Jobs in Spain

Summary: If you're thinking about selling up and moving to Spain to take full advantage of the fantastic weather, stunning landscape and the inimitable Spanish way of life you might also be thinking about how to secure a job when you arrive.

If you’re thinking about selling up and moving to Spain to take full advantage of the fantastic weather, stunning landscape and the inimitable Spanish way of life you might also be thinking about how to secure a job when you arrive.

As with a lot of things, researching the jobs market in Spain and even applying for certain positions can be done before you go.  After all, forewarned is forearmed and if you can discover all you need to know about the Spanish employment market before you move to Spain you will be in the best position possible to secure a job.

It’s important to set realistic goals and to have realistic expectations of a country so that your hopes and dreams will be fulfilled rather than dashed.  Therefore at this stage it is important to highlight the fact that unemployment outside of the major cities and tourist towns is high.  If you’re hoping to secure a professional position you will need fluency in Spanish and if you’re intending to become self-employed in Spain you must have sufficient funds to survive at least the first year without income while you learn the ins and outs of the Spanish system and also of your particular business idea.

As Spain is the most popular overseas holiday destination for Brits abroad and also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations full stop, there is actually a lot of seasonal work to be had particularly along the coastal areas.  From bar and restaurant work to cleaning hotel rooms and villas, from work in the entertainment industry to selling timeshares!  There are low skilled, temporary assignments available for very hard working English and German speaking people for around four to six months of the year along the most popular coastal regions.

Even if you take such temporary employment your employer should offer you a contract.  Don’t be tempted to accept cash for a job and to work outside of a contract - not only will you have no rights as an employee but your actions will be illegal.  In reality many people do work in this way during the holiday period, but they must be aware that they and their employer are breaking the law and they can be punished or deported if caught.

If you’re moving to Spain permanently such jobs may very well not suit you anyway - they are most suited to school leavers, graduates and those looking for a short term job while travelling around Europe.  So you’ll be pleased to learn that most qualifications obtained in the UK and across Europe are recognised in Spain, though it can sometimes be necessary to have qualifications and certificates translated into Spanish.  This should mean that experience and qualifications you have gained elsewhere will help you find and secure an ideal position.  Remember that taking the time to learn to speak Spanish to a high level will also stand you in good stead and will maybe promote you and your CV above that of any other foreign individuals applying for the same position.

If you secure a job in Spain make sure your employer gives you a contract that is valid for at least six months.  This will protect you from unfair employment tactics and ensure you have the same worker’s rights as your Spanish counterparts.  Employment law in Spain is very strict and favours the worker.  The Spanish are generally very tolerant of foreigners and you shouldn’t have difficulty adjusting to work in Spain on a social level particularly if you’re fluent in Spanish and you fill a key position that local workers are not suitably skilled for.  Some foreign residents do find it hard to acclimatise to working conditions however, particularly if they are in a physical job and therefore affected by the heat.  Working hours often include a mid afternoon break or siesta and this can be a welcome bonus for foreigners moving to Spain as they get time off for an afternoon nap thus avoiding the most intense heat of the day.

If you’re a resident of an EU member state you don’t require a work permit to work in Spain but you will need an NIE number and a social security number.  The former you should apply for from a national police station when you move to Spain and the latter can be easily obtained from any social security office.  If you come from any other country such as the US or Australia you may find it difficult to obtain permission to work unless you have key skills and/or are fluent in Spanish.  This is simply because of the high unemployment in Spain, the desirability of the country to residents of other EU member states and the fact that all those who move to Spain from these countries are effectively free to seek work and can be added to the unemployment figures if they too fail to find a job.

Many people who relocate decide to establish their own business.  This can of course be a lucrative decision but at the very least it will require hard work, start up investment and also on-going commitment.  One of the most popular things to do is to start a bar or restaurant catering for tourists.  Remember that such a business can be seasonal, to budget accordingly and to ensure you have financial back up and also a contingency plan in case your plans for your business fail to come to fruition.  If you at least consider the worst case scenario you should be well prepared for all eventualities!

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