Work in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and has long been a favourite with British people looking for a life in the sun. In fact, over 280,000 British citizens live and work in Spain.

Although living costs vary by location, Spain is generally more affordable than many other Western European countries. Costs tend to be higher in Madrid and Barcelona than in other parts of Spain.

Working in Spain also allows you to improve your Spanish, one of the world's most widely spoken languages, and gain valuable international experience.

While employment prospects have improved in recent years, Spain continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the European Union (EU). Youth unemployment also remains comparatively high, meaning competition for graduate roles can be strong.

Madrid and Barcelona have particularly large international business communities, while opportunities in tourism are spread across cities, coastal areas and the islands, including:

• Málaga
• Mallorca
• Seville
• Tenerife.

Jobs in Spain

Securing work can be a challenge as you'll be competing against Spanish graduates for jobs. However, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Start by looking for work in major cities, where opportunities are often more plentiful. Having a good working knowledge of Spanish will also be incredibly useful.

You can also improve your chances by targeting sectors that regularly recruit international workers, such as:

• consulting
• teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
• the service and tourism industries.

You can search for jobs in Spain at:

• Englishjobs.es
• Expat.com
• SpainJobs.io
• The Local
• thinkSPAIN
• Totaljobs

Spain is also home to a number of large international companies, including:

• ACS Group (construction and infrastructure)
• Almirall (pharmaceuticals)
• Amadeus (travel technology)
• Banco Santander (banking and financial services)
• Ferrovial (infrastructure and engineering)
• Iberdrola (renewable energy and utilities)
• Inditex (retail and fashion)
• Logista (logistics)
• Repsol (energy)
• Telefónica (telecommunications and technology).

Skills shortages

Shortage occupations occur in areas such as:

• accounting and finance
• consulting
• cyber security
• data analysis
• engineering
• healthcare
• renewable energy
• software engineering
• tourism and hospitality.

However, demand differs considerably between regions, and the list above may change over time.

The Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) publishes a quarterly catalogue of difficult-to-fill occupations by province and island. If a job appears in the catalogue, an employer may be able to apply for permission to hire a worker from outside the EU.

How to get a job in Spain

The application process in Spain is broadly similar to that in the UK. You'll usually need to submit a CV and cover letter or complete an online application form. Many candidates begin their job search before moving to Spain, using online job boards, recruitment agencies and company websites to find opportunities.

Pay close attention to application requirements, as employers may specify the language in which documents should be submitted. Unless you're applying for a role in an English-speaking workplace or an international organisation, you'll normally be expected to send your application in Spanish.

Networking also plays an important role in the Spanish job market. As well as applying for advertised vacancies, consider building professional contacts through networking events, LinkedIn and speculative applications to employers that interest you.

Summer jobs

Spain is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and is expected to welcome more than 100 million visitors in 2026.

Key Spanish destinations include:

• Balearic Islands
• Barcelona
• Benidorm
• Canary Islands
• Costa del Sol
• Valencia.

The large number of British and international visitors creates demand for English-speaking workers in:

• customer service
• hospitality
• tourism.

Seasonal vacancies are also available with employers such as:

• bars
• hotels
• restaurants
• tourist attractions.

However, be aware that competition can be strong and UK nationals will need the appropriate visa. If you have some childcare experience, you could also look for work as an au pair.

In addition to the job sites listed above, you may be able to find summer jobs, seasonal work and gap year opportunities at:

• Anywork Anywhere
• GoAbroad.com
• Go Overseas
• Yseasonal

Bear in mind that since the UK's departure from the EU, UK nationals will now need a visa to take on seasonal work in Spain.

Volunteering is a popular option for graduates looking to gain experience abroad. In addition to developing your language skills and understanding of Spanish culture, it can help you:

• gain practical experience
• expand your network
• strengthen your CV.

Search for volunteering opportunities with providers such as:

• European Youth Portal
• Volunteer World
• Workaway.info
• Worldpackers

Check the visa and work-authorisation requirements carefully, as receiving accommodation or other benefits in exchange for work may still be treated as employment.

Teaching jobs

TEFL remains one of the more accessible routes into work in Spain for fluent English speakers, particularly in:

• language assistant posts
• private language schools
• summer schools.

While fluency in English is an advantage, most employers expect applicants to hold a recognised TEFL qualification. You can take a course before you leave the UK or once you arrive in Spain, but completing one in advance may make it easier to apply for jobs before you travel.

To explore teaching opportunities in Spain, visit:

• Global Work & Travel
• i-to-i
• Premier TEFL
• TEFL Iberia
• The TEFL Academy
• The TEFL Org
• TtMADRID

You can also apply to work as an English language assistant in Spain through the British Council.

For a general indication of TEFL salaries by city, see TEFL Institute London's guide to what Spanish cities pay the most for TEFL teachers.

Featured organisations

Internships

Work experience is valued by employers in Spain, and internships can be a useful way to:

• better understand the local job market
• develop professional skills
• gain workplace experience.

Placements may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the employer, sector and type of programme. Opportunities are available in sectors such as:

• business
• hospitality
• marketing
• technology
• tourism.

To look for a placement in Spain, see:

• AIESEC UK - for students and recent graduates.
• Beyond Academy - offers global internship programmes, including in Barcelona.
• Go Overseas - lists internship opportunities in Spain.
• IAESTE UK - for science, engineering, technology and applied arts students.
• The Intern Group - offers international internships in Madrid.

UK nationals may need a visa or work authorisation for an internship, depending on its duration, structure and whether it is paid. Check the requirements with the provider and Spanish authorities before applying.

Spanish visas

British citizens can travel to Spain and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This may include certain business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, but it does not generally allow you to take up employment.

UK nationals usually need the appropriate visa and work authorisation to work or live in Spain. The route you apply through will depend on factors such as:

• the type of work and length of stay
• whether you're employed, self-employed or working remotely.

Options include:

• a digital nomad visa for eligible non-EU nationals working remotely, primarily for organisations based outside Spain
• employee visas, which also cover seasonal work
• permits for highly qualified professionals
• the EU Blue Card.

Before applying, check whether your planned activities require a visa or work permit at GOV.UK - Travel to Spain for work.

For many employed-worker applications, the prospective employer must first obtain residence and work authorisation in Spain. Once this has been approved, the applicant applies for the relevant visa through the Spanish consulate responsible for their area.

EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens can work in Spain without a work permit. Those intending to reside in Spain for longer than three months must register as a resident in person with the relevant Foreign Nationals' Office or police station. The registration certificate includes a foreigner identity number (NIE).

Language requirements

A good working knowledge of Spanish will significantly improve your employment prospects. Although some English-speaking roles are available with multinational companies, international organisations and employers in tourism, technology and education, Spanish is required for most jobs.

Depending on where you work, knowledge of one of the following regional languages may also be useful or required, particularly for public-facing and public-sector roles:

• Basque
• Catalan
• Galician
• Valencian.

You can take Spanish-language courses in the UK or study online before moving. For instance, you can learn Spanish through Instituto Cervantes London.

Once in Spain, you'll also find courses through:

• local education providers
• private language schools
• universities.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

For most non-regulated jobs, employers decide whether your UK qualifications meet their requirements. You may be asked to provide copies of your certificates, a certified translation or information showing how your qualification compares with the Spanish education system.

Different rules apply to regulated professions, such as:

• architecture
• law
• medicine.

If your profession is regulated in Spain, you'll need to have your qualifications recognised by the relevant Spanish authority before you can practise or use a protected professional title.

Check Spain's official guidance on recognition of qualifications for regulated professions to find out whether your profession is regulated and which authority to contact.

If formal recognition of an overseas university degree is required, the process will depend on whether you need recognition for a regulated profession or a declaration of its academic equivalence. Allow time for supporting documents, certified translations and any applicable fee.

What it's like to work in Spain

The statutory maximum working week for full-time employees is generally 40 hours, averaged over the year. Working patterns vary between employers, as some businesses still operate a split working day with a longer afternoon break, while others use continuous hours or offer flexible and hybrid arrangements.

Employees are entitled to up to 14 paid public holidays each year. These include national and regional holidays, as well as two local holidays set by individual municipalities. The exact dates vary depending on where you work.

Spanish workers are entitled to at least 30 calendar days of paid annual leave, which is often equivalent to 22 working days. Employment contracts or collective agreements may provide a more generous allowance.

In 2026, Spain's minimum wage is €1,221 (£1,047) per month when paid in 14 instalments, equivalent to €17,094 (£14,661) a year.

Find out more

• Read the EURES guide to living and working in Spain.
• Discover what it's like to study in Spain.