Unity Europe
Link number 1 includes all information relating to migration in Spain. When entry to Spain is for a stay of less than ninety days, it is subject to the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of 9 March 2016. The requirements for such a stay are:
Link number 2 The webpage provides detailed information about national visas for Spain. It explains that third-country nationals need a national visa for stays longer than 90 days for purposes such as work, study, or residence. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa but must register in Spain. The page outlines the application process, necessary documents, scheduling appointments, attending interviews, and receiving decisions. It also includes contact details for inquiries and information on data protection and legal rights. Link number 3 The webpage provides information for non-EU citizens wishing to study in Spain. It outlines the requirements to obtain a student visa, including admission to a recognized educational institution, proof of financial means, health insurance, and necessary documentation. The page details the application process, where to apply, and the duration and renewal of permits. It also covers rights during studies, such as the ability to work, and information on family reunification and mobility within the EU. Link number 4 The webpage provides detailed information on how to apply for asylum within Spanish territory. It outlines the steps to request an appointment, register the request, and formalise the application through an interview. The page also includes details on required documentation, the right to legal aid and interpreter services, and what happens after the interview. Additionally, it provides guidance on renewing documentation and communicating with the Asylum and Refugee Office (OAR). Link number 5 The EU Immigration Portal provides practical information for non-EU citizens about coming to work, study, or join family in the EU. It includes guidance on visas, rights, and obligations for stays over 90 days, and provides details on moving between EU countries. It also covers specific categories like the EU Blue Card, preventing human trafficking, and offers resources like the European Migration Network. It can be searched by country and a variety of profiles such as:
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1. Spanish migration portal https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones/
2. Visa for Spain
3. Study residence in Spain for non-EU citizens
4. Applying for Asylum within the Spanish Territory
5. EU Immigration Portal (search for Spain) |
Foreign workers in Spain have the right to fair working conditions, including non-discrimination, health and safety protections, and social security benefits. They are entitled to wages in line with Spanish labour laws and collective agreements. Foreign employees must comply with Spanish labour regulations, have the necessary work and residence permits, and fulfil tax obligations. They can join unions and are protected by Spanish employment laws, which provide mechanisms for dispute resolution and labour rights enforcement. For comprehensive information on employment duties and rights for foreigners in Spain under a legal perspective, consider these useful links:
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1. Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy
2 SEPE (Public State Employment Service): https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/en/
3. European Commission - Your Europe https://europa.eu/youreurope/index_en.htm
4. Guide to Working in Spain (Expatica) https://www.expatica.com/es/working/
5. Eu blue card https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/eu-blue-card/spain_en |
To obtain Spanish citizenship, the main requirements include:
For detailed information on citizenship laws for foreigners in Spain from a legal perspective, the following links are useful:
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1. Ministry of Justice (Spain) - Nationality https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/ciudadania/nacionalidad
2. Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/home
3. Your Europe – Citizens https://europa.eu/youreurope/index_en.htm
4. Expatica - Spanish Citizenship https://www.expatica.com/es/moving/visas/spanish-citizenship-107634/ |
Spain, unlike other countries in the European Union, is a very open, warm and casual country in its social relations and customs. So much so that even some of the Spanish customs are sometimes offensive in other countries, for example talking loudly on public transport or arriving a few minutes late for an event. Among the main social norms in Spain, we find those related to food. In Spain, breakfast can take place at any time from 7:00 to almost 12:00, depending on what time a person starts the day. However, lunch is usually between 14:00 and 16:00, and dinner between 21:00 and 22:30, a somewhat later time compared to other countries. In link 1 you will find a series of very useful social norms for day-to-day life related to food. For example, in Spain when someone invites you home for lunch or dinner, it is common to bring a small gift as a thank you, something that can be shared, such as pastries or a bottle of wine. It is also well seen to scrape your plate with bread and offer others to refill their glass. In link 2 you will find an atlas of Spanish etiquette, from the most basic (how to greet when entering an establishment or elevator) or visits to someone's home (extending the visit to the "sobremesa"). In link 3 you will find another very complete list of etiquette and manners in Spain, which includes topics such as punctuality, how to greet (in Spain the most common thing to do when you meet someone is to greet with two kisses), humour or even topics of conversation. |
1. Spanish etiquette rules related to food https://www.yourlifeinspain.com/12-normas-etiqueta-espana-comida/
2. Spanish etiquette https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/spanish-culture/spanish-culture-etiquette
3. Spanish etiquette and manners https://www.expatica.com/es/living/integration/etiquette-in-spain-108364/ |
Spain is a non-denominational state, so no religion has a state character. Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 guarantees ideological, religious and worship freedom without limitations. Therefore, it is common for different religions to coexist in the country, although due to the history of the country, there are many traditions related to Christianity. Link 1 includes useful information about the celebration of Christmas in Spain, while link 3 includes information about other traditions and festivities you should know about. Link 2 includes an in-depth analysis of cultural life in Spain, mixed with some history and general culture. In terms of gender roles, in Spain men and women are equal under the law, and although there are still certain stereotypes and social inequalities, as a general rule there is gender equality, and it is very common for both men and women to work, etc. Likewise, the LGTBI collective is generally respected, although there are isolated cases of discrimination. |
1. Christmas in Spain https://www.yourlifeinspain.com/navidad-espana-costumbres-tradiciones/
2. Cultural life https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain/Housing#ref70314
3. Spanish Traditions https://www.nomadasexperience.com/travel/tradiciones-de-espana-costumbres-y-curiosidades/ |
Finding settlement services for foreigners in Spain, especially for housing, can be facilitated through various organisations and websites:
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1. Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration https://www.inclusion.gob.es/web/migraciones
2. Spanish Commission for Refugee Assistance (CEAR)
3. Red Cross Spain
4. Idealista
5. Fotocasa https://www.fotocasa.es/ |
Employment support services for foreigners in Spain aim to facilitate smooth integration into the Spanish workforce and society, ensuring they have the necessary tools and support to succeed professionally and personally.
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1. SEPE
2. EURES Spain https://europa.eu/eures/portal/jv-se/home?lang=es
3. Talentoteca
4.Global network of Spanish Chabers of Commerce https://www.camara.es/red-global |
The official certificate for Spanish language proficiency is known as the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE), which is issued by the Instituto Cervantes (Link number 1) on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the University of Salamanca. The DELE certificates are internationally recognized and are divided into six levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
Each level corresponds to progressively higher proficiency in Spanish language skills, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The DELE exams assess these skills through standardised tests, and candidates can choose the level that matches their current proficiency. Moreover, for foreigners in Spain seeking to improve their Spanish language skills, there are several helpful resources available. These include popular apps like Duolingo (link number 2) and Babbel (link number 3), which offer interactive courses focusing on practical conversation skills. Additionally, SpanishDict (link number 4) provides online tools such as dictionaries and grammar guides, while Tandem (link number 5) offers a platform for language exchange with native speakers. Busuu (link number 6) features interactive exercises and grammar lessons tailored for Spanish learners. Many cities in Spain also have local language schools offering intensive courses for all levels, and Meetup (link number 7) provides opportunities to join language exchange meetups and conversation groups locally. These resources cater to diverse learning preferences, from formal education to casual practice in community settings. |
1. Instituto Cervantes
2. Duolingo
3. Babbel
4. SpanishDict
5. Tandem
6. Busuu
7. Meetup |
Some useful links for legal aid specifically tailored for foreigners in Spain are:
Moreover, Local Legal Aid Offices (Oficinas de Asistencia en Materia de Registro de Extranjeros) offer assistance with administrative procedures related to foreign nationals, including legal consultations. Contact your local police station or town hall for specific information. Finally, your Embassy or Consulate will provide assistance and information on legal matters concerning your nationality while in Spain. Contact details can usually be found on your country's embassy or consulate website. These resources offer valuable legal assistance and guidance for foreigners living or planning to live in Spain, covering a range of issues from residency and immigration to consumer rights and legal consultations. |
1. N26 - Moving to Spain https://n26.com/en-es/moving-to-spain
2. Spanish Bar Association
3. European Consumer Centre Spain (ECC Spain)
4. European Judicial Network – Spain https://www.ejn-crimjust.europa.eu/ejn2021/ContentDetail/EN/5/29 |
The Spanish public healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and is financed by social security contributions and taxes. It is a universal healthcare system in which all Spaniards and foreigners with legal residence in Spain are entitled to a health card, which guarantees free healthcare. However, all persons are guaranteed basic health care. Although health laws are regulated at national level, this is managed in a specific way by each Autonomous Community, so the processing of the health card is subject to different procedures in each of them. More info in link 1 and 2. To obtain the individual health card, the general requirements are:
The procedure for the individual health card can be done at a health centre in your town (in link 3 there is a search engine for medical centres). For more info, you can obtain an appointment with a Social Security office, here. Likewise, any person can access private health care upon payment or contracting a private insurance policy. |
1. Info on access to healthcare https://help.unhcr.org/spain/en/donde-encontrar-ayuda-espana/acceso-a-sanidad/
2. Info on the Spanish healthcare system https://www.expatica.com/es/healthcare/healthcare-basics/healthcare-in-spain-101467/
3. Search engine for medical centres https://www.sanidad.gob.es/ciudadanos/centrosCA.do
4. Model TA.1 https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Trabajadores/Afiliacion/10817/31190/572 |
Here are some useful links and resources for educational opportunities specifically tailored for foreigners in Spain:
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1. Studying in Spain https://www.studying-in-spain.com/
2. Spanish Universities https://www.universidades.gob.es/listado-de-universidades/
3. Erasmus Spain |
Immigrant integration programmes in Spain often include professional development opportunities tailored for foreigners. Here are some initiatives and organisations that focus on helping immigrants enhance their professional skills and integrate into the workforce:
Moreover, various mentoring initiatives exist in Spain that pair immigrants with professionals in their field to provide guidance and support in career development. Local organisations and chambers of commerce often facilitate such programmes. These resources offer opportunities for foreigners in Spain to enhance their professional skills, network with industry professionals, and advance their careers through education and training tailored to various fields and interests. |
1. Youth Employment (SEPE)
2. Acción contra el Hambre https://www.accioncontraelhambre.org/es
3. Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports in English
4. Spanish Chambers of Commerce https://www.camara.es/red-global
5. ESADE Executive Education https://www.esade.edu/executive-education/en/
6. IE Business School |
In terms of National Networks for Immigrants and Foreigners some useful links and resources of community organisations in Spain that can help them build relationships and integrate into the host community are:
Moreover, many religious institutions, churches, mosques, synagogues, etc. and the same goes for local community centres or civic organisations in Spain organise community events and provide support networks for their members. Contact local institutions in your area. These resources offer opportunities for immigrants and foreigners in Spain to connect with the local community, build relationships, and participate in social events and activities that promote integration and cultural exchange |
1. Red Cross Spain
2. Caritas Spain
3. Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP)
4. InterNations Spain https://www.internations.org/spain-expats
5. Expat.com Spain |
In Spain there are various volunteering opportunities specifically tailored for immigrants and foreigners and here is a selection of useful links:
These are only a few of the huge offer of volunteering opportunities across different sectors and regions in Spain, providing immigrants and foreigners with ways to contribute to the community, gain valuable experience, and integrate into Spanish society. |
1. Hacesfalta.org https://www.hacesfalta.org/oportunidades/
2. European Solidarity Corps https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering_en
3. Red Cross Spain https://www2.cruzroja.es/voluntariado
4. Caritas Spain https://www.caritas.es/voluntariado/
5. Idealist Spain |
There is a huge variety of cultural activities specifically tailored for immigrants and foreigners in Spain and it is quite difficult to provide specific links as most of them are related to local realities, in particular:
These resources provide opportunities for immigrants and foreigners in Spain to explore and participate in cultural activities, fostering integration and appreciation for Spanish culture and heritage. |
1. Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.es/d/spain/spain/
2. Cervantes Institute |