Working in Spain

The number of employment opportunities is increasing all the time as more and more companies are setting up in the area. Real estate is still big business but there are numerous financial, IT, insurance and health companies which are also making a big impact along the coast. Between May and September there is still the traditional seasonal work opportunities in bars, clubs and restaurants and you also the golf season on the coast from October to April.

It is not completely necessary to speak Spanish, but you will increase your job opportunities if you do - to some extent anyway - and it will help when you want to get things done, as well as entering into Spanish community life.

To work in Spain you need an NIE number. This is an identity number all foreigners must have, without it you cannot get paid amongst other things. You can get it yourself by queuing at the local police station and filling in a very simple form or you can apply for it through your lawyer. This may take time, but the receipt you get means you can start working as it shows you have applied and it’s on its way.

Hours
Working hours depend on the kind of job you do. On the coast, more companies tend to work on a 9-6 or 10-7 basis. Some Spanish companies still have afternoon siestas, but the international companies do not. In terms of holiday allowance, Spain is pretty much in line with the UK, with most people receiving on average 22 days a year plus public holidays.

Salaries
Salaries are generally lower than the UK, but then most people arriving in the Costa del Sol do so for the lifestyle rather than the potential amount of money they can earn. It’s only been in the last 6 years that this area has started to develop commercially outside of sectors such as real estate, time share and tourism. It is getting better. If you're offered a job, do your homework on the company, for example, look for legal registration, compliances and visit their corporate website. Always ask for confirmation of your job and salary in writing and 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

Entitlements
If you are working as a non-resident, you will not be entitled to free healthcare as you will not have contributed to your Social Security here. If you are working here as a non-resident then make sure you have your E111 form as this should cover you for free emergency care, if the need should arise. As a non-resident you can also get an appointment with a doctor, but you will have to pay for the consultation. The price varies from area to area, due to local laws. Taking out getting private health care is recommended - it’s not very expensive and for peace of mind, it is good to know you are covered. Many hospitals now speak English, especially in emergency wards and the health service in Spain is very good.

Anyone working here legally must have a social security number. With your social security number you make contributions to the health system and are then eligible to medical care via the nation health service.