Working in Madrid

Madrid is one of the centres of commerce in the EU, however, with the recent recession and economic blunder in Spain, it might be a challenge to find a job in the city, especially for expats. 

The Economy and Employment 

History boasts centuries of Madrid's reign as Spain's capital city. It had reached great economic heights when it continued its expansion as an industrialised city after the Spanish Civil War. 

In those times, Madrid's economy was centred on the manufacturing sector, dealing with the production of motor vehicles, aircraft, chemicals, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, processed food, printed materials, and leather goods. 

With a GDP of 130,067 million Euros, Madrid generates 67% of the Madrid metro region's total GDP. The city's per capita GDP is also 76% above that of 25 other EU-member states.  

In recent years, specifically from 1992 to 2008, Madrid's services sector boosted the city economy. This sector has contributed much to the city's GDP, doling out an impressive 83.5% of total economic activity.  

The majority of jobs in the services sector are in corporate services, transport and communications, and property and financial services. A 60.4% of the income of the services sector is generated by these four sub-sectors. 

A city of overwhelming beauty and an excitingly colourful culture is sure to attract a sizeable number of tourists. This is why the tourism industry keeps the city's economy above average and its people employed.

Getting a Work Permit 

Due to reciprocal agreements with other European Union member countries, EU citizens are not required to secure a work permit to gain employment in Spain. 

Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, do have to facilitate a certain amount of paperwork to get one. 

Here are some of the important documents that you would need to submit to the Subdelegación del Gobierno in Madrid: an official application form for a work visa/permit signed and stamped by your employer, your passport (original and copy), the job offer, the company's fiscal identity document, a copy of your transcripts or credential certifications, and an official certification that no European is qualified to take the job. 

You might also be required to present an official certificate of no criminal record from your country of origin, and to secure a local health certificate. 

The work permit processing would take up to four months. You may check this site for further information: http://www.madrid.org.  

Work Culture 

Working hours in the city generally start at nine in the morning and end mid-evening. However, the Madrileños observe a two-hour break around two in the afternoon. This is what they call a siesta. There are companies which do not observe this, as there have been changes due to the country's ‘Europeanization'. 

Average monthly labour in Madrid stands at 2,933 Euros, 15.7% more than Spain's average monthly wage rate.  

Appointments are generally made in the mid-morning and are arranged in advance. One is also expected to be punctual, but you may experience situations with your Spanish counterpart arriving a tad late. In these cases, make sure to remain patient. The Spanish culture is still widely observed in Madrid, and they do have a somewhat ‘relaxed' approach to business. 

Do observe courtesy and diplomacy in the workplace at all times. Though a friendly people, Madrileños have a high regard for elders and one is not expected to treat them with disrespect. 

When historically powerful cities adjust to the demands of the new generation, the result is an economic power of international impact - this how Modern Madrid is shaping up.