However, US citizens and other Non-EU nationals will have to apply for the relevant visas and permits at their Spanish Consulate. Check with your consulate what visa is required for your circumstances and what documentation you need to provide.
General requirements for an employee visa include:
- Proof of employment – job offer or contract.
- Company details – registration number and social security number.
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Medical Certificate.
- A Valid Passport
- Three passport sized photos.
You will also need a visa if you are going to be self-employed in Spain. Check with your Consulate for details.
As you can see, it is important that you have work already lined up and this is important, even if you do not need a visa. Do not move to Spain unless you know that you are able to meet your cost of living, either through employment or through self-employment. So, how to work in Spain? How do you go about finding employment?
Well, it may be that you don't actually need to go and find a job, you may be able to work from home for your present company via the internet and phone, or you may have a skill that you use online to make money. Many people work online freelancing. If you have skills like software programming, website design, editing, graphic design etc. then you may be able to get contracts over the internet. Start doing this before you move, if you can, to prove to yourself that you can make enough money to live on.
If you have a TEFL certificate, you may be able to work for language schools in Spain, teach businesses or tutor school children. Just make sure that you have got work lined up before your move.
For those of you who need to find employment, here are some tips to help you:
- Learn Spanish – If you have some knowledge of Spanish, you will find it so much easier to find a well-paid job.
- Resume/CV – Get your resume or CV sorted out. Think about what skills you have to offer. Mention if you have computer skills and some command of Spanish. List all of your qualifications and check with your Consulate to see if they are recognized in Spain and whether they need to be certified.
- Classifieds – Many Spanish newspapers have websites listing job vacancies. Also check local press and expat publications..
- Job Seeker publications – For example, El Mercado de Trabajo.
- Employment Offices – National Employment Institute (INEM) offices can be found in many areas. They list local job vacancies and may be able to give you advice on how to find a job in Spain.
- Employment Agencies – You can register with agencies but some of them tend to specialise in temporary positions.
These tips on how to work in Spain should help you with your research and planning. Too many people move to Spain without employment thinking that they can survive on their savings while looking for work. Don't con yourself, you may be lucky but you may end up running out of money before you find employment. Find employment first and then move.
