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INTRODUCTION

All European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without a work permit. EU and EEA nationals working in Spain will have the same rights as Spanish nationals with regard to pay, working conditions, access to housing, vocational training, social security and trade union membership. Families and immediate dependants are entitled to join them and have similar rights.

Up-to-date advice about immigration and registration documents should be sought from the Spanish Consulate before you leave for Spain.

They should also register their arrival and current address in Spain with their  nearest British Consulate office.

FINDING WORK FROM THE UK

EURES

The Employment Service in the UK is part of a European network known as EURES (European Employment Services). EURES exists specifically to help individuals looking for work in the EU and EEA. It provides a vacancy exchange service and an information and advisory service.

Both of these services are delivered through a combination of Jobcentres and a network of specialist “Euro-advisers”.

Jobcentres can provide general information on living and working in Spain. However, more detailed guidance is available from one of the Employment Service’s Team of Euro-advisers

Euro-advisers are specially trained employment advisers who, as well as providing advice and information, can also give practical information and Jobs Vacancy database.

Lists of Euro-advisors can be obtained in through local Jobcentre or through INTERNET: http://europa.eu.int/jobs/eures

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES IN THE UK

Some UK Employment Agencies who deal with work abroad are registered with the Federation of Recruitment and Employment Services (FRES). By writing to FRES outlining the type of employment you are looking for, they may be able to provide a list of suitable agencies licensed by the Department of Education and Employment. There will be a small administration charge for this service. Their address is:

       FRES

       36-38 Mortimer St.

       London W1N 7RB

A useful directory for professionals, executives and managers is the CEPEC Recruitment Guide, which lists recruitment agencies and search consultants in the UK. Many of these deal with overseas assignments. Local public reference libraries may well have this guide. It can also be purchased direct from:

       CEPEC

       Lilly House

       13 Hanover Square

       London W1R 9HD

ONCE IN SPAIN

The Spanish equivalent of a UK Jobcentre is an “Oficina de Empleo” and EU and EEA citizens are free to use its services.

The Oficinas de Empleo are run by the Servicios Públicos de Empleo (SPE), before INEM, the SPE is the only employment and recruitment agency allowed to operated in Spain for permanent work. Staff can assist in finding a job, vocational training and setting up your own business.

Oficinas de Empleo can be found in all cities and most towns. Look for their address in the telephone directory.

Private agencies in Spain are only allowed to operate for temporary placing (TEMPs). For names and addresses look in the Yellow Pages (Páginas Amarillas) or google under “Empresas de Trabajo Temporal - España”  http://directorios.netfirms.com/trabajo_temporal/).

The major newspapers in Spain include El País, ABC, La Vanguardia, El Mundo have recruitment sections. All regional newspapers also have vacancy sections.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY

If you are getting UK contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and have been registered as available for work for at least four weeks at a UK Jobcentre, you may be able to carry on getting UK contribution-based JSA for up to three months while you look for work in Spain. Your local Jobcentre will give you advice about the forms you will need and how to claim benefit once in Spain.

EU/EEA citizens should obtain certificate E301 from the Department of Social Security, Overseas Branch, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE98 1YX (0191 2253963). This will show the amount of social security insurance they have made in the UK. These contributions can help you to obtain benefits in Spain if you loose your job in Spain.

PENSIONS

Under EU Regulations, if you work in two or more EU countries you will be able to combine state pension contributions paid in each country in order to qualify for a state pension. For more information contact the Overseas Branch of the DSS at the following address:

       Department of Work and Pensions

       Overseas Branch

       Benton Park View

Longbenton

Newcastle Upon Tyne

       NE98 1YX

        Te. 0191 225 3060

If you are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit in the UK, you may be able to transfer payment to Spain. Ask at your local DSS for further information.

HEALTH

Medical care is administered trough the INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE GESTIÓN SANITARIA (old INSALUD), although the responsibility for the day to day administration falls with the Regional Health Authority.

If you are unemployed and looking for work in Spain, you may get health care cover from the UK for yourself and for any members of your family who depend on you and who go with you, under the Spanish Health System. But this cover will only be for a limited time. How long it will last depends on whether you can still get UK short time Incapacity Benefit if you claimed it. When this ends the UK will not give you any more health cover. If you think you can get health care cover from the UK write to the Benefits Agency to ask for forms E 106.

f you are receiving your Jobseeker’s Allowance while looking for a job in Spain, the British Social Security will issue you the form E-119, in order to receive free medical care while your benefits last.

EU State pensioners should obtain Form E-121 from the British Social Security before living this country.

For more information about these Forms you should contact the following address:

       Benefits Agency

       Pensions and Overseas Benefits Directorate

       Department of Social Security

       Newcastle Upon Tyne

       NE98 1YX               Tel. 0191 225 6506

If you are making contributions through your employer to the Spanish Social Security System, then you will be issued with a social security card (cartilla de la seguridad social)

The Department of Health has produced a leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers Within the EU” which is available from post offices in the UK.

TAXATION

Income Tax is called Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF). IRPF is deducted at source and completed through the annual self-assessment form. This can result in a positive or negative tax bill.

The UK has a Double Taxation Agreement with the Spanish government to prevent double taxation. For further information on this matter contact your tax office or local tax enquiry centre in the UK.

OTHER  INFORMATION

The Spanish Consulate can give you information and advice about immigration and residence procedures, importing household goods or taking pets to Spain. The Spanish Tourist Office can give information about transport, short term accommodation, etc.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

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