You already know that if you live in Europe you have little problems traveling back and forth to Spain. In fact to see how many different nationalities are over there working, just stop and look around for a bit. When you get to Spain, if you are a European citizen you do need to get a NIE number in order to work.



This is what will put you into the Spanish tax system. But it seems that you need to either purchase property or a car in order to get a NIE number in Spain. It used to be that when you would get into Spain, you could simply go to the local police with your passport and fill out some forms quickly, and you would be applying for your NIE number.

But now you will need to have a reason for why you are seeking a NIE number. What's really cool is that most employers will arrange for you to get your NIE number if you get hired. One thing you will find out about getting a position in Spain is that it will be very hard for you to get a full time job.

Employers don't really like to do this in Spain, because it gives the employees too many rights. An employee can take time off work for a month or two because of a doctor's visit, and the employer is unable to replace the person.

Or you could look for "autonomo" work in Spain. Basically it's like you are your own employer, or self-employed. Many jobs like to hire people who will work under this basis. In order to set this type of work up, you will have to get the services of an accountant. They will take care of registering you at the tax office, stating that you are self employed, and in being so you will hand in quarterly and annual accounts.

Try and make sure that the person you pick speaks good English, because you will be relying on them to do your tax returns. If you are self-employed in Spain, each month you will have to deposit money into your social security. The minimum at present you can put into that account is 235 Euros each month. With doing this it will open up the "national health" system to you and also make sure you have a pension when you retire.

If you want to you can pay more into social security, which will give you higher benefits and pensions. When taking a job that is self-employed in Spain, make sure that you take into account any other fees you may require such as social security and accountant fees. You will also need to make an invoice for what you earn each month.

You can either have your accountant do this or do it yourself. Just make sure you keep the records properly. If you are working autonomo, on the invoice you will also need to include Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Fisicas (IRPF) You as an autonomo will also pay your taxes (VAT) every quarter, and at the end of the year it will be audited to make sure you paid the right amount.

It's very difficult to understand all the laws perfectly for this type of work, that's why it is important that you hire an accountant to help out.