Ways To Work & Live In Spain As A Foreigner

Delicious food, gorgeous beaches, a laid-back lifestyle – living in Spain has it all. 

For those who want to explore employment opportunities all over the world, Spain is undoubtedly a popular destination. And, as a bonus, in 2023 Spain was ranked as the second most popular destination for expats to live, according to a survey by InterNations.

Employment opportunities are not as plentiful as in other countries because of the recent economic crisis, but if you’re smart about your choice of occupation in Spain you won’t have a problem. 

Why TEFL is best for Spain job opportunities

And the best choice for job vacancies in Spain? English language teaching jobs.

There is a high demand for TEFL teachers in Spain. While it can be tricky to secure a job which is attainable for Spanish speakers, teaching English is a job which many Spanish citizens aren’t able or qualified to do. Which makes it the perfect option for foreigners in Spain. 

TEFL teachers in Spain work in state schools and universities, but more commonly in language centres and summer camps. ConversaSpain is a government program which places teachers (even without experience) in state schools as a teaching assistant.

TEFL teachers in Spain earn €1,000 – €3,000 ($1,100 – $3,300) a month.

Read more: Teach English In Spain

Requirements to work abroad in Spain

Spain is an attractive destination for foreigners looking for jobs abroad because the requirements to work as a foreigner in the country are quite relaxed. 

Job vacancies in Spain generally require a certain level of Spanish proficiency. If you’re working in the tourism and hospitality sector where you’ll be dealing with foreigners, or as a TEFL teacher, you’ll find that English proficiency is a requirement rather than Spanish proficiency.

In terms of working visas, EU, and EEA citizens and citizens of Switzerland can easily move to Spain to find a job. In other words, they don’t need to secure a job before moving to Spain. Non-EU citizens need a work contract before entering the country. This is then converted to a work permit and a work visa. 

What cities in Spain should you move to?

Still recovering from the economic crisis, Spain has a relatively high unemployment rate, especially among the youth. This means there is a lot of competition for jobs. For this reason, the bigger cities in Spain are better suited to foreigners, as they offer more employment opportunities in Spain.

From good quality of life, a healthy work-life balance, serotonin-boosting weather, and platters upon platters of tapas, Spanish cities each have their own attractions.

Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid is a vibrant city with lots to offer. It is both the geographical and cultural centre of the country, with plenty of green spaces and big city life. It’s particularly popular with young, trendy students and professionals.

Madrid is a major financial centre and home to many of Spain’s biggest companies, including Santander. It offers vacancies in the transportation and tourism sectors.

To balance all that Madrid has to offer, it is the most expensive city to live in in Spain – cheaper than other European cities but expensive in Spanish terms.

Read more: Teaching English In Madrid

Barcelona

Arguably Spain’s most famous city, Barcelona (🎵🎵) offers culture, good vibes and a bustling economy. It’s a popular city for expats living in Spain with a number of impressive international schools here – and, of course, the beach!

IT and tourism and hospitality offer opportunities for foreigners in Barcelona.

Read more: Teaching English In Barcelona

Seville

Seville offers approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. Though Seville is an attractive option for foreigners looking to work in Spain, it’s more laid-back and chilled than many other Spanish cities. 

With the amenities of a big city but the feel of a small city, you won’t find a fast-paced lifestyle here. Instead, expats come to Seville to savour the intricate history of the country.

Home to Spain’s best universities, Seville is a good option for academics and foreigners who want to work in academia.

 

Do you need to speak Spanish to work in Spain?

Spanish proficiency is needed for the majority of expat jobs in Spain. However, if you can’t speak Spanish, there are job vacancies in Spain in tourism and hospitality and certain other professions which don’t require you to speak Spanish.

And, of course, the most common job in Spain for someone who can’t speak Spanish is to teach English as a Foreign Language. 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language is based on the principles of immersion learning. This means that translation is used at a minimum, if at all. Rather, the focus is on speaking only English in the classroom.

Salaries, benefits and cost of living in Spain

The average worker in Spain works 40 hours a week. Many businesses observe a long lunch break which means your work day might end later than you’re used to. 

Employees are given 22 paid working days leave in a year. On top of that, Spain celebrates 10 public holidays a year.

Other leave includes:

• 16 weeks of maternity leave
• 16 weeks of paternity leave
• Paid sick leave after the initial 3 days of sick leave

Employees also receive medical insurance and social security.

What types of jobs are popular in Spain?

English teaching jobs are very popular for foreigners looking for job opportunities in Spain. Other popular jobs include tourism and hospitality, and IT. 

Engineering jobs are plentiful too, though they require a certain level of Spanish proficiency. 

With a world-class healthcare system, medical vacancies for foreigners are popular, particularly as carers for the elderly. 

English teacher

Spain is one of the top destinations in the world for English teachers. There is a massive demand for English language instruction in Spain. TEFL jobs can be found in language academies, public and international schools, and summer camps. Many English teachers take on private students for extra income.

To teach English in Spain you don’t need to speak Spanish or have a degree but a TEFL qualification is essential. 

Tourism and hospitality

As a hub for international tourism, jobs in tourism and hospitality are aplenty, especially in the bigger cities. Jobs can be found in hostels, hotels, bars and restaurants. 

Digital nomad

Spain is a popular destination for digital nomads. With attractive weather, good internet connectivity and a great work-life balance, it’s no surprise that remote workers flock to the country. 

Barcelona and Malaga are popular cities for digital nomads in Spain, particularly with remote workers in technology.  

Read more: The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life

Ready to work abroad in Spain?

Working in Spain sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? So what are you waiting for? Make a plan and get yourself sorted for the adventure of a lifetime.

And remember, if you want to teach English in Spain, you need a reputable TEFL qualification under your belt. Chat to us today to find out more!