Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

Hi Folks,

I am Irish and currently living in Abu Dhabi. My wife is from Madrid and after another short time in Abu Dhabi it is our intention to move to Madrid (should I manage to find a job). Does anyone know if I would I need a residency visa to live in Madrid? or would I be exempt as I am a European citizen with a Spanish wife?

Thanks

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

as a European you need no visa, with or without a Spanish wife

once living here you do need to register as resident though

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

We do have the highest unemployment rate (20%) in Europe but there are jobs out there. Gaining employment will depend on either specialist skills, not minding what kind of job you can take or purley pot luck.

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

Hi.

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I know getting a job in Madrid is going to be extremely tough, particularly as I think my line of work doesn't exist there (I'm a Quantity Surveyor). I've had the wife trying to find out what the Spanish equivalent of my work is but no-one has any idea.

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

Afraid I haven't the faintest idea about your line of work but you could try signing up with several ETT companies (agencys). As for accomodation you couldn't pick a better time. Due to the economic crisis over here appartments are very well priced.

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

You would have to look into whether your qualifications are recognised here also.

Re: Do I Need a Residency Visa
 

Yes it does and indeed there is a branch of the RICS in Madrid. In the planning application process the Architect has to submit a BoQ with his Royal College Application and this is forwarded to the Ayuntamiento as the basis for them to charge the Building Licence fee.