EscucharFree movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which states that EU citizens are entitled to:
| Rights |
|---|
| Look for a job in another EU country |
| Work there without needing a work permit |
| Reside there for that purpose |
| Stay there even after employment has finished |
| Enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages |
Free movement of workers also applies, in general terms, to the countries in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), as stated on the website for the European Commission’s Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
However, if you are travelling to Spain from one of the countries mentioned in Annex 1 of Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) and you wish to remain in Spain for a short period of time (Uniform Schengen Visas), you must submit an application (attaching any additional documents required, such as an invitation letter from the host institution) to the Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate in your country of origin. This application must be submitted in advance of the planned travel date, as it can take up to 45 days to receive a response.
If you plan to stay in Spain for a longer period, you will have to apply for a long-stay visa by submitting the relevant application and supplying any additional documents required. For more detailed information about each country of origin, we recommend contacting the relevant Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate.
If you are granted a visa, you must visit the Immigration Office in Jaén (Plaza de las Batallas 2) as soon as you arrive in Spain to register and obtain information about other procedures required to formalise your stay/residency in the country. Once you have registered with the Immigration Office, you will obtain a Foreigner’s ID Number (NIE). Foreign researchers staying in Spain for more than 6 months can also request a Foreigner’s ID Card, which will allow them to demonstrate that they are legally resident in Spain. If you need to extend a short-stay visa, you can do so by visiting the Provincial Immigration and Borders Office in Jaén (C/Arquitecto Berges 11) or the Police Station in Linares (C/Hernán Cortés 16), where you will also be able to carry out other administrative procedures. You will need to make an appointment. The Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE-CE) also provides useful guidance.