Employee or Self Employed

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, the publisher accepts no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions
Additionally, anyone, whether they are an EU citizen or from any other country, is advised to approach their own Consulate to obtain details of the most recent legislative regulations relating to their own particular situation. We would also recommend that the advice of an English speaking (or own language) Spanish lawyer is particularly advisable in completing work permit applications or if you are considering starting your own business.
Full-Time or Permanent Job Opportunities

The Facts

Unemployment is more than 20 per cent and thousands of people are looking for work.
Unless you speak Castilian (the Spanish National language) fairly fluently you will find very few permanent contracted jobs on offer and in some areas you may find that you also need one of the other 4 main regional languages. There may be a few exceptions, largely in the entertainment field or in the regional areas that have high English speaking expat communities, or perhaps in the yachting marine or environmental engineering industries but even these are very limited.
Nevertheless thousands come here every year looking for a land of milk and honey almost all thinking that the grass is greener over here.
If that is your intent, before committing your family to this adventure (and adventure is what it is) get hold of a Spanish English language newspaper and explore the vacancies section. You will quickly see that there are very few worth while jobs on offer without language qualification. Think again before you leap.
Self Employment Opportunities

Self employment opportunities are another story. There are, I believe, many golden opportunities but not for the unwary or those unwilling to work really hard at fitting in to the Spanish way of life. The English concept of everything Spanish being manana, is very wrong, the culture is different and some ways and customs are difficult, perhaps frustrating, for the new expat but this is their country, you are the foreigner and need to fit in. The Spaniard works hard and plays hard.
Don't forget that this is their country. One hears many stupid remarks (from tourists I hope). In a restaurant I've heard but it’s full of Spanish or they didn’t understand a word I said or again on going to the Hospital, the Dentist, or just the Do it Yourself store but they don't speak English. Why should they? How many medical staff, shop keepers or plumbers in England speak Spanish?
Note! A much larger proportion of Spaniards speak English than vice versa.
1000s of immigrants return to the UK each year totally disillusioned, mainly through lack of forethought, planning and preparation before they came.

1. Language Some people ignore the language problem, possibly OK if you are retiring into one of the many English enclaves and have a good pension to sustain you, but not if you want to work or offer your services to prospective employers or customers. Make every effort to learn Spanish, whatever your intentions, working or retirement, being able to converse, even poorly will make life in Spain much more acceptable and enjoyable. Communication leads to integration with your Spanish neighbours, a much more enjoyable life style and also leads to referrals and work opportunities. Spaniards love you to try speaking their language, they are so very friendly and don’t mind how many gaffs you make It is the trying that counts. See that all of the family take Spanish lessons. It is most important.
2. Marketing Even being a highly skilled technician, computer wiz boy or in one of the professions is not enough, unless you are very lucky. If you come to start a self employed business there is another factor that you must consider, you need the ability to market yourself. No one is looking for you; you have to find the clients/customers. This is a skill that the majority of people lack, regardless of how well qualified they may be in their particular trade or profession. Marketing ability or lack of it is often the win or fail factor.
3. Staying power Don't expect a Self Employed venture to take off like a rocket. It can take many months. It needs much hard work, you need to give quality and you need to build a reputation, a factor not helped if you don’t speak the language when visiting your material stockists. Lastly, you need money to sustain yourself and determination from the whole family.
   If you failed in business in the UK, don’t come to Spain thinking it will be so much easier. Analyse why you failed in the UK. Change your tactics. If you bring your family it must be a united decision, unwilling partners are an inbuilt time bomb to failure.
4. House prices are getting more expensive, but my advice is to find a long established Spanish estate agent. There has been a massive input of Get Rich Quick agents, many from England. Commissions of 5 - 10% and even 20% are not uncommon; some agents even charge both the seller and the buyer. Negotiate, don't accept it, try other agents. If you try hard some will agree 3%, better still tour around the area you like and try talking direct to owners with a Se Vende (for sale) notice on display. You can't expect to find a house and agent and get a good deal in a visit of just a few days.
5. Cost of Living in Spain Living in Spain is definitely considerably cheaper than in England whether it is buying the groceries or eating out. However to gain the real benefits you need to speak and read Spanish. Many expats even after several years still buy English packet foods, which incidentally are usually at least twice the price of local products. Learn the equivalent Spanish names of your favourite products e.g. Kellogs Corn Flakes at €2.90 over twice the cost of Copas de Maiz €0.99 and every bit as good in quality and taste, but unless you or the wife can understand the product names and descriptions you keep paying through the nose.
6. Opportunities - Are they there? Definitely yes, but like anything worthwhile, the more you put in the easier it becomes. The more homework you put in before coming the easier it will be. Visit the region and assess the opportunities for your particular skills and if there is a market need. Read as much as you can about Spain to learn which region you like; do your homework.

.........dave..