Job Discussion Forums

DainaJ · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 62

We are possibly considering relocating to Spain in about 2 years. My husband will have at least the minimum qualifications to apply for a job in an int'l. or American school (MA in Ed., teaching certification, CELTA, ESL experience). I am an EU citizen (US and Latvian dual citizen) and read recently that I can legally work in Spain as of this year with my (soon-to-be-applied-for) Latvian passport. I would continue with my freelance translation business.

If he were to by chance get a job at a school like that in Europe, would the school help with the work permit, or would we be on our own? Would my citizenship help at all? Any information appreciated. We definitely want our jobs to be legal, because we will be bringing our 2 kids with us.

Thanks!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Work permits for spouses of the new EU member countries vary from country to country. You really need to check on the website for the Spanish Embassy.
My spouse is Czech; my situation is similar, and I have to research opportunites depending on the specific country also.

DainaJ · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 62

Thanks spiral78 -

If it helps, here is a page that outlines the possibilities for EU nationals from the new member states:

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/free_movement/enlargement_en.htm

I will post more info if I find it!

DainaJ · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 62

I have now found the following information, which seems encouraging. I also posted this in response to another thread dealing with the same issue:

"Council of Europe regulations forced Spain to end all restrictions on the free circulation of European Union workers, good news for EU citizens who wanted to settle and work in Spain.

It means that EU citizens can work in Spain under exactly the same conditions as Spaniards. The "tarjeta comunitaria", which is a work and residence document, is still required, but it is now much easier to obtain if you are an EU citizen.

This also applies to family members who are not EU nationals. If a Briton working in Spain is married to a US national, for example, the non-EU spouse will have full rights to residence and employment in Spain."

http://www.spainview.com/work2.html