Moving to Spain: Checklist

Make sure that you have all the right documents for your new life in Spain...

Before going to Spain to look for a job or for a selection interview, do not forget you will need the following documents:

Current EU/EEA passport or identity document.
Translated Curriculum Vitae (take several or use an electronic format that can be changed), business cards and references from your previous jobs, academic qualifications and courses.
‘E’ forms or a European Health Card issued by the Social Security in your country
E-301 forms to credit work period accrued in your country when necessary and/or E-303 if you wish to transfer the right to receive unemployment benefits to Spain. The maximum transfer period is 3 months.
Photocopy of your birth certificate and ‘family certificate’ (long birth certificate).
Certified translation of your qualifications, if appropriate.
Any other permits and licences you consider appropriate, eg. your driving licence.

Before accepting a job, check that:

You have a current EU/EEA passport or identity document.
You understand the terms and conditions of your work contract. It is important that you should be certain who is responsible for travel and accommodation expenses; your or your employer.
You are aware of the wage payment method and frequency.
You have accommodation in Spain
You have sufficient medical cover.
You have sufficient funds until you receive your first wages or return home, whichever applies.

Before returning to your country, it is important to:

Apply for form E 301 from your employment office, which certifies the contribution periods in Spain to be taken into account when calculating unemployment benefits.
Check you have kept all the personal documents certifying your working relationship in Spain (employment contract, appointments, etc.).
Settle your tax payments with the tax agency.

Remember that it is advisable to apply for these documents as soon as possible because they may take some time to process.

Text last edited on: 08/2010

Do you have a suggestion to improve this page? click here...