Job Discussion Forums

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

So I have a residence permit valid until November this year. I went back to Vietnam after three months away and the guys at Tan Son Nhat didn't so much as blink when they saw my card. My time in Spain is coming to an end come July and, while I am mostly looking into the Middle East as my next destination, I wouldn't mind going back to the devil I know and using my MA to look for better paying positions.

But I would it be impossible to renew my residence since I will most likely be switching companies?

Just wondering.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

Kinda had a similar situation. If your new company/sponsor can get you a work permit within that time then you can get a new residence card.

Otherwise you could try to renew your current work permit if it is still valid. That actually might be an easier route but requires some cooperation from your previous company and also some ineptitude in the hope that they didn't cancel it like they should.

Provided that is the case then you should be able to renew in country as the purpose of your visa isn't changing.

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

Your work permit and resident card are supposed to be void once your contract with the employer who sponsored them is finished. Like BenE said, if your previous employer didn't cancel it, then it should still be good, but if you're going to work for a new company, that company can't renew it for you. They have apply for a completely new one.

I think the laws changed a bit since you were here. Currently, you can enter the country on a business visa and work legally if you are in the process of applying for a work permit. Once the work permit is issued, you'll have to leave the country and apply for the Labor visa (only takes like 1 day to process). Once you have the letter to present at the airport, they'll issue you a Labor visa good for 1-3 months. While on that visa you can apply for a residents card.