History

• Spain's immigration history is long and diverse, with many cultures inhabiting the area as a result of the numerous wars and battles fought on Spanish soil. The Greeks, Romans, Iberians and Carthaginians are only a few examples of foreign groups who have settled in Spain throughout the course of history, contributing to its colorful heritage. Moorish influences from neighboring North Africa are also widely seen in Spain due to the large numbers of immigrants who have moved there from Morocco---a trend which continues to the present day.
  
  

Demographics

• It is estimated that as of September 2009, there were 4,715,757 foreigners resident in Spain. The largest group of these residents were Moroccans, with 758,174, followed by Romanians, Ecuadorians, Colombians, Argentinians and the British. Like many European countries, Spain is experiencing an influx of illegal immigrants, mainly from surrounding sub-Saharan countries, in search of work.
  
  

Immigration Within the European Union

• As a European Union national, immigrating to Spain is a relatively easy process. You are not required to obtain a visa or work permit prior to your arrival in Spain; however, if you plan to live there for more than three months, you must register for a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). An NIE number is your foreign identification number. This number is required for employment, buying a property, paying taxes and receiving national health care. To obtain an NIE number, go to your local Departmento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department) and ask for an NIE application form. You will need to submit your completed form along with your passport for processing, which can take anywhere from one to six weeks.
  
  

Immigration From Non-E.U. Countries

• Immigrants from non-European Union countries face a complex process when relocating to Spain. A work visa is required for all non-E.U. nationals, which can only be obtained by having a valid job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must initiate the work visa application and prove that the Servicio Público de Empleo (Public Employment Service) cannot provide a Spanish resident to fill the position. If the application is successful, you must apply for an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number upon your arrival at the local Departmento de Extranjeros (Foreigners Department).
  
  

Illegal Immigrants

• Spain is currently under pressure from the European Union to tackle its growing problem of illegal immigration, especially with growing unemployment figures. There is a large population of illegal immigrants working in the black market, predominantly in the agriculture and construction sectors. In 2005, Spain made European history by granting amnesty to more than 700,000 undocumented workers by giving them work visas to remain in the country. This amnesty is still seen as a controversial issue and is not likely to be repeated due to immigration problems in 2010. The Spanish government is now working on strengthening their border security and increasing aid for illegal residents wishing to return to their home countries.