Spain is part of Europe, so it is fairly simple for most European Citizens who want to settle in Spain to work. An EU citizen can arrive in Spain , no visas are required, and look for work immediately. All citizens from the countries within the EU who have full time employment with a legal contract and pay into the Social Security system or self employed people who are registered with the Spanish tax authorities and pay into the Spanish social security no longer have to apply for a residence permit in Spain . You will be able to receive medical care and eventually your pension. The same applies to their family members. They will also need to apply for their NIE number immediately, tax identification number, which they must now visit the local police station to apply. They will need to take with them four coloured passport photos and two copies of their passports. There is a simple form to complete. The NIE department at the Police station will then arrange for your NIE number to be issued. The time on this varies from area to area, two weeks to 8 weeks. A very helpful point of contact is the Spanish consulate. Contact them and ask them to send you a copy of “C 16” leaflet which covers the eventualities of moving to Spain . Contact them via the website http://www.conspalon.org/indexeng.html