In order to hire a non-EU citizen and obtain a work permit, a company must demonstrate that he or she has a certain set of skills necessary for the position and they do not have EU candidates.

It is not impossible to satisfy these conditions, but some smaller firms are simply not willing to make the effort as they are typically not short of candidates.

EU citizens are not required to have work permits in order to hold a job in Spain. On the other hand, all non-EU nationals need both a work and a residency permit, which can be applied for at the same time. The type of permit required depends on the type of activity that you plan on undertaking.

The following permits are the primary ones issued in Spain:

• Type B: For those with a job offer from a company for a determined activity and geographic area. Later on, you can apply for a permit to carry out any activity in the whole country (Type B or C).

• Type A: Issued for limited time jobs such as building or plant construction, equipment installation, etc.

• Type T: Issued for short-term service contracts such as a consultant.

• Type D: For those who want to set up their own business. Issued to perform a specific activity in a determined area of the country. Upon renewal, this permit can be extended to any business in any part of the country.

For a more detailed explanation of the paperwork necessary to obtain a work permit, contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, unless you really enjoy the challenge of legal paperwork, it is best to have a legal advisor to assist you in the application procedure. The approval process itself takes anywhere from 2-6 months, so be ready for a long wait.