30th May 2022
Contracting in Spain
Spain has always been a popular destination for international contractors due to its appealing work-life balance, perks and many more advantages such as a more relaxed pace of life and commuting time. As we approach the summer months, and the pandemic continues to ease, there are increasing numbers of work opportunities for skilled contractors.
Here’s the latest news for those looking at contracting opportunities in Spain.
Covid restrictions finally ease
Following months of uncertainty and initial calls to extend Covid-related travel restrictions into June, Spanish authorities announced that the entry ban for non-vaccinated travellers outside the EU would be lifted from 21st May. This is welcome news for those outside the European Union who were looking to travel to the destination. As we discussed in our recent blog, this change means that those from third countries will now be subject to the same requirements as those from across the EU.
That doesn’t mean that individuals can freely travel across the country, though. As the Ministry of Interior for Spain revealed in its official gazette, any traveller will need to present one of the following:
- A certificate of Covid vaccination: this needs to prove that the individual has received their second or third / booster jab in the nine months before travelling.
- A certificate of recovery: proving that they have recovered from the virus in the last 180 days. This document needs to have been issued at least 11 days after the confirmation of the infection with Covid-19 by a PCR or antigen test performed by professionals’.
- A negative PCR: this must have been carried out at least 72 hours before departure. Alternatively, a negative antigen test that was carried out 24 hours before departure can also be produced.
Border Control
In a further boost to contractors seeking to work in Spain, and after two years of complete border closure, Spanish authorities have started the gradual reopening of borders between the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco. This is a huge step in a post-pandemic world. The first travellers permitted to cross the El Taraji border crossing in Ceuta and Beni Enzar in Melilla were citizens and residents of the European Union and those authorised to move within the Schengen area according to data from www.schengenvisainfo.com – according to the Spanish government, the reopening has been made possible thanks to the work of the authorities in both countries, in particular after a meeting between the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the King of Morocco, Mohamed IV.
“The reopening is the result of the bilateral work carried out with the Moroccan authorities in the framework of the roadmap agreed…which has allowed the mechanisms that will govern the reopening – gradual, orderly and with all the guarantees of security and health – of the border crossings between the two countries to be established,” this comes from the authorities note in the press release announcing the reopening of the borders.
Remaining compliant
While this re-opening of borders and lifting of entry bans is certainly good news for international contractors, it’s important to add that the tax landscape in the country is complex and constantly changing.
The best way to ensure you don’t inadvertently fall foul of the rules is to consult an expert partner.
As with many other destinations, contractors will also need to register with the local tax authorities to pay taxes in the country. To do this, you will need your NIE number – which is your foreigners’ identity card. This can be applied for through the local Oficina de Extranjeros or police station, though you will need to register for this within the first 30 days of relocating to Spain.
For those working for a Spanish entity from another location, the country does have dual taxation agreements with several other jurisdictions, though again this list is constantly changing, so it’s important to seek the latest advice from an expert to ensure you don’t end up paying more than required.
If you need guidance about the employment, taxation, legal and insurance requirements of contracting in Spain, you can contact our 6CATS International experts for further advice.