Have you considered working in Spain while travelling and getting to know the country? If so, you will need a Work & Holiday Visa. In this article, we provide all the information you need if you are considering applying for this type of visa.
Read until the end to find out everything from what this visa is to how to apply, and find the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the working holiday visa for Spain?
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) for Spain is a youth mobility visa that allows nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand aged 18–30 (35 in the case of Canada) to live, work and travel in Spain for up to 12 months, with tourism as the primary purpose; as long as their home country has an agreement with the host country.
This means that, in order for a national from any of these countries to be able to apply for this visa, their home country holds a bilateral agreement with Spain.
The programme aims to promote cultural exchange and provide foreign talent to fill specific roles in the Spanish labour market.
Besides, it enables people to live in Spain without the need for a prior employment contract or costly university exchange programmes.
Who regulates this visa? The answer is two-sided:
- All the detailed, country-specific information is published by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Then, each Spanish consulate in the partner country will have its own dedicated page with the exact document checklist and appointment booking instructions.
Countries eligible for the working holiday visa Spain
Actually, five countries have an agreement with Spain regarding the youth mobility programme:
- Canada
- Australi
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand.
This means that only people from these five countries can opt to get a work and holiday visa in Spain.
These five countries are eligible for the WHV in Spain, but each one of them has its own requirements, which we will discover in the next paragraph.
| Country | Annual Places | Age Limit | 2026 Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3,400 | 18–30 | Reopening 2 July 2026 |
| Canada | 857 | 18–35 | Open |
| Japan | 500 | 18–30 | Open |
| South Korea | 1,000 | 18–30 | Open |
| New Zealand | 2,000 | 18–30 | Open |
Working holiday visa requirements
Depending on the country, requirements vary. From the age range to the tax you need to pay, everything is different depending on where you are from.
We can divide the total requirements into 2 different groups: general requirements (those you will have to take into account no matter your country of origin), and country-specific requirements (those that change depending on your nationality).
Let’s explore each group in greater length:
General requirements
Regardless of your nationality, all applicants must meet a common baseline of conditions:
- You must not have participated in the programme before.
- You must be aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 if you are Canadian).
- You must have obtained a NIE (Foreigners Identification Number).
- You must not be accompanied by any dependent family members.
- You must also have sufficient financial resources to cover your living costs in Spain. The Spanish government uses the IPREM as a reference index to ensure that applicants meet the financial requirements. Applicants must demonstrate 100% of the IPREM per month (approximately €600 per month).
- You must hold health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Spain. This health insurance must not use copayments, reimbursements, or any waiting periods. It has to cover the same terms as Spain’s National Healthcare System.
- You must have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one, as the purpose of this visa is for holidaymaking, and working is a secondary activity
- You must not have a criminal record or be prohibited from entering any Schengen Area country.
- Additionally, all documents must be legalised and, where necessary, translated into Spanish.
Specific requirements
The requirements that need to be met differ slightly depending on the country you are from. Below, you can find the specific requirements for each of the five countries that can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in Spain:
Specific Requirements for Australians
A total of 3,400 spots are available for young Australians under the scheme each year.
Applicants must be Australian citizens living in Australia. A valid passport is also mandatory for the entire period of your stay in Spain, plus an extra two months of validity after the visa expires.
A further requirement for Australians is to demonstrate a minimum level of Spanish proficiency. Accepted certifications are:
- A DELE diploma at level A1 or above, issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education;
Spanish course at level A1 at Instituto Cervantes Sydney. - An AVE Spanish online course with Skype teacher support at level A1 or above.
- A minimum of two semesters of Spanish language study at university level.
Applicants without certifications who are fluent in Spanish can prove their level at the Spanish embassy through interviews at the time of application.
It is mandatory to have completed at least two years of higher education. You cannot work for the same employer for more than six months during your stay.
Specific Requirements for Canadians
Canadian applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- Citizens who have a post-secondary education diploma and want to undertake additional training in Spain with a pre-arranged contract.
- Canadian students from a post-secondary institution who aim to complete their studies through a pre-arranged internship in Spain.
- Canadian citizens who want additional training in Spain with a pre-arranged employment contract.
- Students of a post-secondary institution in Canada who wish to travel to Spain during their vacation to earn money.
- Canadians who wish to travel to Spain and work casually to improve their financial status.
All applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to cover the first three months in Spain. This equates to $2,637 CAD, based on the IPREM. If you have a prearranged employment contract, you only need to present it (as long as the amount set out in the contract equals the required amount).
If you fall into categories 2, 4, or 5 above, you do not need a prearranged employment contract.
Some additional documents that you must present to the consulate are:
- A medical travel insurance certificate. This means that coverage must be comprehensive, including everything from death to emergency treatment to routine doctor’s visits for the entire stay. Alternatively, coverage of at least 30,000 euros is required. This last condition only applies to applicants in categories 2, 4 and 5.
- Proof of accommodation in Spain for at least one week is necessary. If you are staying in private accommodation, a letter of invitation from a Spanish police station is required. Your host is responsible for this; however, you must submit the letter.
- Proof of residence. You must provide proof of residence in your consular district. This can be done through a driving licence, residential lease, or mortgage certification.
- It is mandatory to present a Criminal Record Certificate stating that you have no criminal charges in any country in which you have resided in the last 5 years. You must submit the original certificate and a copy. For Canadians ONLY, certificates issued by the RCMP will be valid as they include a photo and the applicant’s fingerprints. The certificate must be translated into Spanish.
- You must also provide a medical certificate stating that you are free of any disease.
Specific requirements for New Zealand citizens
A total of 2,000 places are available for young New Zealanders under the scheme each year.
No prearranged employment contract or job offer is necessary.
Requirements for New Zealand citizens fall within the general framework.
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Hold a valid passport
- Demonstrate financial capacity (equivalent to 100% of the IPREM per month).
- Have comprehensive health insurance.
- Have no criminal record.
For more information, the New Zealand government asks applicants to contact the Spanish Embassy in Wellington regarding any additional documentation they may require.
Access here the Spanish Embassy in Wellington for more information
Specific requirements for Japanese citizens
A total of 500 Working Holiday Visas are available each year for Japanese citizens.
No prearranged employment contract or job offer is required.
The requirements for Japanese citizens fall within the general framework.
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Hold a valid passport
- Demonstrate financial capacity (equivalent to 100% of the IMUEMP per month) and provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the cost of a return ticket to Japan.
- Have comprehensive health insurance and submit a certificate confirming that you do not have any disease that could endanger national health security.
- Have no criminal record.
- Not have had a WHV previously.
Japanese citizens must apply at the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo and enquire about any additional documentation they may need to provide.
Applicants must contact the Embassy directly at [email protected] for the full document checklist.
Specific Requirements for South Koreans
No prearranged employment contract or job offer is necessary.
The requirements for South Korean citizens fall within the general framework.
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Hold a valid passport
- Demonstrate financial capacity (equivalent to 100% of the IMPREM per month) and provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the cost of a return ticket to Korea.
- Have comprehensive health insurance and submit a certificate confirming that you do not have any disease that could endanger national health security.
- Have no criminal record.
- Not have had a WHV previously.
South Korean citizens must apply at the Spanish Embassy in Seoul and enquire about any additional documentation they may need to provide.
Applicants must contact the Spanish embassy in Seoul directly for the full document checklist.
You can find some of the document requirements here
How to apply for the working holiday visa in Spain
The process can vary slightly depending on the country you apply from; however, there is a general scheme you can follow to apply for and obtain your work and holiday visa.
Bear in mind that all applications must always be submitted in person to your respective Spanish consular section.
The application process involves the following steps:
1. Obtain your NIE
To get a working holiday visa, you need a foreign identity number (NIE).
You should apply for this at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
For every country, it is mandatory to have your NIE before applying for the visa. You can submit your NIE and visa applications simultaneously, but the NIE application must never be submitted after the visa application.
2. Submit all the required documentation
As specified above, ensure you submit all the required documentation, as well as meet the specific requirements for your country of residence.
Ensure that all your documentation is valid and correctly completed before submitting it to the relevant consulate.
Apart from the general requirements/documents, additional documentation required for Canadians includes a motivational letter explaining why you want to travel to Spain and the purpose of your stay in the country.
And, for the case o Australians, proof of a minimum level of Spanish.
3. Arrange an appointment at your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate
It is mandatory that you submit all your documentation in person. This means you should schedule an appointment well in advance in order to apply for and successfully acquire your visa.
Make sure you have all the documentation you need.
Before this step, it is highly recommended that you contact an expert to verify that everything is correct and ensure that your application will be accepted.
4. Get your TIE
Once you are in Spain, the first thing you will need to do is go to the nearest town hall and register your address to obtain an empadronamiento.
Then, with the document provided by the town hall, you must go to the nearest Foreigners Office or police station to apply for your Foreigner Identity Card or TIE (this card will serve as your new identity card) after registering your fingerprints.
Conditions and restrictions of this visa
As its name suggests, the Working Holiday Visa is a document that allows you to travel to Spain. The job aspect is a secondary purpose of the visa.
When applying for it, whether or not you have a prearranged employment contract, you must demonstrate through your motivation letter and any interviews at the Spanish embassy that your primary purpose for applying for the visa is to travel to Spain and experience the country.
If the administration thinks that your main purpose is to work in Spain, your application may be denied because you require a different type of visa.
Another restriction is that you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months.
Additionally, the Working Holiday Visa is not renewable: once it expires, you must return to your country of origin.
Tips for living and working in Spain with a working holiday Visa
Arriving in a new country with a different language and culture can seem intimidating, but do not worry, because with these tips, your experience will be far from boring.
Here we give you a list that may help you once you are in Spain with your Working Holiday Visa:
- Search for professional assistance in order to get the right visa. Before leaving your country, check your visa application with a professional immigration lawyer who can guide you through the legal process of obtaining your WHV.
- Consider how many times you will be staying in Spain. Depending on the time you want to stay in Spanish territory, maybe there is another visa that suits your needs better
- Ensure a place to live while you stay in Spain beforehand. This way, you are not left alone once you arrive and have some guidance throughout the city you have chosen to travel to.
- Get a job beforehand. This step is not always mandatory, but is very recommendable as it will give you the mental stability of knowing which are the next steps. You can apply to a “9-5 job” without any problems; however, we recommend (and what most people do) is apply for au pairs, English teachers, camping monitors…
- Get to know Spain in your spare time. This is the main purpose of your trip, so make sure you get to know everything you can from this beautiful country.
Most common reasons for denial
Understanding why applications are refused is the first step to fixing them. Based on the official requirements published by Spanish consulates, the most frequent grounds for rejection are:
- Insufficient or poorly documented financial means. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum available funds per month, supported by bank statements proving consistency of funds over the past several months. Simply meeting the threshold on paper is not enough; the funds must appear stable and genuinely available
- Non-compliant health insurance. The health insurance policy must provide 100% coverage for all medical, hospital, and extra-hospital charges, including repatriation costs, with no excess or co-payment. Travel insurance is not accepted; only comprehensive resident-level health insurance. The insurance must be contracted with an entity authorised to operate in Spain, and an insurance card alone will not be accepted as proof of coverage.
- Incomplete, untranslated, or improperly legalised documentation. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled, and where applicable, officially translated into Spanish.
- Previous participation in the programme. Applicants must not have previously been recipients of the programme. Having already benefited from a WHV for Spain under the same bilateral agreement is a firm disqualifying condition, not subject to appeal.
- Age at time of application exceeding the limit. Each bilateral agreement sets a specific upper age limit (30 for most nationalities, 35 for Canadians). Applications submitted after the applicant has already exceeded that age threshold will not be accepted.
Working holiday visa Spain: How much does it cost?
The cost of a work and holiday visa varies depending on the country you apply from. There are specific taxes and extra costs to get your WHV. Below, we explain each tax (depending on the country you apply from) and any extra expenses needed.
| Concept | Model/Form | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Type D Visa (Canada) | EX-00 and the Consular tax | 100€ |
| Type D Visa (Japan, New Zealand and South Korea) | EX-00 and the Consular tax | 80€ |
| WHV Australia | Online in ImmiAccount | 360€ ($644 AUD) |
| NIE | EX-15 and model 790-012 | 9,84€ |
| TIE | EX-15 and model 790-012 | 16,08€ |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Online through the Ministry of Justice | 3,86€ |
| Apostille | It depends on the administration | Between 10€–60€ per document |
| Legal translation of documents | A professional translator from the MAEC | Between 18€–65€ per document |
| Medical Insurance | Private | Between 600€–1.200€ |
FAQs about the work and holiday visa in Spain
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Spanish Working Holiday Visa with their respective answers, so that you have all the information you may need:
Can I stay in Spain after the visa expires?
Generally: No.
It can be valid for up to a year, after which the holder must return to their country. As a general rule, this visa cannot be extended once it has expired. However, there are some legal options to consider:
- Dual participation in the programme (for Canadians only). This is the clearest exception within the agreement itself. Canadian citizens participating in the Agreement may benefit from it up to twice, provided that this is in two different categories from those provided for. The duration of each stay may not exceed one year and, in any case, there must be a minimum break of three months between the two stays.
- Extension due to exceptional circumstances. Where exceptional circumstances warrant it, an extension of stay in Spain beyond the initial period may be authorised. This application is processed at the police station in the province of residence, and documentary evidence of the exceptional circumstances must be provided.
- Switching to another immigration status. Once in Spain legally, it is possible to apply to switch to another type of authorisation, such as the digital nomad visa (for international remote working), which allows you to reside in Spain whilst working remotely for a company abroad and is valid for a maximum of three years. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Can I enter Spain as a tourist and apply there?
No. It is mandatory to apply from your country of origin/residence. To apply for a WHV, you must go to the respective Spanish Consulate or embassy in your country and submit all your documentation, as well as ask for a Foreign Identification number or NIE.
How long does it take to get the working holiday visa?
Approximately between 4 and 8 weeks, although it will depend on the country you are applying to and the documentation that you submitted.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not necessarily. Depending on your country’s requirements, a minimum level of Spanish is required; this does not apply to every eligible country.
Australians must certify a minimum level of Spanish, whereas Canadians, for example, do not.
Can I freelance or start a business on this visa?
No. As we stated above, the primary objective of this visa is to visit Spain and do some sightseeing. Of course, you can work, but as a secondary activity. Not only that, but depending on which country you are from and under which conditions you fall (if you are Canadian, under some specific situations)) You may need a prearranged employment contract.
Furthermore, employment needs to be strictly by others; self-employment does not apply for this kind of visa.
Can I apply from outside my home country?
Yes. You can apply for this visa outside your home country as long as you are in your country of habitual residence. It is compulsory to apply either from your country of origin (home country) or your country of residence.
To apply, you need to go to the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy and submit all the documentation required.
What happens if your working holiday visa gets denied?
Getting a rejection on your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) application for Spain is frustrating, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. Spanish law provides a formal appeals process, and there are alternative visa routes worth considering if the WHV is ultimately not achievable. Here is what you need to know.
If you need expert legal assistance to obtain your visa or residence permit in Spain, you are in the right place. Book an appointment with our team through the link below and get started today:
At Balcells Group we have been foreigners effortlessly moving to Spain for over 11 years. We help expats from all around the world with their immigration, business, tax and legal needs; ensuring a legally safe and enjoyable transition to the Spanish territory. Our multilingual team understands the importance of adapting to the cultural and legal specificities of our international clients. We offer a comprehensive service that combines the expertise of several generations of lawyers with the innovation needed to address today’s legal challenges, always striving to simplify processes and ensure reliable, effective results.
