Spain’s farms and tourist regions face huge seasonal labour peaks — olive harvests in Andalusia, the summer rush on the Costa Brava — and the Seasonal Work Visa is the route that lets non-EU workers fill them legally. It’s often the most realistic entry point for blue-collar workers. This 2026 guide explains how it works, the quotas, and how to apply.
What the seasonal visa offers
- For temporary roles in agriculture, tourism and hospitality.
- Maximum stay of 9 months per calendar year, tied to your contract.
- It’s employer-driven — the Spanish employer applies for the permit before you apply for your visa.
- You must return to your home country at the end of the authorised period (it’s not a direct PR route).
The 2026 GECCO quotas
Seasonal hiring runs largely through Spain’s annual GECCO Order, which sets quotas (including tens of thousands of seasonal agriculture and tourism slots for 2026) and supports collective hiring at origin. Crucially, for many seasonal shortage roles the standard labour market test is waived, which speeds things up compared with year-round permits.
Worker protections
Under the rules, employers must provide suitable accommodation and cover return travel, and pay at least Spain’s minimum wage. These protections are a genuine advantage of the legal seasonal route over informal arrangements.
How to apply
- Secure a seasonal job offer from a Spanish employer (farm, hotel, etc.).
- The employer obtains the work permit from the Provincial Aliens Affairs Office (Oficina de Extranjería).
- Once approved, you apply for the work-and-residence visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.
- Enter Spain, work for the contract period, and return home at the end.
Start 3–6 months ahead — quotas and processing (around 1–3 months for the permit, plus visa time) fill up fast.
Avoiding scams
- Confirm the employer and contract are genuine before paying anything.
- No agent can guarantee a Spanish visa; the authorities decide.
- Make sure documents are apostilled and officially translated into Spanish — incomplete paperwork is a top cause of rejection.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a Spanish seasonal visa?
Up to 9 months in a 12-month period, tied to your contract. You must then return home.
Does seasonal work lead to permanent residence?
Not directly, but cumulative legal residence can count toward the 5-year requirement for long-term residence if you later move to a standard permit.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes — employers must provide suitable housing and cover return travel under the seasonal scheme.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide based on publicly available official information current at the time of writing. Spanish immigration rules and GECCO quotas change each year — always confirm the latest requirements with the Spanish Ministry of Migration and your local Spanish consulate before applying or paying any fees.
