What Are the Work Permit Rules in Southwestern Europe in 2025?

Hiring foreign talent in Southwestern Europe is appealing for companies looking to expand into Southwestern European nations cost-efficiently. Southwestern European countries Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, each have different rules and require local knowledge.

This blog discusses the work permit application process and its duration, in addition to the requirements needed to hire foreign talent in these countries.

Do Non-Europeans Need a Permit to Work in Europe?

EU nationals can work anywhere in the European Union without a visa; however, non-EU citizens must have a work permit to work in Southwestern Europe. 

General Requirements 

While visa requirements vary per country, Southwestern European nations share common criteria for work permit applications:

• Valid passport and travel info
• Employment contract
• Qualifications proof
  
• Arrangement of accommodation
• Salary threshold

What Is the Work Permit Application Duration in Southwestern Europe?

Table 1. An overview of the work permit application duration from providing a job offer to the employee receiving the work permit in Southwestern Europe.

How About the Work Permit Rules Across Southwestern Europe?

Below is an overview of the work permit rules across Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal.

Work Permit Rules in Italy

In Italy, employers may choose 3 pathways when hiring international talent. Discussed here is the general work permit.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract
• Employer's financial stability
• Evidence of employees' housing arrangements
• Employee health insurance
• Availability in Decreto Flussi

Note: Decreto Flussi is Italy's annual quota system that limits the number of non-EU workers.

Application Process

1. Ensure the employment contract complies with Italy's annual quota system
2. Submit a work permit application.
3. Once the work permit is approved, the employee submits their work visa application.
4. After arriving in Italy, the employee receives the work permit within 8 days.
   
   

Work Permit Rules in Spain

In Spain, there are various types of work visas discussed below is the general work permit.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract,
• Evidence of employees' housing arrangements,
• Salary threshold obligation per industry,
• Proof of the employee's qualifications,
• Criminal record and medical certificate.
  
  

Application Process

1. Employer submits work permit application,
2. Approval may take up to eight months,
3. Employee applies for a work visa at the local Spanish consulate,
4. Visa arrival, then travelling to Spain,
5. After arrival, the employee receives a foreign identity card within 30 days,
6. Social security registration.
   
   

Work Permit Rules in France

In France, employers must prove that the necessary qualifications are not met by other candidates within the EU/EEA before the work permit application.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract,
• Proof of the employee's qualifications and proof of the EU/EEA candidates' incompetence, 
• Approval from the French Ministry of Labour.
  
  

Application Process

1. Work permit application to the French authorities and provision of necessary documents, including the job offer and qualifications, 
2. Wait for approval, then apply for a long-term visa. 
3. After arrival, the employee registers with local authorities.

Work Permit Rules in Portugal

In Portugal, employers must follow the Portuguese immigration laws, such as advertising to nationals of the EU/EEA before hiring foreign talent. 

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract, 
• Proof of the employee's qualifications, 
• Employee's health insurance,
• Employee's financial support proof (If the salary doesn't meet a certain threshold)
• Employee's non-criminal record from home country,
• Evidence of the employee's housing arrangements.
  

Application Process

1. Employer applies for the work permit through Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF),
2. The employee then applies for a work visa through the Portuguese embassy, 
3. After approval and the employee's arrival, the employee then applies for a residence permit through SEF,
4. The employer then must register the employee with the Portuguese Social Security system. 

Final Retake

Hiring in Southwestern Europe is attractive to both employers and foreign skilled talent, but compliance with the right procedures is mandatory and strictly monitored. Employers should take into account longer timelines compared to countries in Northwestern Europe, but should also be able to navigate through different timelines and requirements, in addition to legal obligations across Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. Local expertise is very important to ensure a successful European business development.

How Does EuroDev Help Foreign Companies Hire in Europe?

EuroDev specialises in helping North American companies expand into Europe, acting as their full partner throughout their business development journey. Whether it is PEO, EOR, or payroll services that you need, EuroDev takes care of the overall process. 

Contact us if you want to know how we can help you in your European expansion.

Written by Doron Jannink, European HR Consultant at EuroDev.

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, please note that HR policies and regulations can change frequently. It is recommended that you seek guidance from our HR consultants to ensure that the data presented here is current and accurate.