Working in Spain

Working in Spain

Do you want to live and work under the Spanish sun? With the right documentation and preparation, working in Spain is perfectly possible.

How do I find work in Spain?

In Spain, most vacancies are posted online on the InfoJobs platform, but you can also search for jobs on LinkedIn and the official employment agency SEPE. Temporary employment agencies in Spain, known as "ETTs" (Empresa de Trabajo Temporal), handle temporary work and placement for large companies.

What do I need to work in Spain?

• Everyone who wants to work, buy a house or pay taxes needs a NIE number.
• Seguridad Social is the Spanish social security system. As soon as you start working, you must be registered. Employers usually register for the employee; any family members must do so themselves. Self-employed individuals (autónomos) register in person. After registering, you will receive a Número de Afilicación (Filial Number), which gives you access to healthcare, pensions, and other social rights.
• The "empadronamiento" (employment certificate) is the registration with the municipality where you live. This proof is often required for other procedures, such as applying for residency or opening a bank account.

What types of employment contracts are there in Spain?

The Spanish Labor Code (Estatuto de los Trabajadores) distinguishes between different types of contracts. Regardless of the type of contract, the following information must always be included:

• -The function and working hours
• -The salary and the frequency of payment
• -The trial period
• -Reference to the applicable colectivo convention
• -The duration of the contract
• -Signature of employer and employee

The permanent contract (Contracto indefinido) is the most stable form of employment in Spain. Under certain circumstances, the employee is entitled to severance pay (indemnización) upon termination of the contract. The amount of this payment depends on the duration of the contract and the reason for termination. In most sectors, a collective bargaining agreement (convenio colectivo) stipulates minimum terms and conditions, such as working hours, rest days, and bonuses.

The temporary contract (contracto temporal) has a clear start and end date. Spanish employers are not allowed to renew temporary contracts indefinitely. After a certain period, it must be converted into a permanent contract.

The seasonal contract (fijo descontinuo) falls somewhere between permanent and temporary. The employee returns each year for a set period. Between work periods, the employee maintains a formal relationship with the employer, and you may retain your entitlement to unemployment benefits (paro).

Internships and work experience placements (becarios/prácticas). Students and recent graduates can obtain an internship or training contract. These are often short-term and offer limited compensation. Spanish companies often collaborate with educational institutions or universities for these placements. No separate work permit is required.

Wages, taxes and social contributions

If you work in Spain, you will usually receive your salary monthly via a pay slip (nómina).

The Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personal Físicas (IRPF) is the Spanish income tax. The amount depends on your salary, family situation, and the region you live in. Your employer deducts the IRPF from your salary monthly and pays it to the tax authorities. If too much is withheld, you'll receive a refund between April and June. If too little is withheld, you may have to pay extra.

Social Security contributions are also deducted from your salary. These contributions are mandatory, even for temporary or part-time jobs. If you work in Spain without being registered with Social Security, you are not entitled to medical coverage or pension accrual.

In Spain, many collective labor agreements (convenios) provide for two additional monthly wages per year. These amounts are either paid twice, or they are included in your annual wage and distributed over the 12 months.

Do I need to know Spanish to work in Spain?

Spanish is the main language in virtually every job in Spain. Employers in international companies or tourist regions usually expect you to understand basic Spanish. In larger cities, the chances of finding a job where English is sufficient are often higher.

Are my diplomas valid in Spain?

For most professions, your Dutch or Belgian diploma is valid. However, there are a few exceptions for professions in education, (mental) healthcare, technology, and law. Official recognition (homologation or professional recognition) is often required for these. The application for this is processed through the Ministry of Education and Professional Formation, which can take a few months. For other professions, a certified translation of your diploma may be required.

Labor rights and protection:

Every employee in Spain is covered by the Estatuto de los Trabajadores, the Spanish labor law. This law guarantees basic rights such as sick leave and benefits through Social Security, and protection against unfair dismissal.

Collective bargaining agreements (collective bargaining agreements) may include additional benefits, such as meal vouchers, allowances, or shorter workweeks. EU citizens have the same employment rights in Spain as Spaniards. If you have any problems, you can contact the Labor Inspectorate or the State Public Employment Service (SEPE).

Can I also start as a self-employed person?

Many foreigners choose to become self-employed (autonomous). To do so, you must register with the Tax Administration and Social Security. You will receive a tax number (número de alta censal) and pay a fixed monthly social security contribution (cuota de autónomos). The amount depends on your income. As a self-employed person, you are required to issue invoices, declare VAT (IVA) and income tax (IRPF), and maintain your own bookkeeping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I work in Spain as a Dutch or Belgian citizen? Yes, as an EU citizen, you are allowed to work in Spain.
• Do I need an NIE number to work? Yes, this identification number is required for every job, tax, and registration.
• Do I need to speak Spanish to find work? Usually, yes, although in tourist areas you can often get by with English.
• Are my diplomas valid in Spain? Yes, usually. Only for regulated professions (such as doctors or teachers) do they require recognition.
• Can I start as a self-employed person? Yes, you can register as an autonomist and start your own business.

Do you dream of living and working in Spain?

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