Spain is (sadly) known for its bureaucracy, so it’s important to collect certificates of your achievements (e.g., talks, positions, research projects, teaching, grades). These documents may be required at some point in your career if you stay in Spain.
There exists a webpage, mantained by the Goverment, where you can create a user and upload all of your merits. From there you can download a normalized CV which can be used during some applications.
If you’re not a local, you’ll need a NIE (ID number for foreigners) and a digital certificate recognized by the Government for some applications. You can get both at your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Make sure to contact them in advance, as you’ll likely need an appointment and specific documents depending on your nationality.
While research staff usually communicates in English, administrative personnel and the general population may not. It’s recommended to learn at least one official language (Spanish, Catalan, Euskera, or Galician) to ease daily life. For some positions, a C1 level in all official languages of the university may be required, proven by a certificate. In some cases, this can be substituted with an interview or a commitment to obtain the certificate within a reasonable time (usually a couple of years).
If you obtained your PhD abroad, you must get it homologated in Spain, meaning that a local university must certify its equivalence to their PhD program. Although some calls (e.g., Juan de la Cierva) may not require it, you will need it eventually. The process varies by university and can take weeks or months, so it’s recommended to start it as soon as you finish your PhD.
Some positions may require the homologation of your Bachelor’s Degree, although it’s uncommon. To avoid surprises, it’s recommended to do it in advance. The Ministry of Universities handles this process, which can take several months.