You have found a job offer at a hotel group on the Costa Brava, or an idea for a cycling tour company in Girona. The opportunity is real. The question that decides everything comes first: are you legally allowed to take it?
The province of Girona has an active economy built on tourism, agri-food, logistics and a growing tech and startup scene, with the French border and Barcelona close by. For foreigners, the opportunities are there. The key is matching each one with the right permit.
Where the Opportunities Are
Tourism and hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, campsites Seasonal peaks on the Costa Brava Languages are a real advantageAgri-food and logistics
Food processing and distribution Warehousing near the French border Transport along the AP-7 corridorBusiness ideas
Cycling, outdoor and wine tourism Tech projects and startups Cross-border trade with FranceWhich Permit Fits Your Plan?
What do you want to do in Girona?
I am an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.No permit needed, just register → I want to work for myself: a shop, a service, a small business.Self-employed permit → I have an innovative, scalable business project.Entrepreneur visa → A company has offered me a senior or specialist role.Highly qualified permit → I will keep working remotely for clients or employers abroad.Digital Nomad Visa →For a standard job offer from a local employer, the employer usually applies for your work permit before you travel. The Digital Nomad Visa does not cover working for a Spanish company: Spanish clients can be at most 20% of your work.
Example
Daniel, a Canadian guide, wanted to open a guided cycling company in Girona. He did not need an innovative startup, he needed a solid, viable business. The right route was the self-employed permit, with a business plan, the investment and the licences his activity required.
Example
Aisha, a Moroccan food engineer, received an offer from an agri-food company near Girona. The company filed for her permit in Spain, and she collected her visa at the consulate once it was approved.
Where to Look for Work
- InfoJobs, LinkedIn and Indeed for most sectors
- The Servei d’Ocupació de Catalunya (SOC), the public employment service
- The Girona Chamber of Commerce, for business contacts and events
- Expat and professional groups, meetups and cycling communities
Speaking Spanish, and ideally some Catalan, opens many more doors, especially in local administration and client-facing roles.
Why This Is Harder Than It Looks
- Accepting a job and starting to work on a tourist stay, which is not allowed.
- Choosing the entrepreneur visa for a traditional business that fits the self-employed route better.
- Using the Digital Nomad Visa to work mainly for Spanish clients.
- Opening a business before checking the municipal licence it needs.
The job offer or the business idea is the easy part. The right permit is what lets you actually start.
Talk to a Lawyer in Girona Before You Start
If you have a job offer or a business project in the province of Girona, that is exactly what a consultation is for. At MigratioLex, we review your specific case, not a generic checklist. We respond within 24 hours, in English, French or Spanish.
Book Your Initial ConsultationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Based on Organic Law 4/2000, Royal Decree 1155/2024 and Law 14/2013. The examples are illustrative.
