Employment of British Citizens in Spain

An Interview with British Vice Consul Helen Watson

Published April 2002. Most of this information is still valid today.

The Ibiza Sun got asked to provide some information about legally working in Ibiza so we asked Helen, our Vice-Consul, if she had anything we could print to help those looking to work in Ibiza this year.

The British Consulate-General in Madrid and the British Consulates in other cities are not equipped to provide an employment service and cannot reply to enquiries about openings for employment, enter into detailed correspondence or make arrangements in connection with paid or unpaid work. The Embassy has no standing to intervene in disputes over employment, contracts etc. Whilst entirely a matter for their own discretion, enquirers may wish to seek legal advice before signing any contract. Companies with over fifty employees will normally have a trade union representative who can advise on basic rights or recommend a good labour lawyer.
There is currently a higher than EU average level of unemployment in Spain and it is often difficult therefore for foreigners to obtain remunerative work. A good knowledge of Spanish is normally essential for most permanent or long-term jobs. The Employment Service, through local job centres, has information on the availability of jobs in other EU member states. For further advice please contact your local job centre or the European Employment Service Co-ordinator on 0114 2596 190.
Since 1 January 1992 British and other EU citizens have not required work permits to take up employment in Spain. Within one month of arrival, however, they should apply to the local police station (Comisaría de Policía) or Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) for a Residence Card (Tarjeta de Residencia).
The application must be accompanied by:-
The job contract or a certificate from the employer
Three passport-sized colour photographs
A valid passport and photocopy of its page
Self-employed persons must additionally establish that they have applied for all the necessary documentation to engage in their proposed activity. This can only be that which would be required from a Spanish citizen in the same circumstances but can be complex. Further information: PYME www.ipyme.org/inexexplorer.htm Tel: 900 190 092

Persons merely looking for work are not subject to any formalities but would normally be expected to support themselves while doing so. Once employment has been found they should obtain a Residence Card as outlined above. Unemployment benefit may be transferable to Spain for a limited period and health cover may be obtained using form E111, or in some cases E106, otherwise, Spanish benefits are not usually payable to non-Spanish nationals who have not previously paid contributions in Spain.

Further info: INEM c/Espartinas, 10 Tel. 91 576 89 02 Fax 91 577 53 47