The Spanish Attractions

For some reason, most of us Americans who never visited Spain think of this as a small country and it comes as a shock to see that all our states that Texas is bigger than it. Perhaps our ignorance of Spain is due to the fact that few members of this generation have visited Spain. This is largely due to the many wars that have ravaged Spain. After World War II Spain was virtually ignored for years. The tourists came from Europe as never before, but the main points of interest were further north, England, France, Switzerland, Italy. In 1947, only 3,700 of our countrymen came to Spain and only a little figure more than doubled in 1948.

But finances have been chaotic since the war and all the prices have literally zoomed. France, once a paradise of negotiation has become more expensive than the U.S., or almost. And Switzerland and Italy trailed not far behind. Rumors began to drift from the south that Spain was still operating at pre-war prices. You could travel to Spain at a fraction of the price in the country's most popular tourist or could retire on a pittance. And nothing spreads so quickly in the travel game, and those who live permanently or semi-permanently abroad that such rumors. Thousands began to drift to Spain, then tens of thousands, until we write at least a quarter of a million people visit Spain every year Americans, and many have become permanent residents.

Of course, the fact that a country is cheap is not a reason to retire. Perhaps the cheapest place I've ever been is inside Turkey. I would say that, given the black market rate of exchange, you could live like a pasha for $ 50 per month for a couple. But what would you do? What do you see? Who would you speak? You could live in a palace and a swarm of officials on the $ 100 per month in a small town inland from Turkey - but it would probably go stark raving mad after a few months or more. But Spain offers much more than economics. Its landscape is varied, its probably the best climate in Europe, with the possible exception of the Greek islands, there is a large Anglo-American population, which guarantees the company if you do not find it among the Spaniards, and luxury as well as necessities of life are available.

One thing that you are no doubt going back to Spain and I might as well specify unambiguously. Despite the fact that Uncle Sam is playing the knee to Franco in exchange for military bases, this country is a police state and everywhere you see signs of it. In no country in Europe, even behind the Iron Curtain, I've seen so many police patrols and armed soldiers permanently in the streets and roads, two by two, machine guns slung over their backs. Spain has one of the largest standing armies in Europe and have no doubt about it, not because the state of Franco fears of invasion - the army and the police are there to protect the rule of Spanish.

However, as far as you personally are concerned, you are not likely to be affected by this situation. Foreigners, especially Americans, to make changes in the country so much they are left alone. Spain is a beautiful country, his people wonderful. If you are not depressed by his social system you'll probably love.

Fueled by the influx of tourists and the boom that follows Spanish property prices, foreigners are increasingly mobile and working in Spain. Unlike before when Spain was just a temporary holiday destination for tourists, the number of immigrants working in Spain has increased by leaps and bounds over the last five years.

There are several reasons why work in Spain has become an attractive option. For many, the attraction of buying relatively cheap Spanish property and life in the beautiful country defines them to find suitable employment and business opportunities. For many others, is the prospect of a much more relaxed and stress-free work environment that attracts them in Spain, despite the fact that working in Spain will not be as well paid as in many other European countries .

However, many other benefits that come with working in this beautiful country more than compensate for the few lost pounds or Euros! There is no shortage of job opportunities for foreigners with the right kind of skills and experience.

Overall, there are two options for working in Spain either find an appropriate employer or start a business and be self-employed. The latter option is especially attractive to many migrants from other European countries, rough estimates indicate that nearly one-tenth of new businesses starting in Spain are created by outsiders.

Given the popularity of Spain as a tourist destination, it is not surprising that a number of jobs are available in the tourism and hospitality, especially in coastal areas. In addition, as the Spanish real estate sector continues to grow, the construction industry also offers several options for working in Spain.

There is a strong demand for bilingual professionals in various sectors, as well as for teachers. Those with experience in housekeeping and other domestic services are also popular to serve the people of rich countries as well as foreigners who retire to Spain after buying Spanish property.

Spain offers a pleasant environment that welcomes foreigners from around the world and provides them with opportunities to work, and integration into society. As in any country, foreign nationals wanting to work in Spain must follow certain legal procedures simple.

While citizens of EU member countries are free to work in Spain without a work permit, non-EU residents are required to obtain work permits. Also, before starting work, employees are advised to obtain formal contracts that clearly state the set conditions of employment. Although starting from a new employee can be given a short stay to work in Spain, the employer shall provide a subsequent long-term contract (subject to conditions, of course.

Typically, if you work for a company, it will focus on all relevant documents to complete, but if you intend to be independent, you are advised to obtain the services of a "Gestor" that you guide you through the requirements to work in Spain in the chosen field. The majority of British citizens who migrate to Spain seem to start their own business. The local city hall issued the necessary permit to work as an independent professional in Spain.

As in the United Kingdom, Spain generates employment taxes. Employers are required to deduct social security on monthly wages. In an enterprise, the government expects you to pay VAT (known as IVA in Spain), but there are certain minimum requirements for your business before attracting the attention of the Inspector VAT.

One of the advantages of working in Spain and paying your social security is that you are entitled to free medical facilities, which are first class and comparable or better than those of the United Kingdom.