Temporary Residence and Work Authorization Based on Economic Interest

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What is the temporary residence authorization based on economic interest in Spain?

The temporary residence authorization based on economic interest is a permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Spain when their professional activity is considered to be in the economic, social or employment interest, or involves research or teaching work requiring high qualifications, or artistic performances of special cultural interest.

What are the requirements for applying for temporary residence authorization based on economic interest in Spain?

Applications for temporary residence authorization based on economic interest in Spain must relate to one of the following occupations:

1. Senior managers or highly qualified staff at companies that meet the characteristics established by regulations.
2. Highly qualified foreign technicians and scientists hired by the State, the Autonomous Communities, local authorities, or bodies whose purpose is to promote and develop research and which are promoted or majority-owned by any of these entities.
3. Foreign professors hired by a Spanish university.
4. Highly qualified technicians or scientists carrying out research work or joining development activities at renowned universities and R&D centres, or at research and development units of business entities established in Spain.
5. Artists or groups of artists of recognised international standing, or artists taking part in an international artistic project that makes a significant cultural or social contribution, as well as the staff needed to carry out their performance, who come to Spain to give performances of cultural interest.
6. Senior managers or highly qualified staff involved in a business project that entails:
   • A significant increase in the number of direct jobs created by the company applying to hire them.
   • A significant increase in job creation in the sector or geographical area where the work will be carried out.
   • An extraordinary investment with a significant socioeconomic impact in the geographical area where the work will be carried out.
   • A significant contribution to scientific and/or technological innovation.

How do you apply for temporary residence authorization based on economic interest in Spain?

The employer must submit the application to the Directorate-General for Immigration. The documents to be provided and the requirements in this case depend on the circumstances. The maximum time for a decision is 1 month.

Can family members of the foreign worker benefit from temporary residence authorization based on economic interest?

The residence permit based on economic interest allows the foreign worker’s family members to live in Spain. Their authorization can be processed at the same time as the foreign worker’s.

It covers the same family members as family reunification. They may apply for residence authorization without permission to work, or for residence and employed work authorization, without taking the national employment situation into account in this case.

The validity of the authorization granted to family members may not exceed that of the principal authorization.

Family members may apply for authorization in all cases except those involving artists.

The application may be submitted by the employer, provided it is submitted at the same time as the worker’s application. In the case of family members of highly qualified professionals or researchers, the employer or the worker may apply for the authorization.

If the application is submitted later, it may be made by the family member or by the employer who wishes to hire them.

A residence authorization for family reunification may also be processed and submitted at the same time if the worker holds an EU Blue Card or is a researcher.