Jobs in Spain

Most expats choose to look for work in Spain in one of the major cities, where jobs are most readily available for international workers. Here are some of the best cities for expats in Spain.

Madrid is the country’s capital and is not only a major center of Spanish culture, but also a highly influential force in the global economy and a host to many prestigious international organizations. If you want to to work abroad in Spain in a place a buzz of importance, then Madrid is the place for you.

Barcelona offers a more laid-back feel to working in Spain. As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world because of its distinct art and pristine setting on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is also a major center of commerce and industry, making it ideal for jobs in Spain.

Valencia and Seville are two more popular cities for jobs in Spain, each offering a unique regional taste of Spanish culture. Your options for jobs abroad in Spain are not limited to these four major cities, but they remain the primary hubs of activity in Spain with the most job opportunities.

The competition for high-paying jobs abroad in Spain is fierce, as you will be standing toe-to-toe against many highly qualified Spanish graduates. You will have the best luck landing a job in Spain if you are fluent in Spanish and carry with you adequate experience and skills relevant to the position you are applying for.

The easiest type of work to land in Spain are in temporary positions, such as teaching English, au pairing, or working within the tourism industry. If you are bilingual, in both Spanish and English, then you will stand out above the rest for openings in any of the latter jobs in Spain. There are many work abroad programs in Spain which work closely with Spanish organizations and businesses to help foreigners obtain temporary employment, allowing them to work in Spain for up to one or two years.

If you want to apply for a more long-term job in Spain, your best luck will be in the service industry or in information technology (two fields that have withstood the recession and continue to thrive).

Your salary will depend on the line of work you enter into, but overall you shouldn’t expect to make too much money working in Spain. If you are entering into a temporary job in Spain, you will likely earn a basic salary which is enough to get by since basic costs of living are a bit cheaper when compared to neighboring countries, although real estate can be quite expensive (especially in the major cities). The amount you save up while working in Spain all depends on your spending habits!

Since housing in Spain’s major cities can be quite expensive, foreign workers should consider starting out by renting a single room in an apartment while working in Spain. If you are making enough money to afford your own place, housing is usually more affordable the further you move from the city center. Many people also choose to live in suburban neighborhoods and commute (some Spanish cities have better public transportation than others, making this a viable option in some places over others).

As for visas, if you are a resident of the European Union, then you will not have to apply for a visa to work abroad in Spain. Workers coming from most other countries, however, will have to obtain a visa in order to stay in the country for longer than three months. The visa you need will vary depending on your job in Spain and home country. You can check out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory to learn more information from your local Spanish consulate. If you do your research, you may find employers willing to help you through the process of obtaining a visa and work permit for different jobs in Spain.

Many opportunities to work abroad in Spain are simply temporary employment, but any international work experience and professional networking can take you a long way in your future career. All employers love it when applicants have work experience in a diverse, global environment, especially one that is bilingual. GoAbroad Insider tip: apply to your prospective job positions in Spanish! Showing off your linguistic skills may open up more opportunities for work in Spain. But don’t stress about those language skill too much, you have plenty of time to practice while working in Spain.

While you are working abroad in Spain don’t forget to embrace the Spanish culture. Spain is world-renowned for its beauty and cultural richness; from flamenco to tapas to bullfighting, you will experience it all while working abroad in Spain. Spain is a diverse and historically fascinating country. As if it needs to be said, working abroad in Spain will be the adventure of a lifetime. You will meet people from all over the world, travel across the country (and possibly to neighboring countries!), and create memories that will stay with you forever.