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If you are in need of a change of air and like the idea of discovering another culture through immersing yourself in the work place and every day life, don’t hesitate to come and work in Spain. Please find below all the information you will need when looking for work in Spain:
1 – Administrative Formalities Before doing anything else, it is neccessary to take care of all the administrative formalities you will have to carry out in the UK or in Spain before your departure. A UK citizen can reside and work in Spain for three months without need of a work permit. For a period longer than three months, you will need to apply for an NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) at the Oficina de Extranjero (the Foreign Office). For further information, please consult the official website: http://extranjeros.mtas.es/es/general/OficinasExtranjeros.html. As far as social security is concerned, damages insurance (illness, pregnancy, disability, old age, death, pension, unemployment) and family benefits are all covered. Employees should ask their employer for their social security registration number from the head office. Work opportunities for foreigners in Spain are constantly increasing, although with an unemployment rate as high as 8 or 9%, the employment market is very competitive and finding a job is often a difficult and frustrating task. However, certain sectors are an exception to the rule. Work opportunities in shops, restaurants and bars are abundant and the demand for teaching english as a foreign language is also high. A large majority of work is found through word of mouth, so don’t hesitate to use any contacts you may have when looking for work in Spain. You may be penalised by certain companies for being foreign, as there are strict laws concerning foreign workers. Furthermore, if your level of spanish is insufficient, work opportunities will be slim. It is therefore recommended that you do a preparatory language course in order to gain a good level of spanish, which will improve your chances of finding work, and help you to settle into your new home more quickly. 3-The economy and it’s most developed sector The textile, food farming, steel, chemical and car industries provide work for 30% of the active working population, and are also the most coveted industries, alongside agriculture and fishing. 64% of the active population work in the tourism industry or in public services. It is important to highlight the fact that, from a geographical point of view, employment rates are higher in the larger cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. One of the main characteristics of Spain is the difference between the city and the counrtyside, where it is almost impossible to find work. The situation also varies from region to region, where there is great economic inequality. This inequality is one of the main causes of unemployment. 4-Investing in the country by setting up your own business European legislation permits any EU citizen to set up a business in Spain. A record breaking 350,000 new businesses set up in Spain every year. This dynamic movement is the result of a favourable policy put in place by the State. Information centres providing advice on how to start up your own business can be found in around 20 cities accross Spain. They also help with the administrative side of setting up a new business. Finding work in Spain without actually being in the country is often quite hard. This is due to the fact that many spanish employers like to meet their candidates in person early on in the recruitment process. However, it is possible to find job ads online and to send applications via email. Here is a list of useful sites when looking for work or an internship in Spain. Spanish websites (work and internship): http://www.campusanuncios.com/ http://www.educaweb.com/esp/servicios/ofertas/ofertas.asp Work contracts A contract in Spain can specify a limited period of employment (between 6 months and a 2 years), or can be left open indefinately. The law states that working hours must not exceed 40 hours a week and the annual salary is fixed on a 14 month basis. Employers tend to lower the fixed part of the salary and increase commission. Salaries and working hours The cost of living in Spain is much lower than the European average, which means that salaries also tend to be below average. The average salary of an employee varies between 12,000 and 18,000 euros a year. Therefore, if you are come from northern Europe or America, prepare yourselves for a dramatic drop in salary. This table will give you a better idea of the type of salary to expect in Spain:
All is not lost, however, as in Spain, you receive a bonus pay package twice a year (in the summer and at Christmas). Bonuses are also given in commercial professions, where they are used to boost the salary. It must be said that the lower cost of living makes life in Spain very enjoyable indeed! Working hours and holidays The work day in Spain starts at 9 am, breaking for a three hour lunch and siesta at 2pm. Workers then return to the office from 5pm and finish at 8 pm. In recent years, however, many companies have opted to change to a more european timetable, finishing earlier, with a shorter lunch break. Each employee is entitled to 1 month’s holiday. There are also numerous national and regional holidays, and employees are often given permission to take a long weekend on such occasions. |
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