Article by Sam Tinkenger

Working in Spain will broaden your horizons. EU citizens are able to move to Spain and work with just a valid passport. Immigrants from the Common Market will not have to apply for visas or permits. Non-EU nationals do require a work permit from you local Spanish Consulate. Working families love Spain which is a splendid nation. The self employed love it also.

You’ll enjoy a way of life that allows you to barbecue, sunbath and enjoy the ‘sporting life’ year round. Countless discount airlines fly the three-hour flight to Spain from most European centers. With the advent of high-speed broadband, and the excellent telecommunications network, with the correct documentation, immigrants will be issued a work permit in Spain to work from home. They might even be working for the same company they’ve always been employed with, but only in Spain, and perhaps even keep their same income.

Spain has the seventh best healthcare system in the world. Spanish employees and the self-employed will benefit from the first class healthcare system with their companies paying into the social security system. If your young family includes school edged children, they’ll benefit from a first rate education system. The advantage to living and working in Spain is that your children can be educated in the public school system, or be enrolled in International or foreign schools. The latter two systems are private systems.

Spain’s claim to fame is its Costa Blanca climate that pretty much says it for the rest of the nation. The Costa Calida and Murcia has the cleanest air in Europe. The Costas and Southern Spain offer year round sun, mild and dry winters and hot summers. Spain offers numerous benefits but don’t just move to Spain on a whim. It’s a large decision and must be planned carefully in order to be successful, if you’re of working age it’s important that you have a firm job.

With employment scarce, you’ll stand a better chance at work if you learn the language. Having knowledge of Spanish will give you greater opportunities and employment choices. Having learned Spanish, you will put your qualifications and certificates in order. Find out if they’re recognized in Spain. Ask your local Spanish Consulate for advice about your facility with Spanish and qualifications.

Register with the National Employment Institute that has offices across Spain and on the Internet (www.inem.es.) There are numerous Internet job sites including the following (empleo.com), (eurojobs.com), (monster.es), and (trabajo). Don’t forget the print and their websites. Look in expatriate publications too. Immigrating to a different country involves much planning so research well including all the legalities, house purchases, and health coverage. Seek advice from professionals and expats who have already successful found work. Living in Spain can be terrific but you ought to plan your venture so that it will be successful.