What are the limitations of living in an EU country on a work permit?

Question

i'm mainly speaking of ireland, UK, Spain.

Can you live there as long as you want or until you quit your job?
Any other limitations..like on taxes and things like that?

Thanks for all your help!

Answer 1

Depends which work permit you get. In Ireland you can get this open work-visa type which gives you options to change jobs and it's more flexible (they used to give it US citizens on some reciprocity scheme basis). Basically, if you get work permit from one employer, you get work permit for that job only. But in many countries in EU there is serious lack of qualified work force (not enough people) and you might land open type work-visa. But once when you got your first work permit, usually it's not a problem to extend it or change it (if you didn't commit crime or something similar). Work permit gives you all the rights that local employees have - minimum wage, holidays, etc. When you get work permit, you should get residence permit from local police office or immigration office, which will enable you to travel freely in all other EU countries. Try to get ID card as well (I'm not sure they are issuing it in Ireland, but they do in Spain and Scandinavia - it's great for foreigners, it's issued for five years and it's valid in almost every EU country (I think Norway too) and it gives you much more flexibility, you don't need to use your passport any more plus makes changing countries much easier. You will have to pay local taxes, but when you leave the country you will get procentage back (depending on the country). You are also entitled for tax return and social welfare if you loose your job.