work in europe
Information of interest for citizens who want to work in an EU country
As a citizen of an EU State you can work in any of its countries
Introduction
As a citizen of a Member State of the European Union you have the right to work in any of its countries - as an employee or self-employed -, to look for work or to apply for any position advertised anywhere in the EU, with the exception of certain administration positions. public, and to settle anywhere in the Union when you are retired.
Likewise, you have the right to receive the same treatment as any citizen of the country where you establish your residence. Additionally, some of the rights you enjoy as an EU worker may extend to your spouse and family members.
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Summary of European legislation on employment policies, social affairs and equal opportunities
Information, by country, on mobility to work and live in the European Union
Files, by country
Consult the files on working in the different countries of Europe.
The European Economic Area is made up of the EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Many of the rights granted to citizens of the European Union apply to both these countries and Switzerland.
The free movement of workers in the EU also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Search for work in the European Union
Nationals of a country of the European Union have the right to seek employment and work - as an employee or self-employed - in any country of the Union, with the same rights and obligations as citizens residing in the country where they wish to work.
If you want to look for work in another country and need useful information about labor mobility in the EU, in this section you will find information about employment opportunities in their countries, the European curriculum, what to do to work in the European institutions or in other international organizations. , scholarships, internships and mobility programs in the EU, and the transfer of unemployment benefits.
Work as an employee in the EU
Being self-employed in the EU
Being self-employed in the EU
Any citizen of a Member State of the European Union has the right to carry out their professional work as a self-employed worker and settle in the country of their choice to start their business career.
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Aspects of the single market affecting businesses
Practical guide to doing business in Europe
European support network for small and medium-sized enterprises
EUGO network. Services Directive One Stop Shop
Services Directive in the European Union
La EU Services Directive aims to reduce barriers in the exercise of economic activities in the European Union. This directive also affects professionals who choose to work in the Union.
Due to the transposition of the EU Services Directive, two new figures have been introduced in the administrative procedure: the prior communication and the responsible statement.
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Transposition of the EU Services Directive in Spain
Information from the Spanish Administration on the application of the EU Services Directive
Adaptation of the EU Services Directive to the Community of Madrid
End of professional activity
As a citizen of a Member State of the European Union you have the right to settle in any of them when you are retired.
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Pensioners: right of residence in the EU
Social Security in the European Union
Information to apply for a pension under the Community Social Security regulations
European employment, internship and entrepreneurship programs
This section shows the main European programs regarding employment, internships and entrepreneurship.
More information about the European Direct Management Programs
- More information about the European Direct Management Programs
Other resources
Employment services
- SEPE—State Public Employment Service
- Self-employment and entrepreneurship in the Community of Madrid
- Work in Europe. The EURES network of the Community of Madrid
- Internships in Europe 2023, compiled by EURES
Your Europe Portal
Chambers of Commerce
Others
European countries
