Everyone else, roll up your sleeves. This is where the cat and mouse game begins and the rubber-stamp collecting can get complicated. First, you’ll need to decide on the most appropriate visa for you. The broad categories include student, residency and a combined work and residency visa. There are also visas for family members, family reunification, retired persons, self-employment and investors. In all cases, though, you’ll want to coordinate with the local Spanish consulate in your home country, which will act as the middleman for all visa-related matters. Other things to keep in mind: • Confirm that what’s listed on the consulate’s website is the most up to date set of requirements. Rules change, so call and ask for specific lists of necessary forms, essential documents and certifications. • Cross-check requirements with the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales’ Secretaría de Estado de Inmigración y Emigración (http://extranjeros.mtas.es), as there may be other forms you need once you get here. • Verify if visas will be issued for a certain period of time and if they can renewed. Some are issued for 180 days and no more, while others may be initially offered for a year with renewals extending for two years. • Build in extra time for getting documents translated. • Clarify what tasks employers will organise and what burden falls back to you. • Schedule time in Barcelona to get authorisations from proper agencies. • Expect the process to be costly and take several months to complete.