Finding work in Spain can be very difficult if you’re an expat, and if you’re already working in Spain, you should make efforts to keep your job. Spain’s unemployment rate has risen, maintaining its position as the highest in the European Union (EU). Youth unemployment is particularly challenging at over 25 percent. The national government has even created financial incentives to encourage jobless foreigners already in the country to return home.
The country’s strict policies protecting workers’ rights also mean that many stay in their positions long-term, and turnover rates are low – creating limited openings. This can work to your advantage once you secure viable employment.
Non-EU citizens need a work permit to be legally employed in Spain, but EU and EEA citizens do not need a work permit. If you’re moving to Spain, you’ll need to apply for an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros) number, and different regions have different processes. The NIE is a foreigner’s identification number, which is necessary for getting set up with healthcare coverage and a bank account, among others.
Job market in Spain
Spain’s job market shows growth across multiple sectors, with tourism and construction proving important industries alongside emerging opportunities in technology and renewable energy. The ICT sector is projected to grow quickly, and healthcare professionals, cybersecurity analysts, and renewable energy engineers are increasingly in high demand.
The country has also historically attracted large interest from entrepreneurs looking to set up businesses. If you’re planning to migrate to Spain to do so, you should hire a local gestor to help you negotiate the sticky bureaucracy spun from Spain’s web of rules and regulations, particularly in Catalonia.
Qualifications obtained in Europe and the UK are widely recognised. Salaries are generally lower than in the UK and Northern Europe, but the standard of living is higher, and the cost of living is lower. Typical Spanish working hours include a two-hour lunch break in the afternoon, although the traditional siesta has largely disappeared in major cities and corporate environments.
Finding a job in Spain
Finding a job in Spain is extremely challenging for foreigners, with many expats now pursuing remote work opportunities or digital nomad visas rather than seeking local employment.
If you’re lucky enough to secure employment prior to arrival, you’ll thankfully avoid the crunch of the job hunt, but if you arrive in Spain without a job offer, you’ll quickly discover that finding work can be more difficult than anticipated.
Your job prospect horizon will broaden tremendously if you have a good command of the Spanish language. If you happen to know German, there are even more opportunities to be filled – especially with real estate agencies, travel companies and tour operators.
Otherwise, if you’re an English-speaking expat, strongly consider taking a course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) so you can take advantage of the sustained demand for teachers in private enterprises and language schools.
Useful links
Work culture in Spain
Spanish work culture has changed dramatically since the pandemic, and there are aspects of both traditional hierarchy and modern, evolving practices.
Hierarchy is paramount to business in the country. Spanish managers generally have the authority to make important decisions without consulting their employees. That said, the business culture is evolving, and those of a younger generation may uphold slightly different ideals and subscribe to more egalitarian practices.
Many companies have adopted hybrid work models since the pandemic, although Spain remains more conservative about remote work compared to other European countries. There’s still a strong preference for in-person interactions and seeing people in the office.
Making contacts and networking is also important for career advancement. The power of connections is not to be underestimated and is a principle ingrained in the Spanish working world. Take advantage of any opportunity to interact with decision-makers and attend job fairs and group events.
You’ll need to learn at least some Spanish – or Catalan, if you’re planning to work in Catalonia. International business may be conducted in English, but other transactions will most likely be in Spanish.