Working in Spain

As an EU citizen you can work in Spain without a work permit, on the same terms as Spanish nationals.

• You need a valid ID card or passport.
• To be hired you need a foreigner identification number (NIE) and a social security affiliation number.
• Ask for a written employment contract and check which collective agreement applies to your sector.

If you stay in Spain for more than three months, you register in the Central Register of Foreigners and get the EU citizen registration certificate, which also shows your NIE. Separately, you register in the municipal register (padrón municipal) where you live.

1. Book an appointment for the registration certificate (with NIE) at the foreigners' office or the police, following your province's procedure.
2. Register in the padrón at the town hall (empadronamiento) with your ID and your tenancy agreement.
3. Ask for your social security affiliation number if your employer does not arrange it.

For regulated professions, your qualification must be recognised by the competent Spanish authority. University degrees may need homologation or equivalence, a procedure handled by the ministry.

• Find out whether your profession is regulated in Spain before you leave.
• Prepare your diplomas, transcripts and the translations required.
• The procedure, timing and fees are available from the competent authority and the ENIC-NARIC portal.

As an employee, income tax (IRPF) and social security contributions are usually withheld from your salary. The tax authority is the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).

• Check rates and whether you must file an annual return on the Agencia Tributaria website.
• Social security contributions give you the right to benefits, including a pension.
• If you also have income in Romania, check where you are tax resident.

When you work and pay contributions, you have access to the National Health System. The health card (tarjeta sanitaria) is issued by the health service of the autonomous community where you live.

• After joining social security, ask for your tarjeta sanitaria at your local health centre.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers temporary stays.
• Rules differ slightly between autonomous communities: check with your regional health service.

You also need your tenancy agreement to register in the padrón, so always ask for a written contract.

• Check the deposit (fianza), the length and the termination terms in the contract.
• Keep proof of every payment.
• Never send money for a home you have not seen.

Rents and prices differ a lot between big cities, tourist areas and the rest of the country. Compare the net salary with the costs in the city you want to move to.

• Look at the net salary and the number of payments per year in the contract.
• Budget for the rental deposit and the first months.
• Up-to-date information is available on EURES.

Romania has an embassy in Madrid and consulates in several Spanish cities. They can help with identity documents, civil status documents and emergencies.

• Current contact details are on the embassy website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of missions.
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

EURES lists jobs in Spain and gives you access to advisers who answer questions about moving. The public employment service (SEPE) and the regional employment services also publish offers and information.