Living and working in Spain: a dream that can come true

Where can you live in Spain?

Spain has many different regions, each with its own character. Want to live in a bustling city, a quiet village or on the coast? Here are a few popular options:

• Barcelona: Perfect for those who love a cosmopolitan atmosphere, beach and culture.
• Madrid: The capital offers many employment opportunities and a vibrant urban culture.
• Valencia: A more affordable alternative with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Seville: Ideal if you love traditional Spain with tapas, flamenco and sunny days.
• Málaga: Popular among expats because of its warm climate and lower cost of living.

What do you need to work in Spain?

If you want to work in Spain, there are a number of administrative matters you need to take care of:

• NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): This is a tax identification number you need to work legally and open a bank account. How to apply for this can be found in this blog
• Social Security (Seguridad Social): Registration with Spanish Social Security is required to access health care and other workers’ rights.
• Bank account: Many employers require a Spanish bank account for salary payments.
• Residence permit: As an EU citizen, you can work freely in Spain, but if you are from outside the EU, you need a work permit.

Spanish culture: a mix of tradition and modernity

Spain has a rich and diverse culture that varies by region. Here are some characteristics of the Spanish lifestyle:

• Siesta and working hours: Many parts of Spain have a siesta at noon, especially in smaller towns and villages. Working hours may differ from what you are used to because of this.
• Food and drink: Spaniards eat late; lunch around 2:00-15:00 pm and dinner often not until after 9:00 pm. Tapas, paella and jamón ibérico are popular dishes.
• Fiestas and festivals: Spain is known for its lively festivals such as La Tomatina, Feria de Abril and Las Fallas.
• Family and social contacts: Family plays a central role in Spanish society, and social contacts are very important.

How do you find accommodation?

Finding accommodation in Spain can be a challenge, especially in popular cities. Here are some useful platforms where you can search for accommodation:

• Idealista(www.idealista.com): One of the largest housing websites in Spain.
• Fotocasa(www.fotocasa.es): Similar to Idealista, offering a wide range of rental and for-sale properties.
• Spotahome(www.spotahome.com): Suitable for those who want to pre-book a property without physically viewing.
• Facebook groups: Look for expat groups in the city you want to live in; often rooms and apartments are offered here.
• Airbnb: For a temporary solution while looking for a permanent home.

Where can you find work in Spain?

Depending on your skills and interests, there are several ways to find work in Spain. You can of course take a look at our current vacancies via this link

Important tips for living and working in Spain

• Learn the language: Although English is spoken in many places, a basic knowledge of Spanish helps tremendously.
• Get the right documents: Consider an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number, needed for work and banking.
• Explore different regions: Each Spanish region has its own culture and lifestyle, so visit several places before choosing.
• Tap into local networks: Join expat groups and local meetings to get your bearings faster.

Conclusion

Living and working in Spain offers a fantastic quality of life with sunshine, good food and a relaxed lifestyle. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can make your Spanish adventure a success. Use the mentioned platforms to find a home and a job, and enjoy all that Spain has to offer!