Job Discussion Forums

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

Yes. I found that we hadn't actually had a succinct argument about getting a legal work visa in a long time:) Used to be quite a regular occurence.

You're right - the option to border-hop and thereby keep your passport legal ended January 2008. Now, you have to STAY OUT for 90 days also.

Anyway, the point was that it's not just my personal opinion that US citizens can't get legal working permits for Spain. I didn't want you to think I'm just pushing some sour grapes or have a personal agenda to keep other Americans away Laughing

AdamtheJohnson · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 157

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

Desirable locations like Spain, Italy, and France are full of British teachers, who have no visa issues at all. So, yes, you could say the market is saturated - to the extent that non-EU teachers aren't needed enough for the countries to change their laws to allow them.

AdamtheJohnson · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 157

Well, like I said, I could theoretically apply for an Artist's work visa, and then teach on top of that. ... right?

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

Interesting, though...I'm wondering whether the long-term effect of the new Schengen zone rules that mean non-EU citizens have to stay out of the zone for 90 days after being in for 90 might not ultimately lead to a change in the law regarding hiring from outside.

The thing is that there have been loads of teachers working illegally in Spain over the past few years. If this labor force dries up thanks to the new law, maybe Spain will take a look at allowing non-EU English teachers officially.

I think this isn't by any means a sure thing - for one, I don't yet hear much about how many illegals are either not going to Spain these days or who've been caught and had problems. Maybe the under-the-table teaching market is alive and well.
If it's getting smaller, well, we will have to see how much of a gap in supply of teachers and demand from students really exists.

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

Yeah, I don't know whether one visa allows you to work in another field. Do artist visas exist??? Does Spain have a shortage of artists and need to import them from outside? Haven't heard of this before.

gracias · Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 27

Does Spain have a shortage of artists?

Please, at least do some basic research before making a post like this.

If you are an American citizen in Spain and working, but don't have a visa, then you are illegal. If you overstay 90 days, they will kick you out with a 10 year ban. If they find out you are working, they will kick you out with a ten year ban. If ...

Need I go on?

As for there being a shortage of teachers in Madrid, there is a shortage of GOOD teachers in Madrid, ie. qualified, experienced, LEGAL, lots of business experience, charging 30 Euros plus an hour. If you have none of the above, come to Madrid ... before you get kicked out of the country you will have a very nice time working for EU10 an hour (the generally agreed price for Americans, check any forum for corroboration).

MO39 · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject:

gracias · Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 27

That's nice. I imagine you lived in Lavapies and ate rats.

MO39 · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:16 pm Post subject:

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

Wages aside (and I'm sure MO's spot-on)

- it's a different world in 2008 from 2007 and before. The new laws are far more strict, and being caught and deported is much more likely (caveat: again, I haven't travelled in or out of Spain specifically this year).

MO39 · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:05 pm Post subject:

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

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

Highly unlikely.

kylemory · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

hmm.. sounds like its pretty hard to find even illegal work in spain now with the law that you must leave the zone for 90 days. very unfortunate as i was hoping to move there and find some work in a few months. any recent confirmation on this?
any new information would be appreciated. im a CELTA certified teacher with over four years of experience in Japan and Mexico, if that makes a difference. thanks in advance.