Hello -

I am sure this has been posted before, but I figured I would give a go as a new post.

I am a USA resident hoping to live and work in Spain. I am a chiropractor and have a job offer to move to Spain to work in a busy clinic near Barcelona.

As I understand it, the process to get an actual VISA might take some time. I am hoping that the professional and “unusual” nature of my career and the lack of chiropractors in Spain will speed up this process. Another chiropractor recently got through in just about 8 weeks, so we will see.

Please, if anyone cares to, enlighten me on what to expect and any advice at this early stage. As I understand it, the employer first reports to a work office in Spain where a letter is generated and then sent to me. At this stage, I understand that I then report for an appointment (made by me) at my local USA Spanish Consulate. At that stage the approval process begins - the Spanish Consulate told me 4-6 weeks, but that seems a bit short.

Has anyone worked with a lawyer to speed this up? If so, what are normal and customary fees for that?

Also, Can you go to Spain and live/work with some kind of temporary VISA while you wait for this Work VISA approval process to complete? Or, on the other hand, do you just have to wait it out in the US?

I appreciate any candid feedback and advice.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Matt

From what I’ve read various places on the Internet, you have to physically pick up your work visa in person in your home country. You could go to Spain on a visitors visa for up to 90 days in the meantime, but you wouldn’t be able to work. And you’d still have to travel back to the US to pick up the work visa. So, basically, you have to wait it out. Although, I am just in the early stages of figuring this all out myself… so I’d check with better sources!

Hi Matt,

I am also wanting to practice abroad when I graduate in Aug 09.  How did you find your associate position? Also, have you found anything else out about the visas?  I have heard they have stopped giving visas to foreigners as of April 09.  I would really appreciate any information you would be wiling to share.

Thanks in advance

Kelly