Working in Spain
There are jobs in Spain for foreigners, however,
along the coast most jobs are seasonal as with the
UK coast. It depends largely on what you can and
will be able to do. Most qualifications obtained in
the UK and Europe are recognised in Spain. Whatever
job you end up doing, If you intend to work in Spain
make sure you get a contract from your employer
which is at least 6 months long. This will also
protect you and give you the same rights as a
Spanish employee. Your employee will deduct national
insurance and tax. In general Spanish wages are less
than those in the UK but bear in mind that the cost
of living is less and the lifestyle better. In
general working hours include a 'Siesta' which is a
2-3 hour break between 2-5 in the afternoon. This is
when most businesses shut down, re-opening in the
cooler hours of the evening.
We found that the Spanish work force generally
accepted foreigners into the community and worked
alongside them in harmony. Spanish workers have
learned to cope with the heat, you on the other hand
will struggle. In Spain, workers are heavily
protected from exploitation and contracts are very
strict and adhered to. Permits to work as
self-employed can be obtained 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 take a job in Spain, make sure you get an
official work contract from your employer. Read it
carefully and/or have it translated. Remember that
you can be given a temporary contract that only
lasts 3/6/9 months. After these contracts, an
employer has to give you a long-term contract in
order to keep you on. He cannot therefore continue
giving you short-term contracts. Don't be tempted to
take cash work for if you are caught you will be
sent home. Anyone caught employing people without a
contract will be fined immediately.
Many people come to Spain to set up their own
business. This can be a complicated process and
there are many pitfalls. One option that is very
popular is to buy a bar in Spain. Thousands have
already done just this and the flood of people
continues.
If you are dismissed from your job in Spain 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 counts on there being agreement between the two
parties as there is no presentation of evidence. If
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.
If you arrive in Spain, along the coast, looking for
work, be prepared for seasonal work. Between May and
September the coastal workforce swells with many
opportunities in bars, clubs and restaurants. The
coastal areas of Spain are currently enjoying a
continued boom in the construction industry which
offers many positions for everything from
bricklayers to planners. New hotels, houses and
apartments are springing up at an alarming rate.
There are also job opportunities for bi-lingual
teachers of English at all levels. Have a look at
our section on schools for a few ideas.
Another popular area to work in is working in
service for wealthy families in Spain, especially if
you have experience in 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.
To work in Spain you must have an NIE Nș.
Social Security
How to get a Social Security Number:
The process of getting a social security number is
now very easy.
Simply go to any social security office, with your
original passport and copy of the passport. You will
have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish, but its
quite easy as the normal questions are asked like,
name, address, names of parents etc. They issue the
number there and then and give you a temporary card.
They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It
is not necessary to have a job, or even a NIE to get
a social security number.
Why do you need a Social Security Number?:
-
You need a social security number to work in
Spain. I am sure that you are aware that if you
are self-employed you have to pay into the
social security, but also if you are employed
you pay and this should be deducted by your
employer before payment.
-
You are entitled to social security benefits,
but pro rata to what you have paid in.
-
You also are entitled to medical care i.e. you
can sign on with your local doctor.
-
You only have to pay if you are earning money in
Spain, i.e. not on any pension from the UK.
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