Citizens of member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) which include the European Community (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Eire, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the U.K), Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, do not require visas or work permits and are free to enter Spain for up to three months to look for work or set up in business. Visitors, even if looking for work may be asked to prove that they have adequate means for the duration of their stay and that the cost of their return journey is guaranteed. Spouses and dependents of EEA citizens holding a passport of any other country outside the EEA, must obtain a visa prior to moving to Spain and applying for residence.
Registration with the National Police and application for the "Tarjeta de Residente Comunitario" is compulsory when taking up employment, setting up in business or when planning to reside there on a long term or permanent basis.
The Spanish Consulate does not keep information about job vacancies or accommodation. To find employment EEC citizens can contact any local State run Jobcentre "Oficinas de del Empleo". SEDOC, an EC institution, keeps information on vacancies throughout the European Community. Jobcenters in the UK can provide information about this service. Jobs, housing and accommodation are generally advertised in the press.
Citizens of countries outside the EEA with a view to reside in Spain either as a student, pensioner, person of independent means or investor need a residence visa and in addition a work permit if they intend to take employment or set up in business. Details on the requirments and applications for visas must be addressed to the Spanish Consulate in the country of origin or last country of residence.