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IF YOU PLAN TO WORK IN SPAIN
As an EU citizen you are entitled to enter Spain and work, You will need an NIE number (download here) to contribute to the Spanish tax and Social Security Departments, your employer should be able to apply for this when you start working, your employer will need to give you a contract of employment, this is a legal requirement, your contract may only be for 6-9 months, after 9 months your employer must give you a permanent long term contract of employment.
On the Costa del Sol there is a large amount of seasonal work, this is the sector most people come to Spain and look to work in. The summer season generally starts in May and finishes at the end of September, there are many jobs in the leisure industry and bar work but there is also a large workforce looking for this type of work. With the continued and expanding building programs on the Costa del Sol there are various opportunities for qualified tradesmen to come and work in this industry, skills range from carpenters to project managers, either working for Spanish builders or British building companies. There is also a good demand for domestic help, ie. gardening, house keeping, handyman and driver, the wages are lower than in the UK but generally the cost of living on the Costa del Sol is lower to compensate with the added bonus of having a better quality of lifestyle.
Working hours vary from that in the UK, many businesses open from 9-2 and close for 2-3 hours opening again in the evening when the temperature has cooled. This is called the siesta time.
A contract offers protection; Your contract of employment is strictly adhered to in Spain, it protects you from unfair dismissal and exploitation.
Do not accept cash work (black money);if you get caught you will be asked to leave Spain.
SELF EMPLOYED:
To work as a self employed person you will need a work permit, these are available from the local Ayuntimiento.
STARTING A BUSINESS IN SPAIN:
Starting a business in Spain can be a long and laborious process, be prepared to fill out numerous forms and permits, the best way to accomplish this is to employ the services of a Spanish lawyer.
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