With high unemployment levels outside the major cities, ensure you have guaranteed work before leaving your country of origin. Non EU citizens may not work in Spain without approval from the Spanish Labour Ministry.
The golden rule for anyone seeking professional employment in Spain is to speak the language. Networking is also an important skill as a reference from a Spanish friend would work very much in your favour.
Wages in Spain are, on average, lower than many other member states, with admin roles starting at €1000. While you may not be remunerated in the manner to which you’re accustomed, the cost of living in Spain is low and the lifestyle is much more relaxed – the summer Siesta is a 2-3 hour break in the afternoon, with most businesses closing to re-open in the evening.
At the upper end of the spectrum, highly qualified graduate jobseekers - interpreters and translators, psychologists and lawyers – enjoy benefits packages similar to those in other member states: transport allowances, share options, medical insurance and so on.
In 2006, Spanish income tax rates ran from 15% to 45%. If you have spent more than 183 days in the country within one tax year you are eligible to pay taxes. If you are classified as a Spanish resident or own property you will need an identification number (NIE), which doubles as your social security number.
You will pay taxes on global income, regardless of what residence or work permit you have. Half of your net rental income is taxable, that is, the amount due after deducting costs such as local taxes, repairs, and depreciation. There is a system in place to stop you from paying tax twice on the same income.
Taxes payable on property in Spain include VAT, stamp duty and a local tax called 'plus valia'. Property owners must also pay a tax called IBI which funds local services, education etc.
Residence cards for EU nationals are no longer compulsory but they are easier to carry than a passport and simplify administration procedures on arrival in Spain. To obtain this card from the Comisaría (the station for the national police force) you will need to bring:
To apply for a residence card, collect an application form from your nearest Foreign Office. Enlist the help of a Gestor to help with your paperwork and hand this in, along with a photocopy of your passport, to the Comisaria.
If you’re an EU national there are no restrictions to your working in Spain. You do, however, need an NIE number - a tax number for foreigners.
To obtain an NIE number your first step is to register at the local town hall. Once you’ve done this, go to the ‘extranjeros’ (foreigners) department of the Comisaria with the following:
You will receive your number within six weeks of applying.
