Spain Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena) for Brazilians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
The employer-sponsored route. Your Spanish employer applies for the combined work and residence authorisation, and the role must normally appear on the Catálogo de Ocupaciones de Difícil Cobertura — the shortage occupation catalogue — or survive a labour market test showing no suitable EU candidate was available. Brazilians can enter Spain visa-free for 90 days as tourists, but that does not permit work, and relying on an overstay to claim arraigo later is a poor plan when proper routes exist. As with every Spanish residence route, the prize is the same: two years of legal residence opens naturalisation for Brazilian nationals under the Ibero-American provision.
Requirements for Brazilians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $90. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Check whether your occupation is on the shortage catalogue
- Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer
- Employer files the combined work and residence application
- Get your qualifications apostilled and sworn-translated
- Obtain and apostille your criminal record certificate
- Obtain a medical certificate
- Apply for the work visa at the Spanish consulate in Brazil
- Enter Spain and register with social security
- Obtain your NIE and complete empadronamiento
- Apply for your TIE card within one month
- Bring family through reunification
- Track your two-year citizenship eligibility
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Spain Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena) take for Brazilians?
- Typical processing time is 8–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $90. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Brazilians need a job offer for the Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Spain is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Work & Residence Permit (Cuenta Ajena)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Spain visas for Brazilians
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Spain visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.