Jobs in Spain: Guide for Foreigners & Expatriates
Find information about the Spanish job market, average salaries, employment sectors, remote work opportunities, and tips for relocating to Spain for work.
Working in Spain: Market Overview
Spain, with its high quality of life, pleasant climate, and rich culture, is an attractive destination for international workers. The Spanish job market has been recovering steadily since the 2008 financial crisis, and while unemployment rates remain higher than the EU average, there are abundant opportunities in certain sectors, particularly for skilled professionals and those with language skills.
Work culture in Spain values work-life balance, with the traditional long lunch break (though less common in international companies) and generally later working hours than in northern European countries.
Key Employment Statistics
Standard Work Week
40 hours
Spanish Labor Law (Estatuto de los Trabajadores)
Average Salaries by Sector
Salaries vary significantly by region, with Madrid and Barcelona offering higher wages than other areas.
Adecco Salary Guide, 2023Source
| Sector | Salary Range | Demand | Foreigner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology & IT | €30,000 - €65,000 | High | ✓ |
| Banking & Finance | €35,000 - €70,000 | Medium | ✓ |
| Healthcare | €30,000 - €60,000 | High | ✗ |
| Tourism & Hospitality | €20,000 - €35,000 | High | ✓ |
| Education & Teaching | €20,000 - €30,000 | High | ✓ |
| Engineering | €30,000 - €55,000 | Medium | ✓ |
| Marketing & Communications | €25,000 - €45,000 | Medium | ✓ |
| Retail | €18,000 - €30,000 | Medium | ✗ |
Working in Spain as a Foreigner
Spain has a varied landscape for foreign workers, depending on your nationality, qualifications, and Spanish language proficiency:
EU/EEA Citizens
Enjoy freedom of movement and can work in Spain without a work permit, though registration for a foreign identity number (NIE) and with social security is required.
Non-EU Citizens
Generally need a work visa and permit. Spain offers several options, including the popular Highly Qualified Professional visa for those earning above certain salary thresholds or with specialized skills.
Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2023, this visa allows remote workers earning income primarily from non-Spanish sources to live in Spain with favorable tax conditions for up to 5 years.
Foreign Workers in Spain
2.4 million
Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones, 2022
Top Countries of Origin
Morocco, Romania, UK, Italy, Colombia
Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), 2022
Remote Work Opportunities
Spain has embraced remote work, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new law passed in 2021 regulating teleworking arrangements. Major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga have developed thriving digital nomad communities with co-working spaces and networking opportunities.
Workers with Remote Arrangements
16% of workforce
Eurostat, 2022
Co-working Spaces
Over 600 nationwide
Coworking Spain, 2023
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain's new Digital Nomad Visa, part of the Startup Law enacted in 2023, offers remote workers and freelancers from non-EU countries the opportunity to live in Spain while working for companies outside of Spain. Benefits include a reduced tax rate of 15% (compared to the standard 24%+) for the first four years and a streamlined visa process.
Top Cities for Employment
Madrid
Key Sectors: Finance, Technology, Corporate Headquarters
Avg. Salary: €32,000
Barcelona
Key Sectors: Technology, Tourism, Design, International Business
Avg. Salary: €30,000
Valencia
Key Sectors: Manufacturing, Tourism, Technology
Avg. Salary: €25,000
Málaga
Key Sectors: Technology, Tourism
Avg. Salary: €24,000
Bilbao
Key Sectors: Industry, Energy, Finance
Avg. Salary: €28,000
Finding a Job in Spain
Learn Spanish
While international companies may operate in English, knowing Spanish dramatically increases your employment options.
Adapt Your CV
Spanish resumes often include a photograph and personal details. Use the European CV format for better reception.
Network Extensively
Personal connections are highly valued in Spanish business culture. Networking events and LinkedIn are valuable tools.
Consider Specialized Recruiters
Agencies that focus on placing international talent can provide valuable guidance and connections.
Research Visa Requirements Early
Work permit processes can be lengthy, so start investigating requirements well before your planned move.
Is Working in Spain Right for You?
Spain offers a unique combination of high quality of life, rich culture, and increasingly diverse job opportunities. While salaries are typically lower than in northern European countries or the United States, this is often offset by the lower cost of living (outside of Madrid and Barcelona) and lifestyle benefits.
For those with in-demand skills, language capabilities, or the ability to work remotely, Spain presents an attractive destination that combines professional opportunities with exceptional quality of life.