Work in Spain

Overview

Tucked away in Southern Europe, Spain is a mix of cultural history, famous landmarks and modern energy. Known for Flamenco, Picasso and paella, Spain is more than a place to visit; it's an experience that enriches your life. But it's not just about tradition—Spain is also a leader in areas like renewable energy, food and fashion.

Spain's economy is diverse. Established areas like tourism and farming are joined by growing industries like technology, renewable energy and finance. This makes Spain not just a great place for tourists but also a good place for career growth in many fields.

The quality of life in Spain is another big draw. With its top-notch healthcare, great public transport and a focus on work-life balance, the country is attractive for people looking for more than just a job. Spain is known for its food, festivals like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls and daily joys like good coffee or a relaxing afternoon nap.

Reasons to work in Spain

For job seekers, Spain is more than just a place to work; it's a place for overall personal and career growth. Its location gives it easy access to both European and African markets, making it a key player on the global stage while still keeping its unique local feel. It's a place where you can work in the morning, enjoy a long lunch in the sun, and then catch a game or a show in the evening. Below are a few reasons why foreigners enjoy working in Spain.

1. Rich Culture and History: Spain is known for its vibrant culture, diverse traditions and rich history. Working in Spain gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique cultural experience, enhancing your global perspective.
2. Language Learning Opportunities: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Working in Spain provides an excellent opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish language skills, which can be a valuable asset in today's globalized economy.
3. Work-Life Balance: Spain is renowned for its emphasis on work-life balance. Spanish work culture typically respects personal time and prioritises a balance between work and leisure, with practices such as the "siesta" or afternoon break and a strong focus on family time.
4. Diverse Economy: Spain has a diverse economy with strong sectors in tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy and information technology. This diversity offers a wide range of job opportunities for professionals in various fields.
5. Geographic Location: Spain's strategic location provides easy access to other European countries, Africa and the Middle East. This can be advantageous for professionals interested in international business or travel.
6. Warm Climate and Beautiful Landscapes: Spain is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes. The quality of life in Spain is high, making it an attractive destination for expats.
7. Culinary Delights: Spanish cuisine is world-famous. From paella to tapas, the country offers a wide array of culinary experiences, adding to the overall quality of life.
8. Strong Expatriate Community: Spain is home to a large and diverse community of expats from around the world, making it easier to meet new people and establish a social network.

Remember, working in a foreign country is not only about the job itself but also about experiencing a new lifestyle and culture, and Spain has plenty to offer in this regard.

 

Getting a Job in Spain as a Foreigner

To work in Spain, you'll generally need a work permit and a visa unless you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, in which case you can work without a permit. The work permit usually requires a job offer from a Spain-based employer. Companies willing to sponsor international candidates may often be looking for specialised skills or qualifications that are hard to find in the local labour market. The process can be complex due to Spain's employment and immigration rules, but the following steps by Opentoworld can help simplify it:

Step 1: Find Suitable Positions on Opentoworld

You can look for job opportunities that offer visa sponsorship for foreign nationals who don't have the right to work freely in Spain on Opentoworld. You can filter your job search based on keywords, location, industry and job level to locate a suitable opportunity.

Step 2: Submit Job Applications

Once you have identified the right opportunity, you can submit your application directly by clicking "Apply Now". When submitting an application, you may need to submit a CV and sometimes a cover letter. It is essential to submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter tailored to the job.

Step 3: Complete the Application Process

If your qualifications meet the employer's needs, you may be invited for further assessments and interviews. If you're applying for roles like internships or graduate schemes, you might also have to take part in assessment centres, which could involve various tests and interviews to gauge your suitability.

Step 4: Receive a Job Offer

It's common to apply for several jobs before receiving an offer. Once you have a job offer, you can proceed to apply for a work permit and visa. Without securing a job offer, you may not be able to obtain a work visa.

Step 5: Apply for a Visa and Relocate

With a signed employment contract in hand, your employer will usually help guide you through the work permit and visa application process. In Spain, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf, and once approved, you can apply for a work visa at the nearest Spanish consulate in your home country. The visa usually will fall under one of the following categories: 

• Residence and Employment Work Visa
• Visa for Highly Qualified Workers
• EU Blue Card for Highly-qualified non-EU Nationals

Once your work permit and visa are approved, you can then move to Spain to start your employment. If you're already in the country on a different type of visa, you might need to return to your home country to switch to a work visa, depending on the circumstances.

Unlike some countries, Spain doesn't generally allow you to work without a job offer, although there are some exceptions for students, researchers and specific types of freelance work. Each of these options comes with its own set of requirements that may or may not suit your specific situation.

Spanish Employment Market in 2023

As of 2023, the Spanish employment market is showing positive signs of recovery, underpinned by a strong rebound in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate has fallen to 11.6%, its lowest level in over a decade. The participation rate—indicating the proportion of the population either in work or actively seeking employment—is estimated at 65.6%. Recent data indicates that employment numbers have risen significantly to reach 21.05 million in June 2023. Within these numbers, full-time positions have increased substantially, although precise figures are not readily available.

This improving employment landscape is driven by a number of factors, including the government's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, which is investing heavily in key industries such as renewable energy and digital transformation. The competitive job market has prompted employers to offer attractive salaries and perks, including lavish expatriate packages for high-skilled workers, to lure top talent.

The positive employment conditions are expected to continue through 2023 and 2024, underlined by a resilient and diversified economy that makes Spain an appealing destination for global professionals.

The following are some of the key trends that are expected to shape the market:

• Continued growth of the digital economy: The digital economy is growing rapidly in Spain, and this is creating demand for workers in areas such as software development, web design and digital marketing.
• Expansion of the tourism sector: Spain is a popular tourist destination, and the tourism sector is expected to grow in 2023. This will create demand for workers in areas such as hospitality, retail and transportation.
• Rising demand for healthcare workers: Spain's population is ageing, and there is a growing demand for healthcare workers. This includes nurses, doctors, midwives and other healthcare professionals.
• Growing importance of green skills: The Spanish government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and this is driving demand for workers with green skills in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation.

 

Top Industries that Attract Global Talent

Spain's strategic location, high quality of life, and competitive salaries make it an attractive hub for international talent. There is also a shortage of skilled workers in some sectors, such as tech, healthcare, and engineering. This is creating opportunities for job seekers with the right skills and experience. The following sectors are especially attractive for global talent:

• Tech: The tech sector in Spain is growing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for workers in areas such as software development, data analysis and cybersecurity.
• Healthcare: Spain has a world-class healthcare system and is also a leader in medical tourism and attracts patients from all over the world for high-quality, affordable care. There are numerous opportunities for medical professionals, researchers and pharmaceutical developers.
• Engineering: Spain is a leader in engineering, with a strong demand for civil engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers. The country is home to a number of world-class engineering firms, as well as major engineering projects such as the construction of the Sagrada Familia and the High-Speed Rail Network.
• Tourism: The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and there is a consistent demand for professionals in tourism management, hotel operations and related fields.
• Renewable Energy: Spain is a leader in renewable energy production and is home to a number of solar and wind farms, creating numerous opportunities for professionals in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.
• Financial Services: There is a growing demand for professionals in fintech, asset management and blockchain technology due to the country's growing fintech startup scene.

In addition to the industries listed above, other sectors that attract global talent to Spain include:

• Education: Spain has a highly regarded education system, and there is a growing demand for English-speaking teachers at all levels. Many teaching jobs are exempt from the work permit requirement.
• Manufacturing: Spain is a major manufacturing centre, with a strong demand for skilled workers in areas such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace and machinery.

Spain's government is also committed to attracting and retaining global talent and has introduced a number of initiatives to make it easier for foreign workers to live and work in the country. These include the Startup Law, which allows entrepreneurs to start a business in Spain without a job offer, and the Golden Visa program, which offers fast-track residency to investors and high-net-worth individuals.

Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in Spain:

 

 

Requirements for a Spanish Work Visa

In order to work in Spain legally, you will need a work visa. To obtain a work visa, your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Individuals planning to relocate to Spain for work typically have to apply for a Residence and Employment Work Visa, a Visa for Highly Qualified Workers or an EU Blue Card for Highly-qualified non-EU Nationals. The type of visa required depends on various factors, such as the nature of the job, the applicant's qualifications and the salary range.

Residence and Employment Work Visa

This is the most common type of work visa in Spain. It is issued to skilled and non-skilled workers who have a job offer from a Spain-based company. The Residence and Employment Work Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed.

Requirements:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Passport-sized photos
• Employment contract with a Spain-based company. In order to obtain an employment contract, you can apply for jobs from visa-sponsoring employers on Opentoworld.
• Educational qualifications and certificates (attested by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain)
• Medical fitness certificate issued by an approved medical centre in Spain
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain

Visa for Highly Qualified Workers

This visa is issued to skilled workers who have a job offer from a Spain-based company and who meet certain criteria, such as having a high salary or working in a sector that is in need of skilled workers. The Visa for Highly Qualified Workers is valid for two years and can be renewed.

Requirements:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Passport-sized photos
• Employment contract with a Spain-based company. In order to obtain an employment contract, you can apply for jobs from visa-sponsoring employers on Opentoworld.
• Educational qualifications and certificates (attested by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain).
• Medical fitness certificate issued by an approved medical centre in Spain
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain

EU Blue Card for Highly-qualified non-EU Nationals

This visa is issued to highly skilled workers who have a job offer from a Spain-based company and who meet certain criteria, such as having a high salary and a bachelor's degree. The EU Blue Card is valid for three years and can be renewed.

Requirements:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Passport-sized photos
• Employment contract with a Spain-based company. In order to obtain an employment contract, you can apply for jobs from visa-sponsoring employers on Opentoworld.
• Educational qualifications and certificates (attested by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain)
• Medical fitness certificate issued by an approved medical centre in Spain
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain

Application Process

To apply for a Spain work visa, you will need to submit your application to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be issued a visa. You can then apply for a residence visa, which is required for all residents of Spain.

Please note: Visa requirements may change at any time, so it is important to check with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.

 

Relevant Links:

Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Spain

Other Common Visa Options to Work in Spain

How to Write a Spanish Standard CV