EU citizens do not need a work permit in Spain. But when a company based in another EU country sends an employee to work temporarily in Spain while keeping the employment contract abroad, the posting rules apply, and they are often overlooked.
1. A1 certificate. Issued by the social security institution of the home country, it proves the employee stays insured there during the posting. Request it before travel and keep a copy available in Spain.
2. Prior notification. Under Law 45/1999, the employer must notify the Spanish labour authority before the posting starts. It is filed online through the single electronic portal for postings. It includes company data, employee details, duration, place of work and the Spanish client or workplace. Very short postings for initial assembly or installation of goods may be exempt.
3. Working conditions. During the posting, core Spanish conditions apply: working time, minimum pay under the applicable collective agreement, holidays, health and safety and equal treatment. If the posting lasts more than 12 months (18 with a justified notification), most Spanish employment conditions apply.
4. Documents to keep. Contracts, payslips, time records and proof of salary payment must be available, translated into Spanish if requested, during the posting and for a period afterwards.
5. Practical steps. The employee still needs a NIE, often town hall registration and, if staying more than three months, the EU registration certificate. We coordinate these steps and the family's settling-in.
This guide is for general information and does not replace professional advice on each case.