
Personal Growth
Living and working abroad can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help young people grow personally and develop independence and self-confidence.
Affordable
The Spain Working Holiday Visa program is relatively affordable, and the process is easy, which makes it accessible for young people from a variety of backgrounds.
Networking
You get an opportunity to connect and build relationships with professionals from various countries, which can enhance your career prospects.
How Can You Get Help From IAS?
Applying correctly and appearing in the interview prepared will save you precious time and elevate your chances of getting accepted. The immigration experts at IAS can help you to make your visa application process easy.
The Immigration Advice Service will offer the most recent information and updates on the Working Holiday Visa program.
Our team of experts will guide you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring that you complete your application accurately and on time.
Over and above that, we provide information on common mistakes people make and what to expect during the interview so that you can feel prepared, confident, and at ease.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your Spain Working Holiday Visa interview or the application process, reach out to IAS at (+44) 333 4149244 or contact us online today.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
They ask for your medical certificate to ensure that you do not suffer from any diseases that can have severe implications for public health under the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005.
The Spanish job market is highly competitive and employers may require applicants to have prior experience or qualifications related to the position. Working knowledge of Spanish is also often a requirement. It’s also important to remember that Spanish working hours and holiday periods differ from those in other countries, which should be considered when searching for a job.
Spain’s Working Holiday Visa Scheme is available to five countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. If you are a citizen of a country that is not on the list of eligible countries, you may still be able to live and work in your destination country, but you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
You must have a job prearranged to move to Spain as you are applying for a working holiday visa. Because Spain never allows someone to be a burden on its economy. Furthermore, you can move to Spain without a job only if you have a family member there and you are dependent on him/her. You can also move there without a job if you submit proof that you have an income stream in your home country and receive consistent money in Spain. This money must be equal to or more than IPREM, as mentioned above.
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