Spain Summary Guide
Spain Residence
As Spain is a member of the European Union, citizens of the
EU (and their family members) are free to enter the country
simply by producing a passport (except for those from countries
that are also party to the Schengen Agreement) or ID card.
Non-EU residents must have a visa to enter Spain, with the
exception of those countries that have an agreement with Spain
to waive this requirement. A visa should be obtained before
departing to leave for Spain. Visas may be granted for purposes
of work, study or other specified reasons.
EU residents do not require a Work Permit to work in Spain.
For the purposes of longer-term employment, however, and with
regard to paying taxes in Spain an individual should apply
for a NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero – Foreigner
Identification Number), which is now granted as part of the
registration certificate process (prior to 2007, a separate
application was required).
Within three months of coming to Spain, a Registration Certificate
(Certificado de registro como residente comunitario) must
be obtained from the local council (or Ayuntamiento) and provides
proof of residence in Spain (details contained the Certificate
include: The aforementioned NIE, name, address, and nationality).
In order to obtain a registration certificate, either a rental
contract or utility bill (showing the address) must be shown.
Reciprocal healthcare arrangements will usually be in place,
but a Spanish Social Security Card (Tarjeta de la Seguridad
Social) and corresponding membership number should also be
obtained from the nearest social security office for a stay
of longer than three months, and requires the completion of
the relevant application form, and the provision of passport
and proof of residence in Spain.
EU residents are no longer legally obliged to obtain a Residency
Card (Tarjeta de Residencia), although they are permitted
to do so. As a residency card is often required to prove identity
in Spain, eg for bank transactions, proof of address and so
forth, it is probably a good idea to apply for one. However,
in practice, authorities generally seem happy to allow EU/EEA
nationals to use their NIE together with their passport as
proof of identity.
Non-EU residents require a visa and a work permit, whether
employed or self-employed. There are a number of different
types of work permit that can be issued for periods of between
nine months and five years.
Non-EU individuals intending to work in Spain in either of
the capacities mentioned above must produce the required documentation
when applying for a Work Permit. If an incoming worker is
to be employed, evidence of a job offer (contract, letter)
must be supplied.
For those who are to be self-employed, the documentation
requirements include passport, criminal records certificate,
medical certificate, photographs and a description of the
business and the individual’s qualifications to run
that business.
Non-EU residents require a visa and a work permit, whether
employed or self-employed.
Several different types of work permits exist in Spain, and
can either be applied for at the Spanish consulate in the
individual’s home country, at the Foreigners' Office
(Oficinas de Extranjeros) or at the a Ministry of Labour provisional
office (Delegación Provincial del Ministerio de Trabajo).
The types of work permit as as follows:
For employees:
- Type A: Seasonal/temporary work; non-renewable, following
the expiry of the nine-month term
- Type B: Tied to a specific geographic area and profession;
renewable following the expiry of the one year term.
- Type C: Issued after a type B permit has been held, and
has expired; no geographical restrictions, and renewable (or
convertible to a permanent work permit) following the expiry
of the three year term.
For the self-employed:
- Type D: Tied to a specific geographic area and profession;
renewable for a two year period following the expiry of the
one year term.
- Type E: Issued after a type D has been held, and has expired;
no geographical restrictions, and renewable (or convertible
to a permanent work permit) following the expiry of the three
year term.
Type F work permits are available for workers (both employed
and self-employed) who cross the Spanish border daily to work
there from their country of residence; renewable following
the expiry of the five year term.
Self-employed workers seeking to establish a business in
Spain must prove that they are prepared to invest a significant
amount (currently EUR120,000) in their Spanish venture, or
that the activity being undertaken will be beneficial to the
Spanish economy, for example by employing Spanish workers.
Non-EU residents must obtain a Residency Card and NIE (as
well as a visa).
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