LIVE IN SPAIN
Too many people believe that finding a job in Spain is some sort of dream and they believe all the problems that they have in their current situation in life will be solved by moving to the sunny climate of Spain.
Many people arrive in Spain and take months to snap themselves out of holiday mode. By that time their money has dwindled and many find themselves in an extremely difficult financial situation.
The purpose of this article is to give you some advantages to living and working in Spain as well as the disadvantages – so you can pursue your quest to find a job in Spain with a healthy dose of reality and not with your head in the clouds. This will make for a more successful relocation.
Advantages of Living in Spain
Weather and Climate.
Certainly climate is by far the biggest reason people will look to find jobs in Spain.
The weather and climate is much kinder than other Northern European countries.
It should be pointed out that in the winter it certainly does get cold and many regions of Spain experience snow, ice and plenty of rain.
Having said that, Spain has a mild climate and the ability to often wake up to clear blue skies and warm sunshine is a blessing.
Beaches.
Most jobs in Spain will be located in the many popular tourist resorts up and down the coast. Typically these resorts will have wonderful sandy beaches and many bars and restaurants with great possibilities for nightlife. It does make for a very good way of life because everybody is much more relaxed and friendly.
Health.
The ability to be outdoors much more and perform many different sports activities is very much a massive advantage towards your health and longevity. As well as the many opportunities for exercise, the diet is also recognised as being extremely healthy and liable to add years to your life.
Culture.
Moving to Spain is a great cultural experience which will widen your horizons and that of your family. If you have children they will pick up and become fluent in Spanish and meet many nationalities and experience many cultural differences.
Flights.
Spain is a great choice if you’re looking for work because it is only a short flight away from the United Kingdom and other countries such as Germany and France. Usually in about 2½ hours you can be back in UK with one of the many cheap flights from Ryanair or EasyJet.
Friendly.
The Spanish people are typically very friendly once you show that you are willing to make an effort to integrate and speak their language. Certainly they have a great attitude towards enjoying life and making the most of it, just look at the amount of fiestas (festivals) and holidays they have as evidence!
STUDY IN SPAIN
Spain Student Visa
International students who wish to study abroad in Spain will likely need to obtain a student visa. Spain welcomes thousands of students to its universities and colleges every year, and its educational prestige is renowned globally. This is why Spain is a top study destination for internationals who wish to receive a quality education while enjoying the climate, great outdoors, and the numerous opportunities Spain offers. Although many countries are eligible for visa-free travel to Spain, citizens of other countries must obtain some type of visa before becoming eligible to pursue studies in Spain.
Find all you need to know about the student visa to Spain just below:
If you are an international student from countries outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you will need to apply for a visa to study in Spain. American citizens wishing to study in Spain will only need a student visa if their program’s duration is more than 90 days. If they are visiting for less than 90 days for study purposes, they will not need to apply for a Spanish student visa. International students from non-EU/EEA countries wishing to conduct research, training, or pursue their studies in Spain must apply for a student visa.
International students from EU/EEA member countries and Switzerland will only need to apply for a residence card at Spanish authorities and do not need to undergo the process of applying for a student visa to Spain. Anyone else will have to apply for a Spanish student visa and submit proof of financial stability or health insurance. There are three main types of student visas for international students wishing to pursue their studies at Spanish universities.
Types of Spanish Student Visa
There are several various visas available for international students wishing to study in Spain. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality and your program’s duration.
Here are the different types of student visas in Spain:
Schengen Student Visa (Less Than 3 Months)
International students from countries other than EU/EEA member states and Switzerland will need to apply for a Schengen Student Visa for courses shorter than 90 days.
On the other hand, students from countries that do not need a visa to travel to Spain for up to 90 days are eligible to pursue studies in Spain without applying for a visa (if the study program is shorter than 90 days).
Short-Term Student Visa (3-6 Months)
The short-term student visa or the 180-days D type visa allows students to undergo a study course that lasts up to 180 days (3-6 months). These student visas have a less complicated application process and cannot be extended. Through a short-term student visa, the student can take up any short-course. If the course duration is longer than 180 days, the student should apply for a long-term student visa to Spain.
Long-Term Student Visa (Over 6 Months)
The long-term student visa to Spain allows you to undertake courses longer than six months in Spain. You will be eligible to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs and reside in Spain for the duration of your study program. The application process for this type of visa requires more paperwork than the previously mentioned type of visas. You will need to provide proof of financial resources and medical insurance.
After obtaining a long-term Spanish student visa, international students should also apply for a student residence card within a month after arrival. (More on this at the FAQs section
INVEST IN SPAIN (EU)
Start, manage and grow a business
Europe is full of business opportunities. It’s important you’re aware of the rules when it comes to setting up a business, including value added tax (VAT) and customs, product standards, and employment. There are also several EU funds that you can benefit from as a small business.
Find out how to launch your start-up and what the legal requirements are. There is also information on how to protect your business ideas, rules on annual accounts and mergers with foreign companies, and how to make the most of the staff exchange scheme.
Find out the rules on VAT, excise duties, parent companies and their subsidiaries, company tax, or check if a business is registered to trade in Europe (EU VAT number).
Product standards & compliance
Standards are voluntary guidelines that provide technical specifications for certain goods, services and processes to help protect the environment and consumer health. Before you can sell a product in an EU country, it must comply with the rules that apply in that country and throughout the EU.
Find out the requirements set by EU law on the terms of employment for staff, changes to work contracts and on informing and consulting staff. There are also specific rules for transport sector workers and posted workers (employees hired in one country but employed in another).
Supporting small to medium-sized businesses
Small to medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Europe’s economy, and account for 99% of all businesses in the EU. They are therefore key to the EU’s twin ambition to create a sustainable and digital economy.
The EU offers support to small businesses through local, regional or national authorities. Financial intermediaries such as banks and venture capital firms also provide funding with in the form of EU-guaranteed loans, lease finance and equity funding.
Helping small businesses expand their horizons
To help small to medium-sized businesses export and invest beyond the EU, the Commission provides information on access to markets and matchmaking opportunities.
The Enterprise Europe Network helps small to medium-sized businesses with international ambitions. You’ll find expert advice, contacts and events to connect you with the right international partners and help you grow your business.