Guide to Andalucía - Working in Spain

There are many jobs in Spain for foreigners, nevertheless throughout the coastal areas most jobs are seasonal. Working in Spain depends to a large extent on what you can and are able to do. Most of the qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom and Europe are recognized in Spain.

It is a good start to have some idea of the kind of work you are looking to do and in which industry. Tourism and real estate are the areas where there are most opportunities for English-speakers, however many jobs require Spanish as well. Many people, especially with a trade in much demand, such as builders, plumbers, electricians opt for self-employment and others start or buy an existing business.

Spanish workers have accepted foreigners into the work community. Spanish wages are less than those in the United Kingdom but bear in mind that the cost of living in Spain is less and the lifestyle better. In general the working hours in Spain during the Summer months include a Siesta which is a 2-3 hour break in the afternoon. Most business close at this time of the day and re-open in the evening during the cooler hours.

If you arrive in Spain looking for work be prepared for some seasonal work between May and September. At this time the workforce swells with many opportunities in bars and restaurants. The coastal areas of Spain are enjoying a boom in the construction industry which offers many positions for everything from bricklayers to planners. There are also opportunities for English and Spanish, bi-lingual teachers, of at all levels.

Many people come to Spain to set up their own business. This can be a complicated process and there are many pitfalls. One popular option is to buy a bar or restaurant in Spain.

Another popular work area is in service of wealthy families in Spain especially if you have experience in au pair work, house-keeping, cooking, maintenance or driving. The local Spanish and English press often carry classified advertisements. The internet is also a good source of information. Be aware though that the wages can be very low and the hours can be very long. There are many foreigners arriving in Spain looking for this type of work and needs dictate that they will settle for very little. Some wealthy people will take advantage of this so while this kind of job may look appealing, be wary.
Whatever job you do end up doing in Spain you will need to be familiar with the laws for obtaining a residence permit in Spain, and at least make sure you get a 6 month contract from your employer. This will protect your rights and give you the same status as a Spanish employee. This contact should be read carefully so getting it translated if you do not speak Spanish is a good idea.
Whilst all EU nationals have the right to find employment in Spain without a work permit, finding employment may not prove to be easy if you are outside of the major towns and cities or away from the tourist hotspots and do not speak Spanish.

Whatever you are planning to do you will need to obtain your NIE number from a police station with a foreigners’ department.

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. Permits and Taxes in Spain require your employee to deduct national insurance and tax . Anyone caught employing people without a contract will be fined. You can obtain a residence permit in Spain to work from the local council. You will also have to register for tax and National Insurance. You will also need to prove employers liability insurance to employ people.

If you are dismissed from your Spanish job and you do not agree with the reasons, you can present a demand for conciliation within 20 days of receiving your dismissal letter. This is a prejudicial process and it counts on there being an agreement between the two parties as there is no presentation of evidence. If an agreement cannot be reached then you must place a suit in the Labour Court. The worker has 20 days to present the demand in writing to the Labour Court (juzgado de lo Social). The court will find the dismissal either just or unjust and if the latter be granted, the worker will receive 45 days compensation for every year worked. If you are still not satisfied you have five days to file recourse.