I am an American- I have just arrived in Spain with the intention of teaching english. I was pretty much just planning on “teaching in the black” as I’ve heard that is pretty much my only option.

I am wondering if I can, and if I should even bother with an NIE. It seems like that isn’t the hardest thing to get, or that I could get Empadronamiento? But I am just wondering if it is impossible (or nearly impossible) to get a work visa… would it make sense to just not get an NIE either? If I get an NIE am I making things harder on myself, or would it be a step in the right direction towards a work visa? Will I simply not be able to get a work visa?

Is it possible to have a company sponsor a work visa for me so that I may legally work and/or get residency. I realize this is difficult/impossible if already in the country here- but I did give my father power of attorney back in the states, so he is able to get receive and turn in documents on my behalf at the Spanish embassy in the states.

Any responses and advice are welcomed. Thanks!

-Shawn

Ive also seen something about a certificado de registrado ... is that still something needed? or has that been replaced??

thanks!!

Shawn, if you wanted to do this legally you should have applied for permission from the states. As far as I understand you must be present while applying - it’s not something Dad can do. To get a NIE, you’d have to have a visa (student, work, residency).

One thing you could do to make yourself legit is search for a job in Spain now then go back home and go through the required papeleo there.

Either way, if you are here and without papers you should still empadronarse.  You won’t have a NIE or work visa, but all least you could still get health care if you need it and would be accruing time which you need if you want to eventually be given papers without returning to the US and getting sponsored.

In a very limited number of situations a passport number ‘may’ get you by, however on the whole, to live everyday life in Spain it is certainly adviseable to have an NIE number. Simple things like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, obtaining a mobile phone (or other utility) contract almost always requires this information.

shawnhoffman - 21 August 2010 10:10 PM

I am an American- I have just arrived in Spain with the intention of teaching english. I was pretty much just planning on “teaching in the black” as I’ve heard that is pretty much my only option.

I am wondering if I can, and if I should even bother with an NIE. It seems like that isn’t the hardest thing to get, or that I could get Empadronamiento? But I am just wondering if it is impossible (or nearly impossible) to get a work visa… would it make sense to just not get an NIE either? If I get an NIE am I making things harder on myself, or would it be a step in the right direction towards a work visa? Will I simply not be able to get a work visa?

Is it possible to have a company sponsor a work visa for me so that I may legally work and/or get residency. I realize this is difficult/impossible if already in the country here- but I did give my father power of attorney back in the states, so he is able to get receive and turn in documents on my behalf at the Spanish embassy in the states.

Any responses and advice are welcomed. Thanks!

-Shawn