Spain has recently seen significant shifts in its labor market, especially when it comes to opportunities to work in Spain for foreign workers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and the process for individuals from other countries to legally work in Spain.
1. Changes in the Labor Market to Work in Spain
Historically, those looking to work in Spain faced challenges, especially if they were from abroad. The permits granted were often limited to highly qualified professionals or those with special characteristics as per the regulations. However, companies in Spain wanting to hire specific workers, whether foreign or Spanish, and couldn’t find them within the national territory, encountered significant difficulties.
The main obstacle was the “catalog of hard-to-fill occupations” (Catálogo de ocupaciones de difícil cobertura). For years, this list determined which jobs were considered hard to fill for those wanting to work in Spain. If an occupation wasn’t on that list, hiring foreign workers for that role was challenging.
2. Recent Modifications for Those Wanting to Work in Spain
The catalog has recently undergone modifications, enhancing the opportunities to work in Spain. Although the changes aren’t drastic, it now includes profiles from the construction sector, such as fitters or installers of metal carpentry, PVC, and aluminum, crane drivers, and electricians.
3. The Process to Work in Spain
Despite these changes, it’s essential to understand that merely having one of these skills doesn’t automatically guarantee an opportunity to work in Spain. Here is the process:
- Job Search in Spain: The first step is to find a job offer. It’s not the foreign worker who initiates the application, but the employer in Spain. Therefore, actively searching for employment and establishing contacts in the country is crucial.
- Application to Work in Spain: Once an employer decides to hire a foreign worker, they must start a procedure at the foreign office in their city. This application will include several documents that prove the requirements for hiring are met.
- Visa for Work in Spain: If the foreign office approves the application, the worker must apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate in their country. This visa is essential to legally enter and work in Spain.
- Arrival and Formalities to Work in Spain: Once in Spain, the employer must register the worker with social security. Only after this step does the residence permit come into effect. Finally, the worker can obtain their foreign identity card (TIE) and begin to work in Spain.
4. The Unemployment trends in Spain
In the second quarter of 2023, Spain’s unemployment rate stood at 11.6 percent, making it one of the European Union countries with the highest unemployment rates. This figure is a stark contrast to the third quarter of 2005 when the rate was approximately 8.4 percent, marking the lowest in the period under consideration. By the third quarter of 2009, this rate had more than doubled. Fortunately, by 2016, Spain began to see a decline in its unemployment figures.
Spain’s unemployment rate percentage by Quarter (2005-2023). Chart source: Statista
The demographic most affected by unemployment is teenagers aged 16 to 19 years. Data from recent quarters highlights that unemployment reached its zenith in the first quarter of 2013, with around 6.28 million Spaniards out of work. By the same quarter in 2023, this number had decreased by over 3 million, indicating a positive shift in employment opportunities in Spain.
The European Union’s Employment Landscape
In July 2023, Spain led the European countries with the highest unemployment rate, nearing 12 percent. This rate is significantly higher than the European Union’s average unemployment rate of 6.4 percent during the same period. When focusing on youth unemployment, the European Union recorded a rate of 13.9 percent in July 2023. The disparity among countries is evident: Greece and Spain had the highest youth unemployment rates at 23.2 and 27 percent respectively, while Germany had the lowest, with only 5.6 percent of its youth unemployed.
Conclusion
For both employers and workers aiming to work in Spain, being well-informed about the process and meeting all the requirements is essential. Acting without the right information can lead to legal complications. If you have questions or need advice about how to work in Spain, consulting an expert in the field, such as an immigration expert, is advisable.
