So, you’ve taken the leap, and you’ve moved to the island. Now you’re ready for the next step – taking on a job in Lanzarote, but you’re not really sure where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
If you’re European
As a European you can start work with your European passport which makes life a lot easier.
In this case it’s not compulsory to have an NIE number but many employers will request it as they’re not aware of the above so it may be advisable to apply for one to keep the process of being recruited more simple.
You will also need a social security number (the equivalent of a national insurance number).
Depending on the type of job in Lanzarote you’re applying for, some companies will request that you give them criminal records for Spain and even an employment certificate from the Spanish government called a “vida laboral”.
We can save you time and stress arranging all of the above with ease, just let us know which you need help with.
Once you’re working, we will then also be able to help you obtain your residency. This will also have your NIE number on it, which is another good reason to get it sorted early on when you arrive on the island.
If you’re not European
This includes all our British friends. Your first step is to ensure that you have the correct visa or a residential status allowing you to take on a job in Lanzarote. A non lucrative visa, for example, doesn’t include a work permit so that would need to be changed.
You will also need a social security number (the equivalent of a national insurance number) before you can apply for a job. The application process for this is relatively quick compared to a lot of other documents.
Depending on the type of job you’re applying for, for example if you intend to become a teacher, some companies will request that you provide criminal records for Spain or possibly an employment certificate from the Spanish government called a “vida laboral”.
We can arrange these for you with ease, reach out if you need our help.
Before you sign your work contract in Lanzarote
We can’t say this enough times; make sure you understand what you’re signing before you accept a job in Lanzarote! Work contracts will obviously be in Spanish so if you’re in any doubt, ask, for your own protection should anything happen further down the line.
All your working hours should be reflected in your working contract, as well as the duration of the contract. Your trial period should be on there too, along with your holiday allowance. Paid holidays vary between 30 and 48 days per worked year, depending on whether you work bank holidays or not and what industry you work in.
Together with your work contract (often various copies) you will be given a model called the 145 to sign, which is a declaration of your personal circumstances so the tax office can work out what tax deductions to use for your pay slip each month (IFPF).
You should agree a monthly gross salary, not hourly rate as you should have fixed hours, within reason.
Each month you should receive a “nómina”, which is your pay check. You should sign this and be given your own copy.
You may also receive health and safety guidelines and any uniform needed. Some jobs require that you wear proper footwear for safety, and it’s not uncommon for you to either receive an allowance towards this in your pay or to be given the footwear itself.
Some contracts are only temporary and will expire after a certain time period. In this case you should be given some notice before the end date and after the expiry you would need to sign a contract renewal.
If you decide to terminate your contract you will need to give some notice, normally 15 days. If you don’t give and work enough notice, they can deduct the days off your due payments.
If the employer decides to terminate your contract with immediate effect they don’t have to give you notice, but they will have to compensate you for termination of contract and pay you for any due holidays.
If you are at all unsure of your rights or want to save time and take the stress out of arranging all the paperwork you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A 30 minute consultation would be the best place to start, so we can look at your individual circumstances, give you any advice needed and start the application process for anything you many need so you can go out and get your dream job in Lanzarote.
