Do I apply for the Cuenta Ajena visa myself?

No. The process is initiated by your Spanish employer in Spain. You apply at the consulate after permit approval.

Will I get free healthcare on the Cuenta Ajena visa?

Yes, once your employer registers you in Spanish Social Security, you can access public healthcare.

In most cases, employer must prove to SEPE that no suitable Spanish/EU candidate is available for the role.

Yes, potentially via Beckham Law (24% flat rate), if Form 149 is filed within 6 months from Social Security registration.

Visa Guides

Understand Requirements, Process, and Timeline.

Cuenta Ajena is a classic residence permit and work authorization for foreign employees hired by a Spanish company.

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Last update: May 22, 2026

This visa is suitable for specialists with an official job offer from a Spanish employer. The process is initiated by the employer inside Spain.

The process is strictly regulated and requirements apply to both candidate and employer.

Employer requirements: Company must have active Social Security contribution profile and no labor-law fines in the last 6 months.
Labor market test (SEPE): Employer usually must prove no suitable Spanish/EU candidates unless exception applies.
Salary: Salary must meet minimums set by the sector collective agreement.
Qualification: For regulated professions, foreign diploma must be homologated/recognized. For non-regulated roles, translated diploma or proven experience may suffice.

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Documents should be recent (typically within 3 months). Foreign documents require apostille and sworn translation into Spanish.

International passport: Valid for at least 12 months, issued no more than 10 years ago, with at least 2 blank pages.
Work contract: Signed employment contract stating salary, position, duration, and workplace.
Company documents: Employer CIF and company registration documents.
Qualification: Apostilled and translated diploma; or CV with contracts/references proving experience when applicable.
Police clearance: From all countries where you lived over 6 months in the last 5 years, with apostille and translation.
Medical certificate: Certificate confirming absence of dangerous diseases according to RSI 2005.

Cuenta Ajena is a two-stage process with initial employer action in Spain followed by consular application by the candidate.

Stage 1 - Employer actions in Spain: Employer files initial work permit at Immigration Office and pays state fee. Approval usually takes 1-3 months.
Stage 2 - Candidate actions at consulate: After approval, candidate has 1 month to apply at Spanish consulate with required documents and fee payment.
Visa issuance and travel: After visa issuance, enter Spain within 3 months.

After moving under Cuenta Ajena, legalize status and set up social access quickly.

Empadronamiento: Register at city hall in the first weeks after arrival.
TIE card: Within 30 days after entry, book fingerprint appointment, submit EX-17, and pay 790-012 fee.
Social Security and healthcare: Employer registers you in Seguridad Social; once registered you can get public healthcare card (TSI).
Tax registration and Beckham Law: Submit Form 030 and file Form 149 within 6 months after Social Security registration to access Beckham regime.
Everyday setup: Open local bank account, buy Spanish SIM, and obtain FNMT digital certificate.

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