Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
UK work and holiday visa for Spaniards: Complete guide
We’ve got the best alternative to the UK Work and Holiday visa for Spaniards — don’t miss how you can get it!
If you’d like to spend some time living and working in the UK but don’t yet have a job offer, you may have considered the Working Holiday UK visa. Unfortunately, the British government hasn’t yet created an agreement with Spain for this type of visa. However, there are other options you can apply for.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explore the available visas to work temporarily in the UK, who they’re for, the requirements you must meet, and the steps to apply successfully. We’ll also explain the fees and expenses you should plan for when organising your stay.
What work and holiday visas does the United Kingdom offer Spaniards?
As mentioned at the start, the Working Holiday UK visa, officially known as the Youth Mobility Scheme, isn’t available to Spanish citizens. It’s only open to applicants from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or South Korea. Negotiations are underway to create a similar visa for EU citizens, but the project hasn’t yet been implemented.
Since Brexit ended free movement in 2021, Europeans can only work in the UK with a visa. So, what similar options exist for Spaniards? We’ll now detail some of the main visas you can apply for.
- Skilled Worker Visa: Lets you work in the UK for up to five years, renewable. Have a job offer from an approved UK employer. In addition, the job position must appear on the official list of eligible occupations.
- Graduate Visa: Designed for graduates who’ve completed a degree, master’s, or PhD in the UK. It allows you to work for two years, or three if you hold a doctorate, without needing a job offer.
- Global Talent Visa: A selective visa for highly qualified individuals. You must prove recognised leadership in research, arts, culture, business, or technology. It allows up to five years of work without a prior job offer.
Alternative to the Working Holiday UK Visa – Skilled Worker Visa
The best alternative to the Working Holiday UK Visa, and the most accessible option, is the Skilled Worker Visa. This is the general work visa that every Spanish citizen must obtain to work legally in the UK. It grants you the right to live, study, and work for up to five years. After this period, you can extend your stay or apply for permanent residence.
Who is this visa for?
Unlike the Working Holiday Visa, the Skilled Worker Visa has no age limit. Therefore, anyone aiming to expand their professional career in the UK can apply if they meet all requirements. Let’s review them below.
Requirements and documentation
If you’re interested in applying for the Skilled Worker Visa, your first step is understanding all the requirements and preparing every document properly:
- Be a citizen of the European Union.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Prove at least a B1 English level with an official certificate.
- Have a job offer from an approved UK employer.
- Show at least $1,550 (€1,270) in savings to support yourself until you receive your first salary.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- The job must appear on the official list of eligible occupations.
- Provide a clean criminal record certificate for sectors such as education or healthcare.
- Earn at least $50,900 (€41,700) or the minimum set for your job category.
- Submit official translations for any non-English documents.
Visa fees and expenses for the Skilled Worker Visa (alternative to Working Holiday UK)
Now that we know the requirements to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, let’s see how you can apply. Take note of each step, as completing the process correctly’s essential to avoid having your application rejected.
1. Apply online for the Skilled Worker Visa.
On the UK government website, select your desired location — England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man — and confirm that you hold a valid EU passport.
2. Verify your identity
The next step’s to confirm your identity, and for that, you’ll need an electronic passport with a biometric chip. You’ll need a biometric passport and the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Use it to scan your passport and upload a passport-style photo with a white background.
3. Create an account
The third step to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa’s to create an account with the UK government’s visa department. You’ll need to enter your name, surname, date of birth, passport, email address, and phone number.
4. Upload documents
Upload all required documents in digital format: passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English certificate, job offer, and criminal record, if needed. Remember, all documents must be translated and in digital format: You’ll need your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English level proof, job offer, and criminal record certificate if required.
5. Pay the fees
The current 2025 fee depends on the job duration: $940 (€769) for up to three years, and $2,135 (€1,751) for longer stays.
Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), $1,260 (€1,035) per year. It grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
6. Wait for your decision
The decision usually takes up to three weeks. You’ll receive an email with your result and further steps to prepare your trip to the UK.
The best way to travel to the UK and stay connected the moment you land is with the Holafly eSIM for the UK.
The best option to travel to this country and stay connected’s to use the eSIM for the United Kingdom. It’s a great option for short stays since you can get unlimited data only for the days you need. You can also choose Holafly’s monthly plans, designed for long-term travellers. This way, you won’t depend on public Wi-Fi or pay high roaming charges.
With Holafly, you can choose from several plans — including unlimited data — and change or cancel whenever needed since there’s no contract. The unlimited plan lets you share data with other devices, starting from $50.50 (€46.10) per month. Even better, the same eSIM works in over 160 destinations worldwide, giving you truly global coverage.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Visa fees and expenses for the Skilled Worker Visa (alternative to Working Holiday UK)
Besides the official fees you must pay when applying for the Skilled Worker Visa, the alternative to the Working Holiday UK Visa, you should also consider other related expenses shown in the table below:
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Official visa fee | Between $940–2,135 (€769–1,751), one-time payment. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | $1,260 (€1,035) per year. |
| Return flight | Between $85–170 (€70–140), depending on the season. |
| Official translation | Between $30–60 (€25–50) per page. |
| Maintenance funds | Minimum $1,550 (€1,270). |
| English certificate (B1 level) | Between $145–180 (€120–150) per month. |
Approximate expenses for the Skilled Worker Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Working Holiday UK Visa
No, the UK doesn’t include Spain in its Youth Mobility Scheme, which is the equivalent of a Working Holiday Visa. However, other options exist, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Entering as a tourist doesn’t allow you to perform any paid activity. To work legally, it’s necessary to apply for a visa.
For the Skilled Worker Visa — the best alternative to the Working Holiday UK Visa — you must show at least a B1 level under the Common European Framework, proven through an official exam.
You can work for up to five years, renewable. After that, you can apply for permanent residence in the UK.
You can’t change jobs without notifying the UK Visa Department first. You’ll have to update your new job details before switching employers.
Yes, it’s compulsory for visas longer than six months. Paying it grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) throughout your stay.
