Job Discussion Forums

basilbrush · Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 61

Hi

I'm an EU citizen, I'd like to work in Barcelona. What papers/documents do you need to show to get a job?

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

A passport. A copy of your degree and CELTA certificate would also be useful.

Although in Madrid to be a fully functional legal i have to sign up to the local government which will insure i get healthcare and stuff. It's just a hell of a drawnout, complex process and it's all done in Spanish so i've yet to get around to it.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

It was the case that, even as an EU-person, you needed an NIE number. You go to the police station which deals with foreigners.

You are then 'legal'. I got my NIE in 1999, so maybe it's changed now

P Ed

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

1999 was a different world, for sure!
Non-EU citizens aren't eligible anymore except in a few specific circumstances, most commonly through working student visas.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

I was/am an EU citizen but I still had to get an NIE number (Foreigner's registration) by spending a few hours in a queue. The NIE is like a basic registration that u r in the country. You need it if you get a job etc.

Good news if you are saying that EU people dont need this now!

P Ed

chenn0 · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 34

If you aren't an EU member, can you become one somehow? like...a dual citizenship kinda thing?

Also, if you have family that are in EU, would it be able to do this or get working permits?

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

You get citizenship in an EU member country through family ties (marraige or CLOSE ancestry). You would have to check with the Embassy of the country where your family are citizens to get exact info on whether you qualify.

You realise that it basically means you become Spanish, or Italian, or whatever...they don't hand out citizenships easily in most cases, nor does the US!

RabbitWho · Joined: 16 Jan 2010 Posts: 30 Location: Spain

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

So do non-EU citizens really not stand a chance in Spain? One of my American friends managed to get a work visa in Prague. Are some EU countries easier than others??

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

Yes. The general rule of thumb is that the 'new' EU members (Czech Rep, Slovakia, Poland, etc) are still possible for non-EU citizens. The 'old' EU members (Spain, Italy, France, etc) essentially not possible.

Non-EU citizens really stand near nil chances in Spain. The only legal option I currently know about (outside of marrying a local) is to get a student visa - you have to actually enter a Spanish uni and actually pay for study - that allows you to also work part time.

Tonnes of info on this on the Spain forum.

Oh, sorry - this IS the Spain forum! Read earlier threads Cool