Working in Spain as EU citizen: a great experience

June 6, 2023

3 minute read

Are you considering working in Spain as an EU citizen? Let us tell you it is one of the best choices you can make.

Spain is a beautiful country with a rich culture, vibrant cities, and a thriving economy. If you're an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without the need for a work permit. This makes it an attractive destination for those looking to work abroad and experience a new culture.

Working in Spain can be a rewarding experience, and it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. With a little bit of preparation and effort, you can find a job and start building a career in this vibrant and beautiful country.

In this article I answer the common questions regarding working in Spain being an EU Citizen.

How can an EU citizen get a job in Spain?

Finding a job in Spain can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you don't speak Spanish fluently. However, there are several resources available to help you find employment. I recommend the following ways to find a good job in Spain.

Europass

The Europass website is a good place to start, as it allows you to search for jobs in Spain and create a professional profile.

SEPE

SEPE is the Spanish acronym for Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal, which translates to the "State Public Employment Service" in English. SEPE is a government agency that is responsible for providing employment services and support to job seekers and employers in Spain.

SEPE is a valuable resource for you to find a job in Spain. It would be a good thing if you contact SEPE for assistance with your job search.

LinkedIn is a place where many companies find and recruit new employees. Build a good profile in this social media platform, and show your skills, education and experience. Develop your professional networking and this way you might find a job, or your dream job will find you.

Indeed

Indeed, is a job search website where you can search for job openings and submit your resume online. Indeed, is one of the largest job search websites in the world and is available in more than 60 countries and 28 languages. It is a useful resource to find job opportunities in Spain.

Spanish Embassy in your country

The staff at the Spanish embassy should be able to provide you with information about finding a job in Spain, and they may be able to point you in the direction of resources or organizations that can help you with your job search.

Keep in mind that as an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without needing a work permit.

This means that you should be able to apply for any job that you are qualified for, just like a Spanish citizen. However, it can still be helpful to get in touch with the embassy for advice and support.

How long can an EU citizen stay in Spain?

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without any time limit. You can stay in Spain for as long as you like if you meet the necessary requirements for living there. These requirements include having sufficient means of support, health insurance, and a place to live.

You should also register with the local authorities if you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months.

What should I do first to live and work in Spain?

One of the first things you'll need to do when moving to Spain is to register as a resident. You can do this at your local police station or town hall.

You'll need to bring your passport or national identity card, as well as proof of your address in Spain.

Once you're registered, you'll receive a certificate of registration, which you'll need to show when you start working.

Once you've found a job, you'll need to sign a contract and register with the social security system. This will allow you to access healthcare and other social benefits.

You'll also need to pay taxes, which are generally quite high in Spain.

However, you may be able to claim some deductions or credits to lower your tax bill.

Organizational culture in Spain

In Spanish companies, hierarchical structures are especially important. In this sense, decision-making is highly centralized.

This can come as a shock to you if you come from a country where a horizontal style of organization at the workplace.

Relationships with co-workers go beyond the workday. This will not happen from day one, but over time you will become friends with the people who work with you.

Regarding the organizational climate, the work environment is very competitive and individual work prevails over collaboration. However, boasting and presuming one's own abilities generate rejection in the work environment.

What are my rights working as an EU citizen in Spain

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without needing a work permit. This means that you have the same rights and protections as Spanish citizens when it comes to employment.

Some of the main rights that you can expect as a worker in Spain include:

Get paid at least the minimum wage, which is set by the government and reviewed periodically.
22 days of paid vacation time.
Regulation on overtime and complementary hours.
Sick leave and pay if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Maternity and paternity leave and get paid if you have a child.
Join a trade union and participate in collective bargaining.
Protection from discrimination based on your race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and other factors.

The working day in Spain is 40 hours per week on average. The custom of taking a long break at noon for lunch and a siesta still remains.

It is not surprising that the day begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. This includes a break between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.

The arrival of multinational companies in Spain and the increase in relations with other countries are altering these schedules.

Many companies have begun to adapt to international working days. To do this, they have reduced the midday break, and now end the day earlier, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Overall, Spain's labor laws are written to ensure that workers are treated fairly and that their rights are protected. If you have any questions about your rights as an employee in Spain, you can contact the Spanish Ministry of Labor for more information.

Can UK citizens work in Spain after Brexit?

Yes, UK citizens can still work in Spain after Brexit, but the rules for doing so have changed.

After the UK left the EU, it became a third country, so UK citizens are no longer considered EU citizens for the purpose of employment.

This means that UK citizens who want to work in Spain will need to apply for a work visa and obtain the necessary permits before starting work.

They will also be subject to the same employment laws as non-EU citizens. It is important to note that the rules for working in Spain may change in the future, so it is advisable to check the latest information before making any plans.

I hope that this simple guide has been helpful to you as you begin your project of working in Spain as an EU citizen.

You have many sources of information and I have no doubt that you will find a fulfilling job.

Working in Spain as EU citizen: a great experience

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