# Check your right to work

> Find the legal basis that lets you work as an autónomo in Spain, and the page that explains your route.

- Page: https://autonomo.eus/steps/right-to-work
- Part: Part A: Right to work
- For: Everyone
- Last checked: 14 October 2026

> This page explains the routes. It is not legal advice. Before you apply, check your case with a lawyer. [Free legal help in Euskadi](https://autonomo.eus/steps/legal-help)

**Before any other step, you need a legal basis to work as an autónomo in Spain.** Find your situation below and read its page.

| Your situation | Read |
| --- | --- |
| Citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland | [Register as an EU citizen](https://autonomo.eus/steps/eu-citizen) |
| Family member of an EU or Spanish citizen | [Get a family residence card](https://autonomo.eus/steps/family-card) |
| Non-EU citizen living outside Spain | [Apply from abroad as a non-EU citizen](https://autonomo.eus/steps/apply-from-abroad) |
| Non-EU citizen already living in Spain | [Change your status from inside Spain](https://autonomo.eus/steps/change-status) |
| Asylum applicant, or under temporary protection | [Work under international or temporary protection](https://autonomo.eus/steps/protection) |

## Who handles permits

- Permits are a Spanish state matter, not a Basque one.
- In Euskadi, the three immigration offices (*Oficinas de Extranjería*) decide on permits. There is one in each capital: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and Donostia/San Sebastián. Addresses, phones and hours: [contact the immigration office](https://autonomo.eus/steps/offices#contact-the-immigration-office).
- The Policía Nacional issues the foreigner ID card (*TIE*) and the EU registration certificate, by appointment only. See [book a police appointment](https://autonomo.eus/steps/offices#book-a-police-appointment).
- If you live outside Spain, you apply at the Spanish consulate for where you live. Find it on the [Foreign Ministry's list of embassies and consulates](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx).
- The current rules come from [Real Decreto 1155/2024](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/situacion-excepcional-o-de-irregularidad), in force since 20 May 2025 and amended in April 2026.

## One rule for this guide

If you are not an EU citizen, start [Part C](https://autonomo.eus/steps/lanbide-grants) once you hold your TIE card. Every registration asks for your ID documents, so this keeps one simple path for everyone.

## Official sources

- [Ministry of Inclusion: residence and work permits](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/situacion-excepcional-o-de-irregularidad)
- [Government Delegation in Euskadi: immigration offices](https://mptmd.gob.es/portal/delegaciones_gobierno/delegaciones/paisvasco/servicios/extranjeria)
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Spanish embassies and consulates](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx)

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Free, independent information. Not an official government website or a gestoría. General information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority before you act. Report a mistake: a@halawa.io. Source: Autónomo.eus (https://autonomo.eus).