| Before beginning a job search in Spain, you should | | | | Once you have secured employment, many workers |
| know that the wages are typically lower than those | | | | will receive a contract of at least six months from |
| in other parts of Europe, such as the northern cities. | | | | their employer. This is a guarantee that a foreign |
| Despite lower wages, the cost of living is also | | | | worker will be given the same rights as other Spanish |
| reduced, which helps to promote better overall living | | | | employees. It is especially important to carefully |
| in Spain. | | | | review any contracts and when needed, taking |
| When looking to qualify for work in Spain, most | | | | documents to a translator if you do not speak |
| qualifications obtained anywhere else in the European | | | | Spanish. Usually, temporary contracts are offered for |
| Union are acceptable. While foreigners are accepted | | | | 3-, 6-, or 9 months. Once a contract expires, your |
| into the workforce in Spain, those who come from | | | | employer must offer a new agreement with a longer |
| outside of the European Union must obtain a Spanish | | | | term. In Spain, it is against policy to keep assigning |
| work permit in order to gain employment. | | | | short-term contracts. |
| Sometimes, getting a work permit is rather difficult, | | | | Working in Spain also differs than in other countries |
| as many Spanish employers refrain from hiring | | | | because the workday includes what is called a |
| someone that does not have an existing work | | | | "siesta." In the afternoon, workers customarily take a |
| permit. This often causes confusion and frustration, | | | | break that lasts about 2 to 3 hours long. At this time, |
| as work permits are difficult to obtain without | | | | most businesses shut down and reopen during the |
| proving guaranteed employment awaits your arrival. | | | | evening (when the weather is cooler). |