Access to employment

Persons who are of foreign extraction from a non-EU country can work in Spain for third parties (when they are hired by an employer) or freelance under certain conditions. In all cases they will need a Residence and Work Permit . The permit is obtained in the country of origin, unless the person has a Residence Permit. If the person’s situation in Spain is irregular, he or she cannot commence proceedings to apply for the Residence and Work Permit.

The minimum working age is 18, although young people can work when they become 16 with the permission of their parents or guardians.

Foreign workers hired without a Residence and Work Permit are not in a legal situation, but they have employment rights. Any circumstance considered anomalous such as excessive working hours, wage discrimination, claims for sums of money, hazards in the work place or unfair dismissal can be notified to trade union representatives (ELA, CC.OO, LAB, UGT, EHNE or Domestic Workers’ Association) or to the local authorities Employment Inspection).

JOB HUNTING

Foreign nationals with a Residence and Work Permit can look for employment and to do so should register at the Basque Employment Service Lanbide. Registering with this body also allows for the participation in training courses without a residence permit, however, registrationon the municipal census is necessary for attending the courses.

Lanbide’s guidance service offers an assessment service by professionals to accompany you in your search for work or for improving your opportunities of finding a suitable job.

In addition, the Development Agency (Debegesa) located in Debabarrena in the municipality of Eibar offers employment guidance from Monday to Friday, also providing information about employment, training and education and the setting up of companies.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Eibar City Council in conjunction with Debegesa offers support for business initiatives through the following services, programmes and the provision of grant aid:

Where?

Debabarrena Development Agency

Eibar City Council Department of Economic Development, Employment and Innovation