Spain’s appeal as a work destination has surged in the last few years, attracting a growing number of foreign residents, particularly with the remote work trend. The country’s ease in granting permanent residency or citizenship, coupled with EU and Schengen Zone membership, entices expats. Despite rewards, potential challenges exist, making thorough preparation crucial.
Our guide navigates the necessary steps for a successful start to your new life in Spain, addressing obstacles and pitfalls.
Step 1: Visa options and essential immigration documents
For EU nationals, including Swiss citizens, it’s smooth sailing – no visa needed, just register for residency if staying beyond 90 days. Brits who were in Spain before January 1, 2021, can register with Servicio de Extranjería.
Non-EU citizens have various long term visa Spain options:
1. Tourist visa: 90 days per year, keeping in mind 90-day rule of Spain.
2. Job seeker visa: Nine months, extendable, with financial proof.
3. Seasonal work visa: Up to nine months.
4. Startup visa: Pitch your business idea.
5. Self-employed visa: Register with a €7,200 fee.
6. Digital nomad visa: Two years, with income and savings requirements.
7. Residency visa: Apply for one to three years with a sponsor.
8. Retirement (D7) visa: For retirees with sufficient income.
9. Spain golden visa: Invest €250,000 for an indefinite stay.
Spain is part of the EU Blue Card program, promoting international mobility. To qualify, applicants need to earn 1.5 times the national average and have five years of experience. If you have a residence permit, your spouse or dependent family members can apply for a reunification visa to join you.
Spain Visa sponsorship
Non-EU individuals aiming to work in Spain must secure a legal sponsor, typically an employer or an employer of record (EOR), unless married to a Spanish citizen. The sponsor must demonstrate attempts to hire within the EU before looking abroad. To streamline the visa application process, it’s crucial to compile all necessary documents beforehand. This checklist includes:
Necessary Documents
– Passport with copies, valid for six months beyond intended stay.
– Passport-sized photos, not older than six months.
– Completed and signed visa application form.
– Proof of outbound travel.
– Medical insurance covering €30,000 ($31,500).
– Accommodation details.
– Job offer letter or employment contract.
– Criminal record check and fingerprints (if required).
– Educational certificates.
– Financial records showing sufficient means.
– Marriage and birth certificates for family members applying for dependent visas.
Step 2: Manage your finances in Spain
When relocating to Spain, meticulous planning goes beyond navigating bureaucracy; financial management is crucial for success. A well-considered budget ensures a comfortable lifestyle and savings. Take note of these key factors for a comprehensive understanding:
- Cost of Living:
- Renting: One-bedroom apartments in major cities cost around €800 ($850), dropping to €600 ($630) in smaller towns.
- Buying Property: While buying a property is relatively affordable (€1,300 to €4,400 per square meter), there are high setup costs.
- Food and Drink:
- Groceries are reasonable at an average of €50 per week per person.
- Local restaurants offer economical options, with meals for two as low as €15 ($16).
- Transport:
- Gas and toll costs are comparable to Western Europe.
- Public transportation is cost-effective, with one-way fares around €1.50 ($1.60).
- Utilities:
- Reasonable utility costs with electricity averaging €100 to €150 per month.
Step 3: Make Plans for accommodation in Spain
Plan ahead for housing while awaiting visa approval, especially in Spain’s high-demand market. Consider living with flatmates for company and cost-sharing. Explore neighborhoods with good public transport connections. Set a budget based on average rents:
City | Room Rent | Studio Rent | Apartment Rent |
Barcelona | €600 | €1,100 | €1,500 |
Madrid | €520 | €810 | €1,295 |
Málaga | €303 | €677 | €754 |
Valencia | €550 | €900 | €1,181 |
Confirm utilities inclusion with your landlord or prepare to manage and pay for them separately.
Step 4: Hunting a job in Spain
For expats heading to Spain, job hunting may be a reality upon arrival. While some secure positions beforehand, many dive into the Spanish job market upon arrival. Regional job markets vary; cities like Madrid offer more international and English-speaking opportunities, while coastal regions rely heavily on tourism. Researching beforehand can guide expats to areas with suitable job prospects, ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.
Step 5. Other important aspects of moving to Spain
Upon arrival in Spain, secure your residence permit within 30 days for legal residency. If your stay is 3-6 months, apply for the Tarjeta de Residencia; for over 6 months, obtain the TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Residing over 6 months mandates registering your address at the town hall, yielding the certificado de empadronamiento. This unlocks various privileges like obtaining your NIE number (tax ID), buying property, and securing health insurance. The NIE number is vital for a life in Spain, obligatory for stays exceeding 3 months, and the process is straightforward.
People often ask can i apply for a Spanish NIE online? Yes, it is possible if you could get assistance from the right service provider.
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