Gizane Campos Spain offers diverse employment opportunities across tourism, education, technology, and customer service industries. Whether you’re seeking full-time work or part-time positions or looking to become self-employed, understanding the job market, application process, and legal requirements is essential.
This guide explains how to find jobs in Spain, meet employment criteria, apply for the appropriate visa, and integrate into the local work culture. From English-speaking roles to remote jobs, we cover everything you need to start or advance your career in Spain.
This guide will discuss:
Quick Glance of Spain's Job Market
Spain’s economy continues to attract foreigners seeking career growth and international experience. The job market is dynamic, offering a mix of remote jobs, customer support, teaching jobs, and roles in the tourism industry.
Key statistics
- Unemployment Rate: Around 11%, with youth unemployment slightly higher.
- High-Demand Sectors: Hospitality jobs, IT, healthcare, logistics, and language teaching.
- Top Cities for Work: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville lead in job creation and employment opportunities.
- Remote Work: Continues to expand, especially in digital roles such as software engineer, digital marketing, and IT services.
- Foreign Worker Representation: Non-EU candidates increasingly fill critical customer service, education, and tech positions.
Requirements to Work in Spain as a Foreigner
To legally work in Spain, especially as a foreigner from outside the European Union, you must meet specific legal and administrative requirements. These include the right visa, proper documentation, and, in some cases, verified qualifications.
Appropriate visa or work authorization
If you’re from the EU, you don’t need an official permit or visa to work in Spain. Non-EU citizens must obtain a valid work visa or residency permit tied to an approved job offer. Common options include Skilled Professional Visas, Digital Nomad Visas, or Self-Employment Permits. You must apply through the Spanish consulate in your home country.
NIE Number
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your foreigner ID number, which is required for employment, taxes, and legal contracts. The Spain NIE is required for all legal, tax, and employment matters.
All foreigners working, studying, or conducting business in Spain need to acquire the NIE. They can apply through a local police station or Spanish embassy abroad.
Social Security Number
You must be registered with Spain’s Social Security system before beginning any full-time or part-time job. The Social Security Number is needed to access the Spain’s healthcare system, pay into pensions, and register official employment.
This number is required before starting any job or invoicing as a self-employed worker.
Your employer usually registers you, but freelancers must do it independently at the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS).
Contributions to the Social Security are automatically deducted from the employee’s salary each month.
If you’re self-employed (autónomo), you must pay a fixed monthly fee, starting at approx. €230/month, depending on income and contribution base.
Contributions cover public health, retirement, disability, and unemployment benefits.
Recognition of qualifications
In Spain, certain professions like law, medicine, and engineering are regulated, which means foreign qualifications must undergo a process known as homologación to be officially recognized. This involves submitting academic records and professional documentation for review by the Ministry of Education and potentially ANECA.
Depending on the field, applicants might also need to pass additional tests or coursework. For non-regulated professions, a simpler declaration of equivalence is often enough. While the process can take months, proper preparation ensures a smoother path to legally working in your field in Spain.
Language skills
While not mandatory for all roles, many jobs in Spain require you to speak Spanish.
Roles in customer support, IT, or international services may accept speaking English as sufficient.
Speaking Spanish it significantly improves job opportunities and daily life integration, and most local businesses require at least intermediate Spanish for effective communication.
Job Vacancies in Spain
High-demand sectors
Customer Support Representative: Multinational companies in Madrid and Barcelona frequently recruit English-speaking support agents, especially in tech and e-commerce.- Technology: Positions for software engineers, data analysts, and IT specialists are growing, particularly in Spain’s tech hubs.
- Tourism & Hospitality: With millions of visitors yearly, there’s consistent demand for staff in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
- Healthcare: Medical professionals, especially nurses and caregivers, are needed in both public and private facilities.
- Education: In addition to English teaching, private schools and universities hire foreign professionals in academic and administrative roles.
Customer Support Representative: Multinational companies in Madrid and Barcelona frequently recruit English-speaking support agents, especially in tech and e-commerce.Cities with the most job opportunities
- Madrid: Headquarters of many international firms and government institutions.
- Barcelona: Known for startups, design, and tech industries.
- Valencia & Seville: Rising demand in customer service and tourism-focused services.
- Málaga & Alicante: Increasing interest in remote jobs and international companies setting up satellite offices.
Applying for a Job in Spain
CV format in Spain
- Use a one- or two-page CV with a professional layout.
- Include a photo, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
- List work experience, education, and certification in reverse chronological order.
- Focus on achievements and responsibilities relevant to the position.
Cover letter
- Personalized and concise—generally one page.
- Address it to the specific employer or hiring manager if possible.
- Explain why you’re a strong fit for the job and the company.
Language considerations
- For jobs in Spanish-speaking environments, your CV and cover letter should be in Spanish.
- An English version may be acceptable if the job is in an English-speaking company.
Application process
- Many companies use online portals or email for submissions.
- You may need to complete a Spain visa application form online if you require a work visa.
- Interviews may include assessments, language tests, or multiple stages, especially for roles in international companies.
Required Visas for Working in Spain
If you’re a non-EU citizen, securing the appropriate visa is essential before beginning any form of employment in Spain. The type of work visa or residency permit you’ll need depends on the nature of the job, the industry, and whether you’ll work for an employer or as a freelancer.
Main visa types for workers
- Skilled Professional Visa
Skilled Professional Visa Also known as the Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain, this permit is designed for candidates with specialized qualifications employed by a Spanish company.
- Work Permit Visa
For job seekers who have secured an employment contract from a Spanish employer.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies. It allows living and working in Spain legally.
- Self-Employed Visa
The Spain Sef-Employed Visa is required for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or those offering independent services in Spain.
- Seasonal Work Visa
Temporary visa for employment in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality sectors.
Documents required
- Completed Spain visa application form online or in person.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and a long enough validity period.
- Job offer or employment contract.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Background check and medical certificate.
- Bank statements to show sufficient economic means, if applicable.
- Any certification or official validation of your qualifications.
- Official translations of all foreign documents.
Best Job Boards in Spain
1. InfoJobs
- One of the most popular job boards in Spain.
- It covers all sectors, including hospitality jobs, customer service, IT, and more.
- Features both local and international employers.
2. LinkedIn
- Excellent for professional networking and applying for mid to senior-level positions.
- Many recruiters in Spain use LinkedIn to connect with candidates directly.
3. Indeed Spain
- Aggregates listings from company pages and recruitment agencies.
- Wide range of job opportunities, including entry-level and remote roles.
4. EURES (European Job Mobility Portal)
- Ideal for foreigners from EU/EEA countries seeking employment in Spain.
- Lists jobs that support mobility across Europe.
5. Expatica Jobs Spain
- Focuses on employment opportunities for foreigners and English speakers.
- Good for finding jobs in the tourism industry, education, and customer support representative roles.
6. Tecnoempleo
- Tech-specific platform ideal for software engineering and IT careers.
- Includes listings for remote and hybrid jobs in tech.
English-Speaking Jobs in Spain
Spain offers various job opportunities for individuals who speak English, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
One of the most common jobs for English speakers in Spain is teaching. English teachers are in high demand at language academies, private schools, and private tutoring.
Government programs like Auxiliares de Conversación allow native English speakers to assist in public schools.
TEFL certification or equivalent is often required; a university degree may also be necessary depending on the role.
While most teaching jobs are concentrated in urban areas, but opportunities also exist in smaller towns and rural schools.
Other common English-speaking jobs:
- Customer Support Representative: Many international companies seek native English speakers for client-facing roles.
- Hospitality Jobs: Hotels and resorts in tourist regions often require English-speaking staff for reception, guest services, and concierge.
- Remote Work: Spain’s digital infrastructure and lifestyle attract global freelancers and remote employees in marketing, tech, and consulting.
Starting a New Job in Spain
Your employer must provide a written contract that includes salary, job responsibilities, working hours, and the length of the agreement. Common contract types include:
- Indefinite (Contrato Indefinido) – permanent, most stable option.
- Temporary (Contrato Temporal) – for fixed projects or seasonal positions.
- Part-Time (Contrato a Tiempo Parcial) – fewer hours than a full workweek.
The probation period typically lasts between 2 to 6 months, depending on the industry and role. During this period, either party can end the employment with minimal notice.
Self-Employment and Freelancing in Spain
Spain welcomes foreigners who want to work independently through self-employment or freelancing, especially in industries like IT, marketing, design, and consulting. These paths offer flexible employment opportunities with the potential to serve both local and international clients.
Top Self-employed jobs in Spain
- IT & Web Development: Remote roles in software, coding, or app development.
- Design & Content Creation: Graphic designers, writers, and video editors are in demand across platforms and industries.
- Business & Marketing Consulting: Advising small businesses and startups, especially in Spain’s growing digital economy.
- Teaching & Tutoring: Online and in-person lessons in English, math, or technical skills.
- Sales & E-commerce Services: Dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or consulting for online retail businesses.
Requirements for freelancers
- Valid residency permit or visa (e.g., Self-Employed Visa or Spain Digital Nomad Visa).
- Register with the tax office (Agencia Tributaria) and Social Security.
- Monthly social security contributions (flat rate options available for new autónomos).
- Invoicing clients and filing quarterly tax returns.
Job Salaries in Spain
- Customer Support Representative: €16,000 – €24,000/year
- Software Engineer: €30,000 – €60,000/year
- English Teacher: €12 – €18/hour (up to €1,500/month full-time)
- Hospitality Jobs: €17,000 – €30,000/year depending on role and location
- Freelancers/Autónomos: Income varies; depends on clients, workload, and services offered
Customer Support Representative: €16,000 – €24,000/yearPlease note that Madrid and Barcelona typically offer higher salaries due to the concentration of multinational companies and job openings.
Smaller cities or rural areas may offer lower pay but also lower living costs.
Work Culture in Spain
- Formal but Personable: Politeness and respect for hierarchy are important, but personal connections and social interactions also play a large role.
- Working Hours: The typical workday runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., often with a break around 2:00 p.m. Some businesses, especially in smaller towns, still observe a “siesta” break.
- Meetings and Decision-Making: Meetings may start late but can run long. Decision-making can be centralized with senior staff.
- Punctuality: Being on time is expected in professional environments, though some flexibility is culturally tolerated.
- Work-Life Balance: Many companies offer flexible hours or remote work options. Paid holidays (30 calendar days/year) and sick leave are standard.
- Personal introductions: They often include a handshake and the use of formal titles.
- Casual conversation: They’re normal during business dealings—relationship building is part of doing business in Spain.
Labor Laws and Labor Rights in Spain
All full-time, part-time, and temporary positions must be formalized with a written agreement. Contracts must specify the role, salary, duration, working hours, and notice period. The standard workweek in Spain is 40 hours, usually spread over five days, and employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid vacation per year.
National and regional holidays vary by city and autonomous community. Employers must always provide legal notice and justification for termination of contract.
Employees dismissed unfairly may be entitled to compensation or reinstatement. Severance pay depends on contract type and duration of employment.
Traineeships, Internships, and Volunteering in Spain
Internships and traineeships are typically offered by companies, universities, or international exchange programs. Most internships are for those pursuing or having completed higher education. Some programs offer compensation or part-time roles leading to full-time employment.
Common sectors for internships include marketing, education, finance, IT, and hospitality.
These programs are often arranged through a university partnership or EU program like Erasmus+.
Volunteering opportunities are available through NGOs, local community groups, and international organizations.
Areas include social work, environmental protection, youth programs, and education.
While typically unpaid, volunteering can assist with integration, language skills, and local networking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jobs in Spain
Can I work in Spain without speaking Spanish?
Yes, but only in specific sectors. Customer support, remote tech jobs, and international companies may allow roles where speaking English is sufficient. However, most jobs in Spain require at least basic Spanish skills.
What is the best job for foreigners in Spain?
Some of the best jobs for foreigners include teaching English, working in customer support, remote IT services, and hospitality jobs in tourist-heavy areas. Language ability and work authorization are key factors.
How can I find jobs in Spain from abroad?
Use reputable job sites like InfoJobs, LinkedIn, and EURES. If you’re not an EU citizen, ensure you have or can obtain the appropriate visa before applying.
Do I need a work visa to get a job in Spain?
Yes. Non-EU citizens must apply for a work visa or relevant residency visa before starting employment. Depending on the job category and your country of origin, the Spain visa application form online may be required.
How do I track my job visa application in Spain?
You can use Spain visa tracking tools from the relevant consulate or embassy. Keep your reference number and passport details ready for access.
What types of jobs are in high demand in Spain right now?
Sectors with strong employment growth include customer support, software engineering, healthcare, teaching jobs, and the tourism industry. These fields consistently show job openings across major cities.
Can you work remotely for a foreign company while living in Spain?
Yes, remote work is permitted with the proper residency visa, such as the Digital Nomad Visa. However, if you are considered a tax resident, you must still register with Social Security and pay local taxes.
Can students work part-time while studying in Spain?
Yes, international students with a valid student visa can work up to 30 hours per week if it doesn’t interfere with their academic schedule. Work authorization from the employer may be required.
What is the process for getting my qualifications recognized in Spain?
Certain professions (healthcare, law, education) require official certification or credential recognition. This process involves submitting your academic records for validation and may require official translations.
Are there employment support services for job seekers in Spain?
Yes, the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) and various job sites offer resources like career counseling, job matching, and training programs to assist both locals and foreigners in finding jobs.
