Jobs in Spain for Poles without Knowing Spanish.
Is it possible for you to work in Spain without speaking the language? With some creativity and motivation, anything is possible!
As an EU citizen, you are privileged and can start working in Spain without permission, and you can find a job there even if you don't speak Spanish.
However, does this mean that you don't need to know any other foreign language? Speaking English is a good idea; the more fluent you are, the better. While it's true that not every Spaniard speaks English, it does open up more professional opportunities (in a corporation, for example).
For some people, travelling without Spanish skills can be a great opportunity to learn the language in a natural environment. It all depends on how long you plan to stay in Spain.
Where is the easiest place to find a job without knowing the language?
It all depends on how long you plan to stay in Spain.
When going for 2-3 months, you can find work in:
Typical tourist destinations where knowledge of English or German is required (Mallorca, Barcelona, Madrid, Benidorm, Valencia, Costa Brava, Seville, or Palma)
The gastronomy or hospitality industries
Seasonal work: agricultural industry (picking fruits, vegetables, and flowers) or in production (packer, warehouse worker)
Workation - a form of work that allows you to combine the duties performed with leisure.
If you plan to stay for several years or even permanently, you can:
Sign a remote work contract with one or more employers.
Become an entrepreneur (self-employed), for example, by opening an agency that will manage the properties of other Poles - you can read about it in my text: "To outsource the management of a rental property, or not to outsource - that is the question?"
Become a freelancer working remotely: graphic design, UX design, data science, marketing, social media and video, copywriting, translations, proofreading, transcription, data logging, opinion polling, consulting, programming, web design testing, application development or music composition.
Become a blogger and build your business (for this, however, you need creativity, perseverance, and time).
If you have adequate funds, you can even buy real estate in Spain and become an annuitant.
When seeking employment with a Spanish employer, it is a good idea to look for a job that meets your criteria before moving to Spain: ThinksSpain, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, TheLocal, or look for jobs you can do remotely, such as https://weworkremotely.com.
The recruitment process itself is typically online.
Perhaps your friend has been in Spain for a long time and better understands the process. It's always worth asking. You can also join social media expat groups that have sprung up to help each other abroad.
Many workers in Spain are paid 14 rather than 12 salaries. The minimum monthly wage for a full-time job is currently €950 (paid 14 times a year - double in December for Christmas and July for holidays).
As you can see, there are many different options. It all depends on you and your creativity.
What should you do to work in Spain legally?
Obtain a social security number (Número de Seguridad Social) - it is necessary to pay taxes in Spain. You'll need to fill out a TA1 form in Spanish and take it to the nearest local branch of the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social.
Get a certificate of registration (Certificado empadronamiento) - you can get one at the city hall (Ayuntamiento) or its neighbourhood branch (Centro civico). You'll need a passport or ID card and receipts from your landlord.
Obtain an N.I.E. (Foreigner Identification Number) - this requires an appointment and then a meeting at the local police station or Spanish Embassy before you leave. You will need an appointment time confirmation, your passport (original and photocopy), a completed EX-18 form (original and photocopy), a copy of your employment contract, and a completed Form 790 authorising payment for the NIE (about €10.71). The first N.I.E. number is assigned temporarily. You must repeat the procedure after three months to receive the final document.
Register with a doctor - getting a health card is very important because it entitles you to medical care. All you need to do is go to the nearest health centre (Centro de salud) and enrol. You will need your N.I.E. number or ID card.
What else should you do before going to Spain?
Open a currency (multi-currency) account, which you can also use in Spain - when employed by a Spanish company, your earnings will be in Euros. This doesn't mean you have to have a Spanish bank account; it may be the most convenient, though not the cheapest, option. You can pay all your bills from this account. The most popular banks in Spain are Santander, BBVA, Banco Sabadell and CaixaBank. When opening a bank account in Spain, you will need to provide the following documents:
Identity card.
Proof of registration.
N.I.E. number.
What should you do to become an entrepreneur in Spain?
The simplest form of business is a sole proprietorship (Autónomo). Before starting the process, though, check that your Polish qualifications also allow you to practice in Spain.
In some cases, it is necessary to have your qualifications recognised in Spain and to be enrolled in the appropriate professional chamber (Convenios Colectivos). This applies to doctors, lawyers, and architects, to name a few.
Setting up a Sole Proprietorship in Spain in 4 Steps:
Apply for a residence permit to work in Spain.
Obtain a Social Security Number (Número de Seguridad Social). The number is issued by La Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (the equivalent of our Social Security Administration) based on the TA1 form.
Those with a qualified electronic signature can complete this procedure online.
Submit form 036 (full) or 037 (simplified) to the tax office (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria). Select the code that describes your activity when registering (Epígrafes del Impuesto de Actividades Económicas).
Register the activity with the Spanish branch of the Social Security Administration (Delegación de Seguridad Social) through form TA 0521/1.
Spanish Labour Law:
For information on Spanish labour law, visit the ICLG website.
Before signing an employment contract with a Spanish company, familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities. The key points to know are: how many hours per week you will work, how many days of paid vacation you are entitled to, what is the notice period, and what rules will govern your salary payment.
Income Tax:
You may have to pay income tax in Poland. This depends on how much time you work in Spain and whether you have earned income in Poland during the tax year. You can read more about this in the article: "DIRECTION – SPAIN", which I invite you to read!
I highly encourage you to learn basic Spanish vocabulary; it will help you to communicate with the locals. Spaniards will appreciate your efforts, and you can avoid potential misunderstandings.
But… the decision is yours!
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