Jobs in Spain: Costa Blanca

From Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south, the Costa Blanca is a stunning region of Spain incorporating many lively resorts, pretty and preserved villages, local communities, expatriate favourites and tourism haunts - which should suggest that the range of jobs in Spain available on the Costa Blanca for expats is broad…

However, in reality whether you have a specific skill or talent there are only two real industries to target if you’re seriously thinking about going to live in Spain and getting a job - they are the tourism and the property industries because these are the only two fields where expats can pretty much guarantee a way in.

Now, don’t let this harsh reality depress you – we’re not suggesting that the only options you have are working as a waitress or as an estate agent, there is a vast array of jobs available within each industry, you just have to think laterally.  For example, it’s true that there are many expats working as estate agents but did you know that if you have another language such as German then you can command better pay, better commission levels and even better perks because you are a more valuable member of staff because you can communicate the estate agency’s message to more people?

Furthermore, in the property industry there are many jobs available to expats whether or not they speak Spanish or any language other than English.  There is plenty of construction work going on on the Costa Blanca for example, plus many expats semi-retire to the Costa Blanca and those with a skill such as plumber or electrician take on part time work for the other expats who find it easier to communicate with a fellow Brit.

Aside from these property related positions there’s demand for marketing minds, secretarial and administrative positions, sales teams and rental and management specialists.  Think outside of the box, find your niche and then go door to door finding your way in.  There is little point trying to get a job in Spain on the Costa Blanca unless you’re in Spain and can go face to face with potential employers.  As you can imagine the demand for employment is intense and so only those who put in the most effort to be seen and remembered (for the right reasons!) stand the best chance of succeeding.

Aside from the property industry the tourism industry in southern Spain is booming and demands high numbers of workers annually.  Job seekers can consider anything from bar and restaurant work where experience is not essential but enthusiasm and a willingness to work very hard is required, to working in the entertainment industry as anything from a tour rep and activity manager to a live singer or children’s entertainer.  There are many other options available from hotel management to managing, cleaning and maintaining rental apartments and villas or even taking tour parties out on boats, managing water activity centres or opening your own bar, restaurant, café or club.

If you want more from life than the daily grind of living and working your whole life under sullen skies and you dream of living in the beautiful sunny surroundings afforded you by the Costa Blanca then you have to be realistic about the kind of work you will attract and embrace the opportunity to live a good life in a new country. 

Those who are happy to take any form of job just to begin their new life in the sun and who are willing to network, ask around for work, put in the hours and the commitment will succeed – so what if you start out clearing tables and washing up?  It’s honest work and more importantly it’s a way in and it could easily lead to far more positively challenging chances.