How long does Spain take to decide on the initial work and residence application?

The administration has three months from the day after the application is submitted to issue a decision on the initial residence and work authorization. This is the statutory resolution period.

If no notification is given within those three months, the application is treated as denied through administrative silence. Because of this, it is important that the employer submits a complete file and follows up, since silence does not work in the applicant's favour.