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Spain is considered one of the number one countries for expats regarding quality of life, ranking highly in the US News publication for quality of life and a top ten position for quality of life in the Global Passport Index.
Spain is a highly popular international travel destination known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Spain’s immigration system relies on a visa system, with exceptions for EU citizens and those from countries with bilateral agreements. To become a Spanish citizen, you need to renounce your previous nationality, demonstrate financial stability, have no criminal record, pass an interview, and prove integration into Spanish society.
Spain is facing a labor shortage and an aging population, prompting recent reforms to its immigration policies, including extending job seeker visas and legalizing undocumented migrants, aiming to attract talent and boost the economy. the countries with the largest foreign populations residing in Spain were Romania, Colombia, and Italy.
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | Yes |
Types of resident permits | Temporary, permanent residence permits, work permits, non-lucrative residence permit |
| Residency based on Work Visa Possibility (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | 1 year |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 5 years of consecutive living in Spain |
| Residency by Investment Availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Residence through Real Estate Purchase Availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Residency for Family Member Possibility (YES/NO) | YES, family reunion visa available |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship based on residency | 10 years of living in Spain based on permanent residency |
Temporary Residence Permit:
Permanent Residence Permit:
Other residency options
Spanish residency allows you to live and work in Spain, while citizenship grants you full rights as a Spanish national, including the ability to hold a passport and participate fully in Spanish political and civic life.
1. The Spanish residency is, for most of the permits and visas, an authorization to live and work in Spain. It’s the certification that allows you to be in the country without being in an illegal situation. However, as we mentioned, simply having Spanish residency does not automatically mean you are a tax resident.
2.Spanish citizenship grants you the rights and privileges of a Spanish national, including the right to hold a Spanish passport, vote in Spanish elections, and live, work, and study without a visa in other EU countries.
1. Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. Passport-size photos
4. Proof of Financial Means
5. Proof of Accommodation
6. Travel Health Insurance
7. Criminal Record Certificate
8. NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)
9. TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
10. Register for Social Security
11. Empadronamiento (Certificate of Residence)
12. Health Insurance
Renewing your permanent residency card in Spain means renewing the physical card, not your legal status, which is permanent after acquiring it. The card is valid for five years and requires a straightforward process of submitting the required documents and having your biometrics taken at the police station.
Renewal Process
1. The process is straightforward and involves submitting the necessary documents and having your fingerprints taken at the police station.
2. You will need to complete the EX-17 form, your passport, the original residency card and a photocopy, and proof of address (if you have changed it).
3. You will also need to pay the corresponding fee.
You can lose permanent residency rights in Spain if you’re absent from the European Union territory for 12 consecutive months, acquire long-term residency in another EU country, or if the authorization was obtained fraudulently, among other reasons.
In Spain, dual citizenship is generally permitted, but with exceptions. While individuals typically need to renounce their original nationality to become Spanish citizens, those from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal, and Sephardic Jews and their descendants, can retain their original citizenship while becoming Spanish citizens.
Working in Spain can be a good experience due to its vibrant culture, relaxed work environment, and emphasis on work-life balance, with sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy offering opportunities. Spain is generally a safe country for international people to work, with a low crime rate and a welcoming culture, though it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
The Spanish job market is showing strong dynamism, with record employment levels and a decrease in unemployment, but unemployment remains high relative to the OECD average, particularly among young workers. the majority of the active workforce in Spain (77.6%) was from Spain itself, with a smaller portion coming from other EU member states (4.5%) and third countries (17.7%).
There are approximately 1,184 business consultant jobs in Spain listed on Glassdoor, with a broader search on LinkedIn showing 862 functional consultant jobs.
1. Business Consultant Jobs
2. Functional Consultant Jobs
3. Management Consultant Jobs
4. IT Consultant Jobs
5. Consulting Jobs
6. English-speaking jobs
7. Naukri.com
While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number of IT jobs specifically for Americans in Spain, the tech sector in Spain is experiencing growth and faces a talent shortage, with 120,000 vacancies in areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, and companies are increasingly open to international candidates.
1) Growing Tech Scene:
Spain’s tech sector is experiencing significant growth, with the Digital Spain 2025 agenda investing €12.25 billion, creating numerous opportunities, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Basque Country.
2) Talent Shortage:
Spain faces a shortage of tech talent, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 developer positions unfilled.
3) In-Demand Skills:
DevOps Engineers are particularly in demand, and while Spanish language skills are helpful, many tech companies, especially startups, use English as their primary language.
4) High-paying roles:
High-paying roles like blockchain developers and data scientists are in high demand, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona.
Here’s a more detailed look at some of the in-demand IT job titles in Spain:
1) Software Engineer.
2) Data Scientist
3) IT Manager
4) DevOps Engineer
5) Cybersecurity Specialist.
6) AI/ML Engineer
7) Network Engineer
8) IT Support Specialist
Mechanical and industrial engineers are in demand – as long as you have the education and experience to do the job. Just make sure that you can speak Spanish so you can communicate with coworkers.
Spain’s Healthcare System is a universal healthcare system, and it is considered to be one of the best in the world. Healthcare assistants, childcare professionals, and elderly care professionals are the most in-demand jobs.
Catering, restaurant, hotel, and bartending jobs are an excellent option for Americans looking for work in Spain. You’ll have the best chance of finding this type of work in the major tourist destinations, such as the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.
If you want to put your English language skills to work, you can find jobs as private tutors and university-level English teachers. Since the barrier of entry is relatively low, teaching is one of the most popular jobs in Spain for Americans and other native English speakers.
Not all teaching jobs require certification, but some require certification such as TEFL, CELTA, or TESOL. For more information on different English teaching certifications, check out this useful guide.
People are always looking to update and remodel their homes, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Plumbers and electricians are in need of this type of work, as are other skilled tradesmen such as mechanics and welders.
To get a work visa for Spain, your employer must first obtain a work permit on your behalf from the Ministry of Labor, then you apply for a work and residence visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.
To work in Spain as a highly-skilled employee, non-EU citizens need to find a job which is listed as a ‘Shortage Occupation’. This is a job for which there is a lack of suitable candidates within the EU. The employer must then request a Work Visa from the Ministry of Labour.
Work permit applications can take up to 8 months to process so forward planning is needed. Once the Ministry of Labour has approved the application, the embassy or consulate issue the work and residence visa.
The process of obtaining a Work Visa for Seasonal Workers is similar to the process for highly-skilled workers. Employers need to apply for the visa on the worker’s behalf from the Ministry of Labour.
In addition to this process, seasonal workers need to demonstrate they have suitable accommodation arranged, their travel costs are covered, and that they will return to their country once the job has finished. The visas are valid for the duration of the work contract.
To work in Spain as a freelance, it is necessary to apply for a Work Visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. The work visas are valid for one year but can be renewed if all the conditions are still met. The required documentation includes:
The EU Blue Card is for people who spent at least 3 years completing a higher education qualification which allows them to work as a skilled professional. People who have a minimum of 5 years’ professional experience at a high level are also eligible. The employer submits the application on the behalf of the applicant.
