Getting a work visa for Spain can be quite challenging if you do not already have a job lined up. Unemployment in Spain is high (hovering around 14% in 2009), and it has been for a long time, so most foreigners are not officially encouraged to come to Spain in search of a job.
In fact, it is virtually impossible to attain a work visa if you are not already employed by a company in Spain when applying. Therefore, it is recommendable that you visit Spain and search for a job full-time before beginning the visa application process. Remember, you can be in the country 90 days without needing a visa (unless a tourist visa is required for your country). Once you have found a company interested in hiring you, they will provide the necessary paperwork so that you can apply for a work visa.
Take into account that hiring a foreign worker is a very costly and time consuming process for both consumer and employee, so only embark on this journey if you want to live in Spain for an extended period of time.
For information on how to apply for a work visa once employed, please read the “You have a job and need to relocate” section.
