Spanish immigration authorities announced a change in practice regarding proof of social security coverage for intra-company transferee permit applications.

Key Points:

• Officials stated that intra-company transferee permit applications must now include a valid proof of social security coverage certificate.
• Previously, authorities would accept a commitment letter from an applicant’s host employer stating that the assignee would be registered in the Spanish social system if an applicant was unable to obtain a valid certificate confirming social security coverage in their country of origin.
• Both initial and renewal intra-company transferee applications must now include proof of social security coverage to apply.

BAL Analysis: Employers should be aware of this change of practice and factor government processing times for certificates of coverage into employment strategies.