Question
“Can an EU citizen from another country live and work in Spain without the need for a work permit?”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Yes. Just need to apply for residency if staying >90 days.”
“It’s more a case of registering your presence. You have an absolute right to residency due to your Freedom of Movement, as long as you fulfill very basic criteria.”
“The short answer is yes, but you also need proof of funds to sustain yourself and health insurance.”
“No proof of funds or insurance is needed if the OP is working in Spain.”
“How much funds to show? That’s a good question and I haven’t had a hard answer to it yet but it’s around €7500 for the first year, and double for years 2 & 3 then the same again for 4 & 5.”
“If you’re working, zero. If not, around 10k.”
“How about the Spouse of an EU citizen? Can he/she live in Spain?” – “Yes, they can. Your non-EU spouse and children have residence rights in the EU.”
“Yes, but if you stay longer than 3 months you need a NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero). Easily obtained at the immigration police.”
“Yes, you can live and work in Spain as an EU citizen. However, if staying longer than 3 months, you must register as a resident in Spain at the local police office.
You will have to fill out the relevant form, show proof of funds for living (7300 euros) or a Spanish work contract, health insurance, state surcharge fee paid, City Hall Certificate. You will be issued a certificate of registration with your NIE number on it.”
Conclusion
EU citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without a work permit, thanks to the Freedom of Movement within the EU. However, if planning to stay for more than 90 days, registration as a resident is required.
This involves proving financial stability or having a Spanish work contract, and sometimes health insurance, depending on employment status.
Fees and processes may vary, and it’s essential to ensure that service providers offer fair pricing. Spouses of EU citizens also have residency rights in Spain, provided certain conditions are met.
