Spain at a Glance

Expat Business Info Spain

Big newspapers are a helpful starting point for your job search.

Is working in Spain a new experience for you? Contrary to the stereotypical image of Spain, where fiestas abound, it’s a country that takes pride in its industrious tradition. If you are considering working in Spain, InterNations will support you with information on business culture, taxes and the job search.

Getting a NIE

Before worrying about paperwork and taxation, you need to apply for a NIE (Número de Identificación de Estranjeros), the identification number for foreigners, regardless of whether or not you require a work visa. The application for a NIE is not very complicated. It simply requires you to bring a completed applications form (of which you may choose one pertaining to you here) and a copy, your passport and a copy, a passport photo, and your current address in Spain to the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros. It can take between one and five weeks to actually get your NIE.

Taxation

In order to find out if and how to pay taxes while working in Spain, see the official website of the Spanish tax authorities for non-citizens. The requirements differ by country of origin and type of employment. For example, if you come from the United States to work in Spain, you must contact the Internal Revenue Service in the States for more information, or take a look at the Income Tax Convention with Spain.

Foreign nationals who are neither EU-citizens, nor nationals of a country with a special agreement with Spain, are required to pay taxes in Spain. Due to the fact that these tax regulations again differ based on country of origin, please see the relevant brochure of the Spanish tax office for detailed information.

Double Taxation Agreements

You may be from a country that has a double taxation agreement with Spain. If this is the case, you must make sure which country is entitled to your taxes.

For example, the United Kingdom has a double taxation treaty with Spain: If a British citizen is planning on working in Spain, they must pay taxes in their country of residence. If they are a resident of both Spain and the UK, according to the countries’ respective regulations, they must pay taxes where their permanent home is. If their permanent home is both in the UK and in Spain, they would pay taxes in the country where they reside more frequently.

From the example described above, you see how complicated figuring out taxation abroad might get. When in doubt, please consult a tax advisor in Spain who has worked with foreign nationals from your own country of origin before. We also recommend you seek the help of an attorney when considering moving to and working in Spain.

Looking for a Job

The entire process of starting to work in Spain is easier if you already have an employer before immigrating. They may be able to help you with the formalities of the Spanish bureaucratic system. If you are searching for work on your own, it is a great advantage to have a well-founded knowledge of the Spanish language to browse popular job websites.

In addition, you should look at the major national and regional newspapers around Spain such as El País or El Mundo. It may also be wise to see if your current company has any job listings in Spain before embarking on the solo job hunt.

Depending on your country of origin, your educational degrees (high school diploma, Bachelor or Masters Degree) may not be accepted. In order to find out what their Spanish equivalent is and whether your respective degree meets the Spanish requirements, please visit the Spanish Ministry of Education for more information. Please check with the Foundation for the Promotion of Spanish Universities to find out more about the recognition of international degrees.

Further Resources