Every year, hundreds of technical professionals from Latin America - especially Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Argentina - decide to take the leap to continue their careers in Spain. The interest is not accidental: the country is going through a period of expansion in engineering, technology and digital industry, sectors where Spanish companies need more and more qualified talent and where the local supply does not always meet the existing demand.
Spain has become a natural destination for international talent seeking stability, professional development and an attractive quality of life. In this context, companies such as Exceltic have established themselves as a benchmark in the incorporation of technical professionals from Latin America, accompanying them throughout the administrative and integration process.
This guide explains in a clear and practical way what the requirements for working in Spain are, how to apply for a work visa step by step and which sectors offer the most real opportunities for professionals in the technical field.
Requirements for working in Spain as a foreigner
If you are a citizen of a Latin American country and you want to work legally in Spain, there are a series of essential steps that you must take before starting your incorporation process. Although most of the procedures are handled directly by the hiring company, it is important to know the basic conditions required by Spanish law to obtain a work permit.
- Having a formal job offer issued by a Spanish company.
- Have a technical or university education related to the post.
- No criminal record in Spain or in your home country.
- Have a valid passport valid for at least six months.
- Applying for a work and residence permit (processed by the company in Spain).
- Once the permit has been approved, apply for a visa at the relevant consulate.
- Joining the post at the latest three months after the visa has been granted.
By fulfilling these requirements, you will be able to start the process of obtaining your work visa as a highly qualified personnel (HQP)The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a figure created to speed up the arrival of specialised talent that contributes to Spain's economic, technological and industrial development.
How to work legally in Spain: the process step by step
The procedure for joining a company in Spain from Latin America is quicker and simpler than it might seem.
Thanks to the legal framework regulating highly qualified personnel, the process can be completed in approximately six weeksprovided that all documentation is in order.
Below, we explain the three main phases that make up this process.
1. Application for a work permit (PAC)
The Spanish company offering you the job is in charge of submitting the application. application for a work permit with the Spanish Government.
This procedure is carried out under the modality of highly qualified personnel (HQP) and does not require you to leave your country during its management.
The company sends the relevant documentation - employment contract, passport copy, academic qualifications and job description - and the file is normally resolved within a period of one month.
Once the permit is approved, a favourable decision is issued, allowing you to start your visa application.
2. Visa processing at the consulate
Once your work permit has been approved, you will need to make an appointment at the Spanish Consulate of your country (e.g. in Bogotá, Mexico City, Lima or Buenos Aires).
The company will provide you with all the necessary documentation, including the offer letter, permit resolution and consular forms.
The process is quick: most consulates will process the visa within a period of between 10 and 15 working days.
3. Travel and incorporation
Once the visa has been approved, you will be able to travel to Spain and officially take up your new position.
The entire process - from initial application to arrival in the country - is usually completed within a few days. six weeksprovided that there are no administrative delays.
During your first few days in Spain, you will need to apply for the Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) and the residence card (TIE)The documents are essential for legal residence and work.
In many cases, the company itself offers support in these procedures to ensure a smooth and seamless integration.
Which sectors offer the most opportunities for engineers in Spain?
Spain is undergoing an unprecedented digital and technological transformation.
The country has become a European hub for innovation, with sustained growth in the technology sector, which already accounts for 26 % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)according to La Vanguardia.
The Cotec Foundation highlights that more than 1.3 million people are currently working in the digital sector. in Spain, with a year-on-year growth of more than 13 %This figure reflects the magnitude of the change and the high demand for specialised profiles.
The sectors with the most opportunities for international professionals include:
- Industrial, electrical and mechanical engineering
- Software development and automation
- Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
- Renewable energy and sustainability
- Infrastructure and transport
These areas account for the majority of vacancies for technical staff in the country.
The stability of the sector, investment in innovation and the commitment to digitalisation make Spain an ideal destination for those seeking to develop their careers in high-impact technology projects.
Exceltic: real accompaniment in your arrival process
In Exceltic we believe in the value of international talent.
For this reason, every year we facilitate the incorporation of technical professionals from Latin America, mainly from Colombia, through a close and agile integration process.
More from the 32 % of our team is internationalwith professionals from more than 12 nationalities who bring a diverse and enriching vision to our projects.
We work in key sectors such as engineering, technology and industry, offering each individual a strong, stable career environment with real opportunities for development.
Our incorporation model is designed to simplify the process: the company manages all legal formalities, maintains constant contact with each candidate and offers support during the first steps in Spain.
In this way, arrival and adaptation occur naturally, in an environment that fosters collaboration and continuous learning.
If you would like to be part of a multicultural team working on real technological projects, we invite you to consult our active offers or write to us at globaltalent@exceltic.com to find out more about our current vacancies.
A process designed to grow international talent
Joining a company in Spain from Latin America need not be a complex process. Thanks to the highly qualified staff, the procedures are clear and the companies have the expertise to manage the whole procedure efficiently.
At Exceltic, we accompany each professional from the first contact to their definitive incorporation. Our goal is that every person who crosses the ocean to join our team finds a transparent, safe and fast process, with real support at every step.
Spain offers concrete opportunities for technical professionals from Latin America. And companies such as Exceltic work to ensure that this international talent not only arrives, but that it grows, develops and finds a stable future in the sector it masters best: engineering, technology and innovation.
