Working in Spain

Citizens of the EU may freely travel, settle and work in any member country, enjoying the same rights as the nationals of their country of choice. This free circulation also extends to their families, whatever their nationality. Consequently, if you are a national of any of these countries you have access in Spain to any labour activity, both as a self-employed worker as well as employee working for third parties, without the need to request a work permit, and having the same rights as the Spanish workers with regards to salaries, working conditions, housing access, professional training, social security or union membership. As a community citizen, to enter Spain all you need is a valid identification document or passport. If you are to remain in the country for a period in excess of 3 months, you must request a residence.

At present, the Spanish job market is robust, which makes working in Spain an achievable dream. The wages are generally lower than those in northern Europe, but the cost of living is lower and the overall lifestyle better. Most qualifications obtained elsewhere in the European Union are recognised in Spain with the workforce accepting foreigners into the community.

Obtaining a contract of at least 6 months from your employer will guarantee you the same rights as a Spanish employee. This contract should be read carefully so getting it translated if you do not speak Spanish is a good idea. Temporary contracts are generally offered for 3/6/9 months. After this contract expires the employer has to offer a long-term contract to keep you on. They are not allowed to keep offering short-term contracts. Work hours in Spain include a siesta (which is a 2 - 3 hour break in the afternoon). Most business shut down at this time and re-open in the cooler hours of the evening.

Spanish workers are, like the lifestyle, quite laid back with no great rush to get things done. Their rights are heavily protected from exploitation with employee contracts strictly adhered to. Should you be dismissed from your Spanish job, and do not agree to the reasons, you can, within 20 days of recieving the dismissal, demand a conciliation hearing. There is no presentation of evidence here and so relies on an agreement being reached between the two parties. If one is not reached you may then lodge a suit in the labour court. (Juzgado del lo Social). If your dismissal is found to be unjust you will receive 45 days compensation for every year worked.

For those from outside the European Union (Spanish work permits are more or less automatic for EU citizens), getting a work permit can be an ordeal. A Catch 22 can arise - many Spanish employers will not hire without an existing work permit, but work permits are difficult to get without guaranteed employment based on special needs for a non-Spaniard.

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