Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

What is going to happen in May when 10 new countries join the EU? Will Spain allow citizens from these countries to immediatly work in Spain?

[spiral78]

It's my understanding that the 'old' EU countries will have different policies on hiring citizens from the new EU member countries. Germany, for example, has huge problems with unemployment already, and is unwilling to open the door to Czechs and Poles unconditionally. I don't know what Spain plans, but it's for sure that the legalities will vary from country to country. Maybe someone has already done some research for Spain.....?

[Meg4]

Are you talking about the 10 countries that joined the EU last May (Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, etc...)? In order to work freely in Spain like the "old" EU members they have to wait 2 years (Until May 2006). But, this time period can always be extended, and given the unemployment numbers in Spain I wouldn't be surprised if they make the new members wait longer. So, at least for another year they still need visas/work permits like other non-EU countries. You can see all this information at http://www.mir.es/sites/mir/extranje/regimen_comunitario/nuevosUE/ It's only in Spanish.

[naturegirl321]