UK Citizens to Benefit from Short-term Work Visa Waivers in Spain

New Mobility Measures Announced for UK and Spanish Citizens

UK citizens will be able to work in Spain visa-free for periods of up to 90 days, as part of new mobility measures announced by the UK and Spanish governments.

The new plans were announced by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, during the former’s visit to Madrid. The new visa-free waiver is just one of numerous mobility plans announced to ease cross-border trade and business between the two countries.

Notably, Reeves’ visit to Spain is historically the first time a British finance minister has visited Spain in over 11 years and is said to be the first indication of more regular visits and closer cooperation between the two countries as part of the newly announced Spain–United Kingdom Trade and Investment Dialogue.

Details of the 90-day Work Visa Waiver

The crux of the new mobility plans is the ability for British citizens to work in Spain visa-free for periods of up to 90 days.

Currently, UK citizens are required to first obtain a C-type (short stay) or D-type (long stay) visa prior to taking up work in Spain with a Spanish employer. While Britons are able to visit Spain for tourism purposes for up to 90 days, working is strictly prohibited without a dedicated visa.

However, under the new changes, UK nationals will be allowed to carry out certain types of paid work for Spanish employers for up to 90 days without having to obtain a work or resident visa in advance.

It should be noted that other restrictions relating to EU travel will still remain in place alongside this new waiver, including the limit of only being able to stay 90 days in Spain in any 180 day period within the Schengen region.

In addition, British travellers will need to give their biometric information using the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and, once fully operational, apply for pre-travel authorisation using the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Further Cross-border Mobility Measures

In addition to the above, Reeves and Cuerpo also announced further measures to help facilitate ongoing bilateral business mobility between the two countries.

These include a £240 million investment from Spanish industrial liquid storage company Exolum in UK industry, intended to “strengthen critical fuel storage, aviation resilience and national energy security”.

The UK will also introduce measures to streamline the process for Spanish companies to obtain sponsor licences in the UK, making it significantly easier for Spanish businesses and organisations to expand their reach into the UK and recruit more British talent.

In plans that have yet to be fully detailed, both governments will also work to “reduce the cost and duration of the procedures required for short-term travel for the provision of services” between the two countries, in addition to reducing trade and regulatory barriers, such as making it easier to allow mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

What Will This Mean for UK and Spanish Businesses?

The new plans announced by the two governments may well serve as a welcome relief to businesses in both countries, particularly UK businesses feeling the strain of restrictive red tape and increased bureaucracy as a result of Brexit.

The slew of new measures will generally make it easier for companies in both countries to assign and send employees for short-term assignments such as training, inspections or consultations, as well as encouraging greater levels of flexibility via reduced time and paperwork needed for international travel.

Businesses may also benefit from increased levels of trade and international investment between the two countries, delivering knock-on positive effects to each respective economies.

It has not yet been announced when the plans will come into effect, though both governments are develop to publish a joint roadmap with shared priorities before June 2026, with a further follow-up progress meeting before the end of the year. Businesses are advised to keep abreast of official government sources for further information throughout the year on how the new schemes will be implemented and further clarification on legal frameworks.

How Can IAS Help With Your Visa Application?

IAS have a team of immigration advisers and caseworkers experienced in the field of UK, Spanish and European immigration law.

Regardless of where you’re coming from or what your chosen immigration pathway is, we can help you with almost all immigration and visa cases, using our years of experience and compassionate customer service to help get you to where you need to go.

We also offer fast-track and urgent application packages if you need to submit your application to a deadline.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or reach out to us online.