Spain Proposes New 90-Day Work Visa Waiver for UK Professionals

Spain Proposes New 90-Day Work Visa Waiver for UK Professionals

Business travel between the UK and Spain has faced significant friction since the end of freedom of movement, leaving many companies struggling to deploy staff for short-term projects. A new proposal from Madrid could change that. Spain has formally suggested a reciprocal agreement that would allow highly skilled professionals to perform paid work for up to 90 days without the need for a traditional work visa or sponsorship.

The Details of the "Mode 4" Proposal

The initiative was first introduced by Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, during a business forum in London in late 2025. The goal is to address "Mode 4" mobility, which refers to the temporary movement of service providers across borders. Under this plan, consultants, IT specialists, technicians, and executives could work on billable tasks in the other country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Currently, the barriers are steep. British professionals heading to Spain often face a 20 to 45 day wait for "Highly-Qualified Professional" dossiers. Conversely, Spaniards moving to the UK must navigate the visa policy changes associated with the Skilled Worker route, which involves expensive sponsorship fees and administrative delays. This proposal aims to bypass those hurdles entirely, allowing workers to remain on their home country’s payroll while providing services abroad.

While the proposal is on the table, it is not yet law. As of early 2026, negotiations between London and Madrid are ongoing. Because the UK would likely need to pass primary legislation through the Home Office to reciprocate, analysts suggest that a full rollout before late 2026 is an optimistic estimate.

What This Means For You

If you are a consultant or a project manager, this change would eliminate the need for a formal visa for short-term client support or training sessions. You would simply need to carry a valid A1 social security certificate to prove you are paying contributions in your home country.

However, there are technicalities to keep in mind. This waiver would not exist in a vacuum; it would still be subject to the broader Schengen Area rules. Travelers will still need to obtain an ETIAS authorization once that system launches in late 2026. Furthermore, every day spent working under this waiver counts toward the standard 90-in-180-day limit for short stays in the Schengen zone. The upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to be fully operational by April 2026, will automatically flag anyone who overstays this limit.

For those looking at long-term moves, this proposal is less relevant. Digital nomads or those seeking residency will still need to apply for specific visas, such as Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, which requires specific qualifications or years of professional experience. This new waiver is strictly for short-term, contract-based work rather than permanent relocation.

The Bottom Line

This proposal represents a potential breakthrough in post-Brexit relations, offering a streamlined path for businesses to share expertise without the burden of sponsorship. While we wait for a formal agreement, professionals should continue to use existing work permit channels and keep a close eye on Home Office announcements regarding reciprocity. For now, the best strategy is to ensure your A1 certificates and ETIAS registrations are ready for when the doors finally open.