As Spain is a full member of the European Union, all EU citizens are free to live and travel there. For those entering as a tourist in search of work, there is a very simple procedure to follow. However, be prepared to queue and don't expect everyone to speak English. If you have any problems, any British Embassy or Consulate will be able to advise you

Before leaving:

• Make sure you have a valid passport.
• Ask your doctor for a medical certificate.
• Ask your bank for bank certificates
• You can apply for a Residence Permit at a Spanish Embassy or Consulate

Once you get there:

• Get your Residence Card, la tarjeta de residencia, and tax/fiscal number, el NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal), from the Foreigners' Department, el Departamento de Extranjeros, if intending to stay for longer than 3 months. You will need to do this as soon as you get a job or within 30 days of arriving in Spain.

You will need:

• a valid UK passport
• four passport photos
• medical certificate from your home doctor
• proof of financial resource, ie bank certificates from your home bank
• proof of health insurance

Getting there index