The following article is taken from Eye on Spain, www.eyeonspain.com

Looking for Work in Spain

Am I allowed to work in Spain?

All EU citizens have the same right to live and work in Spain as a Spaniard and do not require a work permit.

I don’t speak Spanish, what are my chances of finding work?

This can be a big barrier and will narrow your opportunities. However, non-Spanish speakers will have more success in the areas where there is a high expat population. Amongst the British communities, there are always people who prefer to use British tradesmen such as plumbers and carpenters. This applies to any job in which complete understand and communication is necessary e.g. hairdressing and other services. Tourism, real estate, insurance and finance open further avenues.

Are my UK qualifications valid?

According to EU law, any trade or professional qualification that has been awarded in the EU will be recognised in Spain. To have your qualifications recognised, take your certificates and translations to the Ministry for Sport, Education and Culture in the field in which you wish to work to obtain ‘homologacion’. See the Spanish Embassy www.spanishembassyhomepage.com and the British Consulate in Madrid www.ukinspain.com. For medical and agricultural qualifications see www.naric.org.uk.

Can I claim unemployment benefit/job seeker’s allowance?

Yes, you do have rights to the same Job Seeker’s allowance as you would get in the UK. It is paid by the Spanish INEM (National Institute of Employment) for a maximum of three months. In order to qualify you must first register in the UK.

Will I have to pay tax?

Yes, if you are resident for more than 183 days in a calendar year. Spanish income tax tends to be lower than the rest of the EU. The tax rate is calculated after allowing for various deductions, including living expenses and social security payments. It starts at 10 per cent for the first four thousand Euros of taxable income, rising to 45 per cent on taxable income over forty five thousand Euros.

How do I pay tax?

It is automatically deducted by your employer. You need to make an annual tax declaration at your local tax office.

 


Comments:

CommentDateUser
is their newere in spain i could rent a home for a long time as i am wanting to move but need to sort out a home for me and my family8/30/2008 2:14:00 PMmary2008
If you are from the US, Canada or Australia, it is possible to teach English and work up for 12 months. I have been working in Spain teaching English and I can probably point you in the right direction as to how to stay for 12 months and work legally. Everyone`s situation is different so feel free to contact me. glenglassman@gmail.com11/22/2009 9:35:00 PMGlen Glassman
I am an artist from South Africa. Would I be able to sell my creations in Spain and get a visa to live?2/18/2010 11:15:00 AMYolanda
i live in Macedonia so I'm not EU citizen...but what I need to do to work legally in Spain?? 8/21/2010 3:19:00 AMJulie
I am a Biochemist from Nigeria. Would i be able to work in spain and get a visa to live.5/1/2011 12:11:00 AMEmma
I m a guy of mid twenty frm nigeria. Graduate from university as an economist seeking for a stay and job in spain either skill or unskilled job. Thanks chivalboy@yahoo.com6/3/2011 4:02:00 PMChigbo valentine obiadi
Hi Im from India Im fond of Working in Country like Spain I have got good experience of 7 years of Financial Reporting and Planning and Accounting and also in Supply chain. Can anybody help me out in getting Job there in Spain. heaven64@gmail.com1/10/2012 12:52:00 PMSyed Rahman
Hi am came from phillipines but i work here in hongkong as domestic.I want to work and to live in ur country.And also i have relatives , she is already spain citizen she want me to get.What are d requerments so that i can get visa to work and to live.9/29/2012 4:21:00 PMchona reyes
Hi am came from phillipines but i work here in hongkong as domestic.I want to work and to live in ur country.And also i have relatives , she is already spain citizen she want me to get.What are d requerments so that i can get visa to work and to live.9/29/2012 4:24:00 PMchona reyes
Hi am came from phillipines but i work here in hongkong as domestic.I want to work and to live in ur country.And also i have relatives , she is already spain citizen she want me to get.What are d requerments so that i can get visa to work and to live.9/29/2012 4:25:00 PMchona reyes
Hi am came from phillipines but i work here in hongkong as domestic.I want to work and to live in ur country.And also i have relatives , she is already spain citizen she want me to get.What are d requerments so that i can get visa to work and to live.9/29/2012 4:28:00 PMchona reyes
Hi I don't have a job in england I'm 24 nearly and jst want a fresh start in spain CAN some1 give me a standard job and somewere to live and help me get a visa to live there 6/11/2013 5:54:00 PMmartin