travel and work in spain

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Volunteer and work in Spain - low cost travel abroad - Workaway!

Here at Workaway you will find 500+ hosts and organisations for volunteer work in Spain. Low cost travel without having to pay expensive agency fees.

Spain

Travel to regions in Spain

Andalusia (500+)
Aragon (99)
Asturias (115)
Basque Country (78)
Canary Islands (258)
Castile and León (72)
Castilla la Mancha (58)
Catalonia (500+)

Badajoz, Merida

Formentera (2)

Vigo, La Coruna, Ourense, Santiago de Compostela

Ibiza (101)
Madrid (198)
Mallorca (224)
Menorca (25)
Murcia (90)
Navarre (37)
Valencian Community (443)

Last minute volunteer opportunities

Here you will find 76 last minute opportunities for volunteering in Spain from Hosts that have indicated that they require help immediately.

Latest from our community in Spain

See the latest updates and news from our hosts in Spain

Checkout new hosts that have signed up and are offering volunteering spots

Connect with Workawayers travelling to Spain and looking for travel buddies

Feedback from Workaway members

There are 16014 reviews for 500+ Hosts and organizations in Spain. 500+ Hosts in Spain were rated at least 4.9/5!

We had an incredible experience with Niamh’s family! Their warm hospitality made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Not only did they g...

Workaway benefits

Popular Hosts and organizations in Spain

Family (500+), individual (183), farmstay (101), sustainable project (58), community (49), animal welfare (25), school (12), house sitting (10).

From the sun kissed beaches to ski resorts, Spain offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity that appeals to all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re on a sabbatical or gap year, backpacker or retiree, there truly is something for everyone. This includes a variety of meaningful projects and volunteer opportunities that allow you to head off the beaten track in this incredible country. Whether you prefer the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Seville or island hopping around the Canaries, there are countless highlights and hidden gems waiting for you.

Reasons to volunteer in Spain

Learn Spanish: Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with over 460 million native speakers. It is the official language in 21 countries, including Argentina , Colombia , Costa Rica , Mexico , Peru , Chile and you’ve guessed it… Spain ! Volunteering with Workaway is one of the best ways to learn Spanish and with it being so widely spoken, knowledge of the language can open up a wide range of career and travel opportunities.
Beach Culture: Craving some sunshine, sea and sand? From Costa del Sol to Mallorca, Spain offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This means there is a demand for volunteers who want to celebrate the sea through environmental projects , surf camps , boating and sailing , marine conservation and more.
Taste Traditional Tapas: Spanish cuisine is renowned worldwide thanks to traditional treats such as Paella, tapas and gazpacho all paired with sweet sangria. With Workaway you don’t just get to eat like a local, but you can learn how to cook like a local too, especially if you choose a homestay or farmstay experience.
Art Everywhere: SO many world famous artists come from Spain. You’ve likely already heard of the genius works of Antoni Gaudi whose iconic works are dotted all over Barcelona including La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and Colonia Güell. However, Spain is incredibly inspiring for budding artists as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Sali and Francisco Goya also called this incredible country home. If you’re the creative type, you won’t struggle to find community projects , schools and even hostels that need your artistic flair to help flourish.
Island Life: Many people don’t realise Spain has 48 inhabited islands. Of these islands, there are two major archipelagos: The Balearic Islands which includes Ibiza , Formentera , Mallorca and Menorca . Then the Canary Islands which includes the islands of Fuerteventura , La Gomera , Gran Canaria , El Hierro , Lanzarote , La Palma and Tenerife . Each of these islands has their own unique charm, and transport between the islands is relatively straightforward. Better yet, we have hosts dotted across the majority, so volunteers are spoiled for choice!

Regional Highlights of Spain

To help you plan your visit to Spain, there are 17 main regions - yes SEVENTEEN! From the sun-kissed beaches of Andalusia to the artistic allure of Catalonia, each region offers unique experiences, food and locals for an unforgettable trip. You can use these regions to find the perfect base for your travels, and then browse thousands of Workaway hosts dotted all over the country.

If you crave the coast, head to this region! Andalusia covers some of the best coastlines of Spain including the golden sands of Costa del Sol and the rugged beauty of Costa del Almería.

If you can drag yourself away from the beaches, you can discover the heart of Moorish Spain thanks to historic cities like Granada (home to the famous Alhambra palace and fortress) and Córdoba, which has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world!

Seville is also a city not to be missed. Not only is it the birthplace of flamenco, the passionate soul-stirring Spanish dance and music but it is a city bustling with tapas bars, vibrant street markets and lively nightlife. If you can, time your stay during Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Feria de Abril as these are two iconic events that showcase Seville's deeply rooted religious and cultural traditions.

From seaside cities to ski resorts - Spain really does have it all. Adventure seekers and hikers will fall in love with this region, located on the French border as it is home to the Aragonese Pyrenees mountains. Here you will find a number of ski resorts including Aramón Cerler and Aramón Formigal-Panticosa.

Alternatively, venture into the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to discover breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. As a tip, Aragon is less frequented by tourists, so compared to other regions in Spain, you can expect a more authentic experience away from the crowds. The best news is, we have nearly plenty of hosts in the region so it could not be easier to live like a local and experience the insane natural beauty of this area.

Another region of stunning natural beauty, Asturias offers a diverse landscape from rugged coastlines to lush mountains. This makes it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike. Highlights include the Picos de Europa National Park, where you can explore the dramatic peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys.

After all that adventure, you’ll be ready to indulge in the region’s famous dishes like fabada asturiana (a hearty bean stew), cider-marinated meats, and the famed Cabrales cheese. If you can, squeeze in time for an authentic sidra (cider) pouring at local cider houses - this is a unique experience not to be missed! Better yet, why not volunteer on a farmstay where you can be part of the cider making process.

Balearic Islands:

The Balearic Islands are made up of Ibiza , Formentera , Mallorca and Menorca . You may have heard of these touristy hotspots thanks to their notorious nightlife scene, but there is so much more to these islands. Formentera is probably the least touristy of the islands, but all offer traditional villages that offer a slow pace of life away from the infamous party scene. With hundreds of Workaway hosts across the Balearics, it could not be easier to enjoy authentic island life away from the usual tourist path.

Basque Country (Euskadi):

For a unique cultural exchange, this is a region not to be missed! The Basque people have a strong cultural identity, and even their own language, Euskara. The region is also famous for its traditional music, dance, and art. Experience the distinct Basque culture through vibrant festivals, traditional Basque sports like pelota, and local markets.

Not forgetting the food! The Basque Country is renowned worldwide for its exceptional gastronomy. Food lovers NEED to visit San Sebastian which is considered one of the top food cities in the world.

Another noteworthy city is Bilbao, particularly for art lovers. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an architectural masterpiece where you can explore contemporary art exhibitions within its avant-garde structure. Beyond the Guggenheim Museum, the city features modern architecture, bustling neighbourhoods, and a vibrant urban culture.

Canary Islands:

Located to the northwest of Africa, is the volcanic paradise of the Canary Islands. These islands attract over 12 million visitors per year and are made up of Fuerteventura , La Gomera , Gran Canaria , El Hierro , Lanzarote , La Palma and Tenerife . Many people flock to the region thanks to the year round sunshine.

The Canary Islands were formed through volcanic activity, creating an insane landscape that is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Teide National Park on Tenerife is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and the world's third-largest volcano.

The waters surrounding the islands are a paradise for marine life. Not only does this mean endless opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and whale watching but a huge demand for volunteers to protect the precious marine life here including dolphins and pilot whales.

After all that sun and sea, it's time for somewhere a little different - Cantabria! This region is home to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Explore the Altamira Caves, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art," as they feature ancient cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the lives of early humans. You can also wander through the mediaeval streets of Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved village, and visit the Roman ruins and historic sites in Santander, the regional capital.

Castile and León:

As the largest of Spain’s communities you can expect a land dotted with cathedrals, castles, and vineyards - what’s not to love? Highlights include the mediaeval streets of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the stunning Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct in Segovia.

Castile and León is also home to many traditional festivals and events that showcase the region’s unique heritage. This includes Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the lively fiestas of Valladolid which is a farming festival to celebrate a good harvest.

Finally, the region is a paradise for wine enthusiasts and food lovers. In particular, the Ribera del Duero wine region, known for its exceptional red wines. This means there are many volunteer opportunities with vineyards, farmstays and families in the region allowing you to travel through your tastebuds !

Castilla-La Mancha:

Although Castilla-La Mancha is an arid region with a small population, there is still lots to see and enjoy. Most notably, the historic windmills that are dotted throughout the land and are featured in Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote."

Alongside the historic cities such as Toledo and Cuenca (which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), you can experience the rustic charm of the region’s picturesque villages where time seems to stand still. It’s the perfect region to escape the crowds and chaos, to wander through cobblestone streets, admire traditional architecture, and savour the tranquil atmosphere.

Home to the popular cities of Tarragona, Girona, and Barcelona, Catalonia is known for its rich cultural heritage. Festivals like La Mercè in Barcelona and the Castells (human tower-building competitions) are unique experiences in the region not to be missed!

If you are hoping to volunteer as a language teacher , this region is particularly interesting as it has its own language known as Catalan, known locally as "Català." You will often see signs, official documents, and educational materials in both Catalan and Spanish. The language plays a significant role in Catalonia's cultural identity and is taught in schools, used in the media, and cherished in literature and the arts.

If you’re searching for an underrated region off the beaten path, Extremadura is ideal. The region shares its border with Portugal so it is perfect for onward travel, especially if you are combining volunteering and vanlife .

Highlights of the region include the Roman ruins of Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as the mediaeval charm of Cáceres, with its well-preserved Old Town.

If you’re keen to try a Workaway with animals or learn more about Spain’s wildlife, the Monfragüe National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. It is home to a wide range of bird species including vultures, eagles, and owls and the park's rugged landscape offers incredible views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Galicia is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (also known as the Way of St James) one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Stretching 500 miles, this transformative trek typically takes 35 days.

One theory states that when the disciple, Saint James died, his body was put in a boat, which landed on the coast of Spain, just west of where Santiago de Compostela stands today. His relics are said to be buried in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, attracting pilgrims and curious travellers from all over the world. We even have a host who supports pilgrims on the route, who you can volunteer with here .

Alongside this fascinating journey, Galicia is also a haven for foodies. Particularly seafood fans who flock to the region to sample octopus a la gallega, pulpo a feira, and other seafood delicacies. The region is also renowned for its white wines, particularly Albariño, which pairs perfectly with the fishy dishes.

Galicia's festivals and music are also some of the best in the country. The Festival of St. John (Noche de San Juan) involves bonfires and celebrations on the night of June 23rd, marking the summer solstice.

Ever thought of volunteering in a vineyard? This is the region to do it! The region's wineries, (known as bodegas) are the perfect place to not only taste but help produce its famous reds like Tempranillo. You can also visit Haro, where the annual wine battle, Batalla del Vino, takes place, and explore wine cellars carved into the rock.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Logroño's tapas scene, then work off the wine and food on the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range. Famed for its hiking trails that offer panoramic views, the area is a paradise for nature lovers. After a hard day hiking, relax in the region’s hot springs for a tranquil treat like no other.

The region of Madrid is home to the country’s capital city - also called Madrid! From world-class museums to bustling markets, the city pulses with energy and history. The city's mix of contemporary and classic architecture creates a unique experience - one minute you’ll be admiring the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the next exploring historic Plaza Mayor or strolling along the elegant Gran Vía.

All that walking left you hungry? Indulge in tapas at traditional taverns, savour cocido madrileño (a hearty stew) or treat yourself to churros and chocolate. Don’t miss the vibrant atmosphere of local markets like Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón.

After a day of volunteering, let your hair down thanks to the region’s fabulous nightlife. In particular, neighbourhoods like Malasaña and Chueca, are great for bars, clubs, and live music venues.

If you prefer to escape the city, head for Murcia, famed for its stunning 155-mile-long coastline of Costa Calida. Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, such as those in La Manga del Mar Menor where you can either relax or try the many water sports available. Alternatively, visit The Mar Menor, (Europe's largest saltwater lagoon) as it offers calm and warm waters, making it ideal for swimming. If you prefer to head inland, the Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña offers endless trekking experiences.

Highlights also include the historic city of Murcia itself as well as Cartagena, where ancient ruins, a Roman theatre, and historical sites offer a glimpse into the region's rich history. Foodie fans will also love this region as Murcia's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location. The region is also famous for its Murcian pastries, including paparajotes, which are lemon tree leaves coated in batter and deep-fried. DELICIOUS!

Navarre boasts a diverse landscape that outdoor enthusiasts will LOVE. For example, the stunning Pyrenees mountains, which offer opportunities to hike and ski. You can also visit Bardenas Reales, a unique desert-like landscape which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with distinctive rock formations and trails for hiking and biking.

For a unique cultural experience, visit the historic city of Pamplona, known for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival. Like most of Spain, the region is renowned for pintxos but don't miss the opportunity to taste traditional dishes like menestra (vegetable stew) and chistorra (spiced sausage).

You may have already heard of Valencia's urban beaches, such as the serene Playa de la Malvarrosa, or the tourist hotspot and beach town of Benidorm, but there is so much more to explore in this region.

Starting with the food! Valencia is the birthplace of paella, one of Spain's most iconic dishes, so arguably it's the best region to try it. If you love your food, you also need to visit Dénia - a UNESCO City of Gastronomy! Wherever you go, you will find delicious dishes that combine the freshest catch of the day with local produce. The port city is also a popular gateway to the Balearic islands if you’re ready for an island hopping adventure.

The region is also renowned for its lively festivals. The Fallas festival in Valencia involves massive satirical sculptures, fireworks, and parades. Or for an experience you’ll never forget, La Tomatina in Buñol is a tomato-throwing festival that attracts participants from around the world!

Volunteering in Spain

Now you’re clued up on the different regions in Spain, it’s time to get planning your volunteering adventure! Why have yet another beach holiday when you can be part of an unforgettable cultural exchange? Learn about the unique Spanish culture, stay with friendly locals and embrace an authentic experience – all for less than the price of a night in a hotel room!

As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to connect with the friendly Spanish locals. Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy , recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – we can help you find your perfect host. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even bring your kids along for the adventure too!

In exchange for a few hours of volunteering each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation and meals. Whether you want to perfect your paella cooking skills in Valencia, study Catalan in Catalonia or learn how to make your favourite wine in Rioja, with Workaway you can enjoy it all at the click of a button by signing up today !

Making a difference in Spain

Due to the diverse landscapes and climate, Spain is known for its agricultural practices. This means it's the perfect destination for those interested in giving off grid living a chance , an authentic farmstay like this one in Catalonia or learning about permaculture . There is also a demand for volunteers to support olive and citrus farms as well as vineyards.

This not only allows you to support local communities with harvesting and distribution, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most memorable scenery, food and friends you could wish for. If you’re interested in this type of volunteering , simply enter keywords such as “permaculture, eco-farm, olive farm, vineyard, harvest, farmstay” into the host keyword box .

Alternatively, if you’re still passionate about protecting the land, but not so keen on farming why not check out our Workaway projects for eco warriors . There are so many ways you can support sustainability in Spain from marine conservation to eco-construction.

If you prefer the sound of Spain’s vibrant cities like Madrid or Barcelona instead of rural living, why not look for opportunities supporting community projects or teaching . There are also opportunities to make a difference behind the scenes, with many hosts requiring help with marketing, social media and web design – particularly within the tourism industry. From helping in a hostel to sharing your skills at a surf school, there are many ways you can enjoy Spain’s famous regions, without the tourist price tag!

While we pride ourselves on being a cultural exchange, Workaway is also a great way to boost your CV , learn a new language and make friends all over the world . With over four thousand hosts in Spain alone, there are so many ways you can share your time and make a difference while enjoying this epic destination.

How to find the perfect host in Spain

As well as using the regions above as a guide, you can use your skills and interests as keywords in the search box to find your perfect host in Spain. Whether you’re enticed by the cave paintings in Cantabria, the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage or fancy flamenco in Andalusia – your perfect host is literally a few clicks away.

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 170 countries. After Spain, why not hop over the border to France , Gibraltar, Andorra or Portugal ? It’s also quite easy to take a ferry to Morocco where we have over 150 hosts waiting for you!

With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, Spain offers endless opportunities to make memories as well as give back to the community. Whether you want to support local NGOs , make your CV sparkle with your Spanish skills or simply eat tapas all day long, with Workaway you can do it all!

Your next adventure begins today

Join the Workaway community today to unlock unique travel experiences with over 50,000 opportunities around the globe.

Important information about visiting: Spain

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Upon request all workawayers based in Ukraine will have their accounts extended for free until further notice.

Hosts in Ukraine have been temporarily disabled for safety reasons.

If you are a host and are able to take in refugees please add the information in your account and you will be added to our last minute host list .

Should you wish to donate and help please click here .

Work, Study and Travel in Spain

Work, Study and Travel in Spain. Best way to learn Spanish.

Hey! Are you looking for a new adventure for your gap year in Spain? Our Work and travel programs in Spain are the best way to learn Spanish and work in Spain. It provides cost-effective affordable stays to learn or improve your Spanish skills and get immersed in the Spanish way of life and culture. Experience real Spain and live like a local!

OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Work and Travel Spain Why book through us

Over 50 years experience.

We have been running our Work, Study and Travel in Spain programs for over 50 years and Tutoring in Spain since 1997 with great success.

We also run programs for Spanish students wishing to live abroad for a while learning a language.

CLUB RCI founded IAPA in 1994

Club RCI was the only Spanish agency which founded in 1994, together with other international Au Pair Agencies, IAPA- International Au Pair Association . This means that we work to the very highest standard when vetting, processing and matching you to a family who suits you best.

You choose your own Host Family

Unlike in other programs or platforms you will be able to choose your own host family to work, travel and study in Spain.

You will talk and interview as many families (previously screened by us) as needed until you find the most suitable host family for you! Most of them have participated in our programs for years and years.

Experienced & Qualified Staff

All our staff members have lived abroad and have participated in our programs – been there done that!

We all know what it is like to move to a different country away from family and friends and how exciting and enriching it is!

Our Work and Travel Spain program combines all our own experiences to make yours unforgettable.

Guidance Through Application

You will be in touch often with our experienced staff members during all application and placement processes, including assistance to get a student visa, should you need one, or enrolling in a Spanish language course.

Full In-Country Support

Our participants are not numbers, they are individuals and we treat them as such, trying to accommodate their requests whenever possible, answer questions and try to make their stay in Spain a lifetime experience to remember.

You can always pop into our office to get info , answer your queries or just say hi and meet us!

Work and Travel programs in Spain

Whether you would like to earn more money or have more time off,

you can choose the type of stay in Spain that accommodates your plans in the country.

Help with children, light housework and with English, French or German

Work Schedule

25 hours or 30 hours/week

1 or 2 days off

Weekly Allowance

80€ or 100€/week

Babysitting

Once or twice a week -never in a row-

Assistance with kids and support in English, French, or German

20 h/week: 4 hours a day from M- F

Saturdays & Sundays

Once a week from Monday to Friday

Au Pair Plus

Aid with children, light housework and with English, French or German

40 h/week: 8 hours a day from M- F

Work Study and Travel Home tutor in Spain

Teach & Conversation in English, French or German. English teacher in spain

15 h/week: 3 hours a day from M- F

Gap year programs in Spain Why choose our programs in Spain?

Live in Spain Like a local!

These programs offer you an excellent opportunity to experience Spanish culture and improving your language skills while living and working with a Spanish family. You have the opportunity to work and study in spain. It is the best way to learn spanish!

Enhance your CV

All companies appreciate the fact an applicant for a job has spent some time abroad. It says a lot about you having moved out from your comfort zone and environment.

Not to mention your new or improved Spanish skills!

Affordable stays in Spain

We have a flat rate and special offer of 150€ for all programs which covers assistance and guidance from the moment you choose to apply, airport pick-up , main costs of living covered (accommodation in your own private room and full board 7 days a week ), and a weekly allowance (except Tutoring) that you could use to travel around or simply go out with friends and explore.

Improve your Spanish

The best way to really learn or improve your Spanish is to live for a while in a country where it is spoken.

Learn Spanish and work in Spain!

Travel around Spain

There will be plenty of time off to explore the country , area and city.

There are plenty of cities, towns, National Parks, etc to visit, things to do and try!

Make new friends

You will meet other participants from all over the world that also participate in our programs as well as having the chance to make new Spanish friends

Spanish Classes

Learn Spanish in Madrid in an excellent Private school in Central Madrid with special rates for our participants

Locations in Spain

Medical & Travel Insurance

Visas & Nationalites

Official agent for Au Pair in America in Spain since 1995

Offical agent of Canada ILAC International College

Official agent for Camp America in Spain

We are an ICEF agency representing top educational institutions and colleges since 2010

We collaborate with Universidad de Alcalá de Henares since 1996

Founder member of IAPA International Au Pair Association since 1994

Follow us @clubRCI

28008 Madrid

Phone: +34 915 417 103

WhatsApp: +34 626 211 453

Monday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm

OUR PROGRAMS IN SPAIN

Au Pair in Spain
Demi Pair in Spain
Au Pair Plus in Spain
Tutoring in Spain
Learn Spanish in Madrid - Spanish school
Locations, Visa, Travel insurance

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How to Work in Spain as a Foreigner

Would you like to move to Spain and start working, but don’t know where to start? Then this post will be the guide that you need. Although this is a long and tedious process, with the keys and pieces of advice that you are about to discover here, everything will be much easier.

Next, we will explore how to work legally in Spain as a foreigner . We will analyze all the requirements that you must meet, the different paths currently available, and other tips that will prove very useful.

What do I need to start working in Spain?

In order to be able to work legally and effectively in Spain , you only have to meet three main requirements:

Minimum age

First of all, we find the age requirement. To be able to work in the country you must be over 18 years old .

However, it is also possible to work from 16 to 18 , as long as you get explicit authorization from your parents or legal guardians.

Have the right to work

On the other hand, the other crucial requirement is having the right to work. This can be achieved in two different ways:

By a Spanish citizen ( with nationality ), something that intrinsically grants this right
Having a residence and work authorization

Thus, by obtaining a work authorization (work permit) you will be able to work in the Spanish territory, either as an employee (for a company) or as a self-employed person (as a freelancer).

By obtaining this permit you will also be automatically granted an NIE , the number that identifies you as a foreigner, and that you will need to sign the employment contract.

Since there are different options for obtaining this authorization, all with their associated requirements, we will, later on, expand on this information in greater detail throughout this article.

Be registered with the Social Security

Finally, in either of these two cases, you will have to be registered with Social Security in order to start working.

This registration is the one that allows you to receive unemployment aids or pension; besides being able to benefit from the public health system in Spain, one of the most recognized in the world.

In general, the company that hires you will be the one registering you . However, you must first request and obtain your affiliation number, which you must do at the Social Security Treasury.

Do you have any doubts so far? Keep on reading for more information or ask our expert immigration lawyers here :

How to work in Spain as a foreigner

As we have mentioned in the previous section, one of the key requirements when working in the country is having the right to do so.

In order to get this right, you will either need to obtain a work permit or be the holder of a residence permit that allows you to work .

And here you have two options:

Arrive in Spain already with a job offer (recommended)
Enter the country as a tourist without a job offer (something that will complicate your options drastically) to find a job later on

Below we will explain the different immigration paths that will grant you the right to work.

Beyond the regular work permit, keep in mind that there are many other residencies that also allow you to work (and in many cases are easier to obtain).

Let’s explore those options by defining their requirements so that you can clearly understand which option is the most appropriate for your particular case:

Regular work permit

The most direct (but not the easiest) way to work in Spain is to apply for a regular work permit .

This is usually a very complex and almost impossible process due to its complicated requirements:

First, you will have to initiate the process from your home country . Unlike some of the options discussed below, in this case, you cannot be in Spain when you start the application procedure.

To do so, the first thing you will have to do is to find a company willing to hire you and manage the application. That is to say, to receive a job offer.

But not just any job offer will work , since it must be included in what is known as a shortage occupation list or a list of jobs that are difficult to cover.

In other words, in order to respect the national unemployment situation , priority is given to legal residents and Spanish nationals with the vast majority of job offers, so that as a foreigner you will only be able to apply for a very small number of them.

The exception to this rule is Peruvian and Chilean citizens , to whom the national unemployment situation does not apply and who can benefit from any job offer.

Self-employed work permit

In parallel, you can also apply for a regular work permit to start your own project or work on your own.

This is known as being an “autónomo” in Spanish, and you can learn all the steps to register as one here.

In these cases, you must also submit a business plan detailing, clearly, your business idea or project.

Unfortunately, few projects are accepted on this path, since opening a generic business (such as a coffee shop) is not enough.

It must be a project that can generate a large number of jobs and contribute significantly to the development of the Spanish economy.

The application process for this type of permits are also initiated in the country of origin .

Highly qualified working visa

On the other hand, we find the first of the work permits under the Entrepreneur’s Law : the permit for skilled workers.

Like the next one on our list (entrepreneur visa), it can be applied for directly from Spain as a tourist , and it offers quick resolutions in just 20 days.

This work permit is designed for foreigners with higher education (bachelor’s or master’s), who will occupy technical or managerial positions in a Spanish company, and will receive a salary of more than 50,000€ per year .

You can access here a complete guide with all the information about this permit .

Entrepreneur visa

In the case of wanting to set up a highly innovative company in Spain that includes a large technological component , the entrepreneur visa is the most recommended option.

It is the work permit that allows you to set up your startup in Spain; and although few projects are finally accepted for this visa, it may be a more recommended option than the regular self-employment permit.

Again, here it is crucial to develop a meticulous business plan to favor your immigration application.

Access here a complete guide with all the requirements of the entrepreneur visa .

Family member of an EU citizen visa

If you are a family member of a Spanish or European citizen living in Spain, you will be entitled to obtain a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen .

The most frequent applications for this card come from those cases where a non-EU citizen registers a civil partnership or marriage with an EU citizen .

One of the main advantages of this 5-year residency card is that it allows you to work as an employee or self-employed.

Click here and access a complete guide with all requirements and the application process for the family member visa.

Social arraigo

Many foreigners arrive in Spain in search of a job offer, but after the end of their 3 months as a tourist, they have not been able to fulfill that goal.

In the case of staying irregularly in the country and staying a total of 3 years (being able to prove it), it is possible to apply for the “arraigo social” .

This residence for exceptional circumstances not only allows to reside for one year in the Spanish territory legally but also to work.

Thus, in addition to having to prove these 3 years of continuous residence, it will also be essential to find a job offer to complete the process.

Permanent residency

Finally, once you have been legally and continuously living in the Spanish territory for 5 years, you will be able to obtain long-term residence .

This, besides allowing you to stay in the country indefinitely (with renewals every 5 years), also allows you to work (regardless of the national unemployment situation).

And up to here the process to work legally in Spain if you are a foreigner . If you have any doubts or would like to receive personalized advice from our team, do not hesitate to tell us more about your situation in a consultation!

Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:

Use my online scheduling page by vcita to schedule an appointment with me:

Subscribe so you are up to date with all immigration news in Spain

Living and Working in Spain – An Expat’s Guide

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Sep 22, 2023 | Europe live work and play , Live Work Play Travel , Work Online + remote & nomad Life

Barcelona is a must visit when living and working in Spain.

Hola (Hello). Imagine traveling to Spain , enjoying a refreshing glass of sangria with tapas, and deep thoughts suddenly cross your mind, ‘What if I was living here and this was my daily routine after work?’. That magical moment when moving to Spain feels like a possibility. This blog post is all about helping you turn those deep thoughts into reality. It will talk about Spanish lifestyle and culture, getting the proper visas and permits, finding a place to live, and getting a job. You’ll also find out about healthcare, education, and some helpful tips for making your move to living and working in Spain smoother.

Table of Contents

Embracing the Spanish Lifestyle

Spanish lifestyle is the key to happiness. The formula contains irresistible ingredients that you will always find in this country. Plenty of hours of sunshine. Midday siestas allowing for family time and relaxation. Milder temperatures compared to other European countries with a relaxed culture full of laughs and cervezas’ (beer). And don’t forget a tasty, healthy Mediterranean gastronomy.

Working in a place like Spain really makes you reconsider the main goal of receiving a salary. While in many countries people see jobs as their only way to success, money increases, and financial security, in Spain people value other aspects of working life.

Work is the way to achieve things, not the only thing. The siesta, a break in the middle of the day, shows that taking a break from work to rest, be with family, enjoy a slow meal, and slow down is important to balance life and work.

Life, in fact, is all about balance and enjoying the small things. Spaniards value their time outside of work, they really do. It’s normal for businesses to close in the afternoon so people can relax and spend time with family and friends. Many expats and locals alike will confirm that there are numerous great places to live in Spain with family .

But it’s important to remember that not all of us come from similar backgrounds, which can be a cultural shock. While it can feel liberating for some, it might be challenging and stressful for others who are used to a fast, more structured, and organized lifestyle. Punctuality isn’t always a priority, so be ready to embrace ‘Spanish time’.

In short, living the Spanish way of life means finding a balance between work and fun, putting family at the center of all, and having lots of friends. Spain’s relaxed lifestyle can make life feel more fulfilling for those who love tradition and peace.

The Cost of Comfort in Spain

The cost of living in Spain is probably the second thing that makes moving to Spain so appealing. The first is the excellent free health care. But you can opt for a private one for as low as €50 per month.

Regarding housing, certain areas offer a more affordable cost of living. You will find some of Spain’s cheapest places to live in the region of Andalucia, particularly on the Huelva and Cadiz coasts. There’s a scheme called ‘Alquiler Temporada Escolar (school season rental)’ where apartments and houses can be rented from September to June at costs ranging from €300 to €600.

The best of these rental models is that the price usually includes bills and wifi. If you’re lucky enough, you might even have a swimming pool and a backyard. This is perfect for seasonal workers and digital nomads in Spain. Then, in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, rental prices can be higher but still affordable, ranging from €600 to €1,200 per month.

But my favorite part is Spanish food – tasty, healthy, and budget-friendly. Dining out and groceries for couples can cost as little as €40 to €70 per week.

In conclusion, Spain provides a diverse range of lifestyles, with varying living costs depending on where you choose to live in Spain.

Regional Differences in Spain

When speaking of Spain, one must keep in mind that it’s a vast country, with 17 autonomous regions. Each Spanish region having its own culture, traditions, and often its own language. Plus, considerable differences in climate, work market, and many other significant aspects.

Big and famous cities like Madrid and Barcelona are fast-moving cities with lots of jobs and opportunities, but they can be expensive compared to the rest of Spain.

In the south, what I call the real essence of Spain, life is slower and cheaper in places like Seville, Cadiz, Huelva, and Malaga. There may be fewer job options, but if you have your own business, are working on-line or are a freelancer, it’s the perfect place to be. Then there are cities like Valencia and Alicante, which are perfect spots for families, that combine city life and beaches. The cost of living is lower than in Madrid or Barcelona.

The sunny islands, Canary on the African coast, and the Baleares in the Mediterranean. These have a completely different feeling, with their own language, gastronomy, and slang. Jobs are usually linked to tourism, so you have great chances to find work if you speak German, French, or Dutch as these nationalities love to holiday here.

Up North, in The Basque Country, with cities like Bilbao, you can experience a great economy with jobs in manufacturing and tech. Living is pricey but less than in the big cities. On the other hand, Asturias and Galicia, are green, with a lot of fresh fish, and peaceful. Weather is not typically warm aside from summers, and you’ll find fewer career possibilities, but living in Asturias is generally cheaper.

In addition, two autonomous cities, officially Spanish territory, are located along the North African coast of Morocco: Ceuta and Melilla. The most unique cities in the whole country.

Navigating the Job Market as a Foreigner in Spain

Being a foreigner trying to find work in Spain requires persistence, adaptability, and knowledge of the regional labor market. Before moving, exploring and understanding the work market, language needs, and work permit requirements is important.

You also need to consider that to live comfortably, you’ll need around €1,000 to €1,500 per month, depending on where you live and your lifestyle.

For example, if you are a freelancer or remote worker and want to live in Spain, you can either apply for a digital nomad visa or register as “autónomo” in the “Seguridad Social”.

Otherwise, the important papers required to get a Spanish contract are NIE and Seguridad Social, which are discussed later on in the article.

The major opportunities for foreigners are in the following fields:

Tourism and Hospitality: You can find jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas like Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, and the islands.
Teaching: If you’re a native English speaker or fluent in English, you can teach English in private language schools or as a private tutor.
Multinational companies: They tend to frequently look for and hire foreign talents to make their company international and multiethnic.

Spain’s Allure: Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Spain

Seafood Paella is a Spanish rice dish loved by expats living and working in Spain.

Enjoying Spanish food like Paella is a big pro to living and working in Spain

Spain has always been considered a country with a high quality of life, despite the fact that the country’s wealth per inhabitant has always been below many other European countries. Therefore, anyone wishing to live in Spain should consider its pros and cons.

Pros of living and working in Spain:

It’s an open-minded country, less conservative because of the great mixture of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths, which has led to a tolerant mentality;
Hospitality. Spanish people are famous for being very friendly, cheerful, and hospitable.
Climate. It is known that hours of sunshine make people happier. This is one of the aspects that always comes up when talking about the positive things about living in Spain. The climate is generally warm depending on where in Spain you are.
Lower cost of living.
Gastronomy. Spanish food is famous for being yummy, healthy, and affordable. With a focus on fresh ingredients like vegetables, olive oil, and seafood, it’s a treat for food lovers.

Cons of living and working in Spain:

Difficulties in finding work in some regions;
Slow bureaucracy;
Crowded tourist areas in the summer;
Bars and restaurants open later, which can be difficult for early birds people;

Not to mention the slow life, which can be a pro for some and a con for others. In fact, the slower pace of life in Spain might be nice and a relief for some but not for those used to a faster lifestyle like in some Northern European countries. Before moving to Spain, consider your preference and how well you can adapt to the differences.

In conclusion, living in Spain can be life-changing in a good way. Even though there are more than a few economic problems raging in the country, the quality of life is way higher than in other countries in Europe and in the world.

Essential Tips for Expats in Spain

Have you decided to move to Spain but need help figuring out where to start? Don’t worry. Let’s dive into the essential steps to take when deciding to move to this incredible country.

Learn the Spanish Language

First of all, it could be helpful to learn the language beforehand. At least the basic words that you’ll need in the first weeks. Apps like Duolingo and Babble can help you have first notions of Spanish, and it’s a fun way to get to know the language.

Know the most important documents

Once in Spain, your journey through Spanish bureaucracy will start. For that reason, it’s better to have some knowledge about Spanish.

NIE (compulsory for all foreigners who wish to carry out any administrative practice in Spain, such as opening a bank account).
Empadronamiento is compulsory for anyone living and working in Spain. Without it, you won’t be entitled to health care, enroll your children in school, or claim tax refunds.
Seguridad Social (social security number) for protection and assistance in case of unemployment, illness, retirement, etc.

Research the Spanish Housing Market

Lastly, it can be useful to start researching the housing market to understand the available accommodation types. The most popular websites are idealista.com, photocasa.com, and pisos.com.

Healthcare in Spain: What You Need to Know

According to the World Health Organisation, Spain has one of the best public health systems in the world. Spanish social security payments finance the system, meaning most Spanish residents do not need private health insurance to access health services.

Any European citizen in Spain is entitled to receive basic medical care simply by presenting their European Health Card. However, foreigners moving permanently to Spain to live or work must apply for:

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) corresponding to the tax code
Seguridad Social (Social Security Number) guarantees workers (or those who meet specific requirements) protection and assistance in case of unemployment, illness, retirement, or other reasons that prevent them from working.

There are two ways to apply for it: if you have a job, your company will register you. Otherwise, you will have to request it from the Tesorería General yourself.

Legal Essentials: Visas and Work Permits for Spain

If you plan to move to Spain, consider what type of visa permit suits your needs. If you’re coming from the European Union, you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to work without a permit and without stress. However, you still should register with local authorities upon arrival as follows:

NIE at the Oficinas de Extranjeria (Foreigner’s Office) or Comisaria Policia (Police Station);
Empadronamiento in the municipality “Ayuntamiento” (City Hall);
Seguridad Social at Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social – TGSS (General Treasury of Social Security).

This registration secures you are covered by the Spanish healthcare system, allows you to work for Spanish companies, and you can get other municipality benefits.

If you’re coming from outside the European Union, you can apply for a student visa, retirement visa, work visa, working holiday visa and even the new digital nomad visa . Anyone moving to Spain will initially be able to enjoy the public health system. However, preparing all the necessary documentation for a permanent stay is a good idea.

Your Next Steps: Preparing for the Move to Spain

Hopefully, these tips have made you want to live in Spain and made your move to Spain smoother! Something to do is to look for a supporting community on Facebook. Several groups such as working and living in Spain, and GOSPAIN – Moving To And Living In Spain are great starting points and support. Spain is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. Overall, it’s an incredible experience, so be sure to learn Spanish as soon as possible to make moving to Spain easier!

Are You Ready to Live and Work in Spain?

Visit Madrid while living and working in Spain PIN.

My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com . Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner .

🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars .

🚆 Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope . And Japan has a great one too – JapanRail Pass .

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🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide .

🌏 How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

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Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to live work play travel around the world with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

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A Guide to Jobs in Spain

Although Spain was hit particularly hard by the recent economic crisis, its economy is slowly regaining strength in many sectors, opening the door for foreign nationals to fill in a variety of different forms of employment. Working abroad in Spain is a fantastic opportunity to embrace the beauty of the Spanish culture, while gaining an even deeper understanding of Spanish society by joining its work force. If it has been a dream of yours to live in Spain, then supporting yourself by finding a job in Spain may not be as hard as you think.

Best Cities for Expats

Most expats choose to look for work in Spain in one of the major cities, where jobs are most readily available for international workers. Here are some of the best cities for expats in Spain.

Madrid is the country’s capital and is not only a major center of Spanish culture, but also a highly influential force in the global economy and a host to many prestigious international organizations. If you want to to work abroad in Spain in a place a buzz of importance, then Madrid is the place for you.

Barcelona offers a more laid-back feel to working in Spain. As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world because of its distinct art and pristine setting on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is also a major center of commerce and industry, making it ideal for jobs in Spain.

Valencia and Seville are two more popular cities for jobs in Spain, each offering a unique regional taste of Spanish culture. Your options for jobs abroad in Spain are not limited to these four major cities, but they remain the primary hubs of activity in Spain with the most job opportunities.

Popular Job Types

The competition for high-paying jobs abroad in Spain is fierce, as you will be standing toe-to-toe against many highly qualified Spanish graduates. You will have the best luck landing a job in Spain if you are fluent in Spanish and carry with you adequate experience and skills relevant to the position you are applying for.

The easiest type of work to land in Spain are in temporary positions, such as teaching English , au pairing , or working within the tourism industry. If you are bilingual, in both Spanish and English, then you will stand out above the rest for openings in any of the latter jobs in Spain. There are many work abroad programs in Spain which work closely with Spanish organizations and businesses to help foreigners obtain temporary employment, allowing them to work in Spain for up to one or two years.

If you want to apply for a more long-term job in Spain, your best luck will be in the service industry or in information technology (two fields that have withstood the recession and continue to thrive).

Estimated Salaries

Your salary will depend on the line of work you enter into, but overall you shouldn’t expect to make too much money working in Spain. If you are entering into a temporary job in Spain, you will likely earn a basic salary which is enough to get by since basic costs of living are a bit cheaper when compared to neighboring countries, although real estate can be quite expensive (especially in the major cities). The amount you save up while working in Spain all depends on your spending habits!

Accommodation & Visas

Since housing in Spain’s major cities can be quite expensive, foreign workers should consider starting out by renting a single room in an apartment while working in Spain. If you are making enough money to afford your own place, housing is usually more affordable the further you move from the city center. Many people also choose to live in suburban neighborhoods and commute (some Spanish cities have better public transportation than others, making this a viable option in some places over others).

As for visas, if you are a resident of the European Union, then you will not have to apply for a visa to work abroad in Spain. Workers coming from most other countries, however, will have to obtain a visa in order to stay in the country for longer than three months. The visa you need will vary depending on your job in Spain and home country. You can check out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory to learn more information from your local Spanish consulate. If you do your research, you may find employers willing to help you through the process of obtaining a visa and work permit for different jobs in Spain.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Many opportunities to work abroad in Spain are simply temporary employment, but any international work experience and professional networking can take you a long way in your future career. All employers love it when applicants have work experience in a diverse, global environment, especially one that is bilingual. GoAbroad Insider tip: apply to your prospective job positions in Spanish! Showing off your linguistic skills may open up more opportunities for work in Spain. But don’t stress about those language skill too much, you have plenty of time to practice while working in Spain.

While you are working abroad in Spain don’t forget to embrace the Spanish culture. Spain is world-renowned for its beauty and cultural richness; from flamenco to tapas to bullfighting, you will experience it all while working abroad in Spain. Spain is a diverse and historically fascinating country. As if it needs to be said, working abroad in Spain will be the adventure of a lifetime. You will meet people from all over the world, travel across the country (and possibly to neighboring countries!), and create memories that will stay with you forever.

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Home » Europe » Spain » Everything You Need to Know about Working Holidays in Spain | 2024

Everything You Need to Know about Working Holidays in Spain | 2024

Wanting to take the trip of a lifetime but don’t have the funds? Say hello to working holidays abroad.

I’m sure you must know, or at least have heard of someone who jetted off to Australia or New Zealand for a year or two of sun, sea, and lots of fun! Most people don’t even think of looking into other destinations, when in fact, there are a ton of countries out there with working holiday agreements, including Spain!

Imagine a year under the beautiful Spanish sun, gorging on tapas, working on your tan, and exploring the beautiful cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Pretty much everyone wants to do that, right???

Luckily, this dream could become a reality with some quick know-how and a little bit of planning on your part. We’ve put together this EPIC guide to teach you everything there is to know about working holidays in Spain, so don’t go anywhere just yet!

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Taking a Working Holiday in Spain

Top 5 tips for a working holiday in spain, spain working holiday visas, insurance for a working holiday in spain, working holiday in spain budget, earning money on a working holiday visa, pre-planned working holiday jobs with global work and travel, diy working holiday in spain, final thoughts .

The best way to do a working holiday in Spain is with a working holiday visa. They let you work, live, and explore Spain for up to a year! Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s only for gap year students either, oh no. This visa is eligible for ages 18- 30, so if you’re just tired of your regular job, need a change, or just wanna live that Spanish gap life , you should definitely consider it!

Spain is chock-full of adventure, and aside from working your arse off, there will be plenty to see and do on your days off. Even the regularity of a boring old 9-5 could be exciting if you had say, checking out La Sagrada Familia or road tripping along the North West coast on your weekend itinerary! What I’m trying to get at here is that working holidays won’t take over your life.

There are so many roles you could do, of course, these will depend on your personal skill set. Most people look at being an au pair, working in the hospitality industry, teaching English, and jobs in the tourism sector. Spain also has an awesome coastal summer season, so if you fancy working in a summer camp as an instructor, you’re in luck!

This could all be a little overwhelming. The beauty of this modern age is that there are companies to help out and handle all the little minor (and major) details.

Go with Worldpackers

Worldpackers is an online company that connects travelers with foreign volunteer hosts who then work in exchange for housing . That being said, Worldpackers does do more than just connect volunteers to hosts. It offers a plethora of additional resources, a great support network, a blogging platform for collaboration, and a whole lot more.

Sounds pretty rad, right? But wait, there’s more!

According to their mission statement, Worldpackers is “ a community based on collaboration and honest relationships that make travel more accessible to those seeking a profound cultural experience. ” They value environmentalism , authenticity , growth and working together above all else and make a great effort to provide the best experience possible.

And even better – Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $10 ! When you use our special hookup, it makes even more sense to pay. Just use this Worldpackers discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and membership is discounted from $49 a year to $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with meaningful travel experiences.

Go with Global Work and Travel

Global Work and Travel is one of our faves for this, they are THE people to go to when it comes to working holidays abroad.

It’s got a bit of a different approach than Worldpackers, but it offers JUST as many amazing opportunities for travellers.

It provides working holidays, teaching abroad, volunteering, au pair and student internship packages . On top of that, the agency plans, sorts and assists with visa requirements, connections to local businesses, accommodation search and job interviews.

Most products even come with flights and basic medical insurance, a 24/7 Emergency line and payment plans.

As I mentioned earlier the huge draw of this trip is that you can be up to age 30 (35 for certain countries). But once you’re any older, you won’t be able to apply, so you gotta act fast!

Working holiday visas reign supreme, you can stay for a hell of a long time AND keep your bank balance topped up. It’s a winner.

If you’ve never taken this type of trip before (kudos if you are working holiday-ing your way across the globe), you’ll probably want to get all the info you can possibly get.

It isn’t as easy as turning up, getting a job, and having the time of your life. There are a lot of important factors to consider. These 5 top tips should help you break things down a little further before we get into the nitty gritty of applications later! Here they are:

Applying for the correct visa. If you’re one of the lucky ones and qualify for a Spain working holiday visa by a) being the right age and b) coming from an eligible country, then you’re all set! It’s the perfect visa for people who want to travel and live in Spain long term, while working to supplement their income. If you only want to go for a short vacation, definitely get a tourist visa as you are only eligible for a working holiday visa once – don’t waste it in case you want to use it later on in life!
Knowing how long you want to stay. Knowing how long you are going to be away is important for a whole load of reasons. Maybe you have commitments back home, are starting school the following year, or need to make sure your salary can support you for the entire length of your stay. Either way, it’s good to know so you can plan ahead.
Finding the right job. There will be a load of working holiday jobs for you out in Spain, but that doesn’t mean that you should take the first one that comes your way. Think about it, a big chunk of your time will actually be spent working, so you wanna make sure you enjoy it/are capable of doing it. If you don’t like kids, don’t be an au pair, or if you don’t know your slicing from your dicing, applying to be a cook isn’t a smart idea either. Life is too short to be doing a job you don’t enjoy, even if you get to let loose on the weekend.
Finding somewhere to stay. Accommodation in Spain will be your biggest expense. You’ll want to think carefully, not only about what kind of place you want (shared apartment, studio flat, one-bedroom apartment), but also WHERE you wanna live. Spain is filled with so many wonderful locations, but sadly your budget may end up narrowing down your options a bit. It’s better to know beforehand than getting a nasty shock later on.
Getting around during your days off. By far the best way to travel around the country during your weekends and vacations is by the high-speed train or AVE (Alta Velocidad). This train service links up all the major cities and riding from Barcelona to Madrid will only take you two hours and 40 minutes. Incredible! Within Spain’s main cities like Barcelona and Madrid, there are extensive metro lines that link up all the neighborhoods and areas of the city. Tickets are cheap, but if you’re commuting a lot, you may want to consider looking into a weekly or monthly pass to save money.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic .

Now it’s visa time. Here are all the bits and pieces you need to know about the Spain working holiday visa, but it’s always best to do a quick double-check yourself to make sure all the info is up to date.

Currently, only citizens from Australia, Canada (through the Youth Mobility Program), Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand qualify for a working holiday visa. You’ll need to be between the ages of 18 and 30, except for Canadian citizens, who can apply up to the age of 35. Of course, if you belong to a country that is exempt from long-stay visas, you can move freely around Spain and work as you please.

You need to apply for the visa in your home country at either a Spanish embassy, Spanish consulate, or through a third-party visa service center. Visa processing can sometimes take several months. It’s best to apply with plenty of time to spare (the idea of an upcoming flight and still no visa gives me nightmares). Remember, you can’t just waltz into the embassy or consulate to sort your visa out, you’ll need to make an appointment first and possibly fill in an online form.

There are quite a few documents required for your appointment. These include your pretty standard documents (valid passport, passport photos, previous visa copies and passports), then you a few more complicated ones. You need to show that you have sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay, amounting to at least 532.5 EUR per month, you will also need to have a return flight ticket, or proof that you have enough money to purchase one later on.

On top of that (this list is kinda a long one…) you need police clearance, a medical certificate issued within the last three months, medical insurance from a legal Spanish provider, proof of at least two years of higher education, proof that you have a basic knowledge of Spanish, a letter of support from the department of Immigration and Border Protection, a Foreigner’s Identification Number (A.K.A work authorization), and *takes a HUGE breath* a pre-arranged contract of employment. PHEW, that was a lot!

On arrival, you’ll need to get a Foreigner’s Identity Card, through the local Foreigner’s Office or Police Station. This needs to be done within 30 days of arrival. Make sure to bring your passport, a copy of your visa, and your Foreigner’s Identification Number.

Once that’s all over, the visa gives you a maximum of one year in Spain where you can live AND work. Bear in mind, the maximum employment period within the year is 6 months, and you can only work for the same employer for 3 months.

If you are totally independent and want to do this whole process alone, with no pre-arranged working holiday, then you may want to enlist the help of a specialist visa company like Visa First . There are a LOT of things you need for the visa application (just see above), these guys can guide you through everything so you can worry about deciding where to spend your six months of totally free time!

If you were paying close attention above (I hope you were), then you’ll see that you need medical insurance from a legal Spanish provider. BUT, and this is a big but, I would still suggest you get travel insurance *gasps*. Yes, that means doubling up on the old insurance. Let me tell you why.

Travel insurance doesn’t only cover your medical bills, it covers canceled flights, lost luggage, etc. You might also want to head out of Spain to explore the rest of Europe (totally allowed), in which case, you’ll be glad for the extra assurance. I personally use WorldNomads, these guys are FAB and won’t try to swindle you by not paying out if you need it!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Let’s talk MONEY, or more specifically your budget! You will need over 500 EUR per month of your stay to even apply for the Spain working holiday visa, which may sound like a lot, but we recommend banking some extra depending on where you’ll be, where you want to travel, and how much you’ll be spending on things like eating out.

Whether you choose to base yourself in a major city like Barcelona or a smaller one like Granada could make a HUGE difference in your monthly expenditure! For example, rent in a city center one bedroom apartment, transport, food, and activities would cost you around 1,500 USD in Barcelona and roughly 1,000 USD in Granada. That’s quite a big difference.

Of course, a big differing factor is how much you will spend day to day. You can definitely cut costs by not eating out, walking more, and doing free activities for entertainment. The minimum wage in Spain is 7.55 EUR an hour, so working a full time job at 40 hours a week, will bring you 1,125.83 EUR a month (1,250 USD). You probably won’t save any money, but it IS enough to live on if you’re careful.

Since you’ll be doing a fair bit of working while you’re in Spain, let’s get into the details of Spanish working holiday jobs. From au-pairing, working at a summer campsite to waiting tables at a cute cafe, there’s a load of choices.

However, being able to live and work abroad does come with responsibilities, like paying taxes. Even if you’re a non-resident of Spain, you’ll be required to pay taxes on all of your Spanish-sourced income.

There is a flat rate of 24% taxed to non-resident workers in Spain. Your employer should be the one to deduct this from your monthly paycheck, so you don’t have to have the hassle of working out how much tax to pay every month.

Perhaps one of the most crucial things when it comes to earning money on a Spain working holiday visa is getting paid. This means you need to have a local bank account not only for your employer to pay into, but to pay your rent, utilities, and groceries. It might be a good idea to do some research around the different banking groups in Spain to get the best deal, but since you’ll only be in the country for a year, it’s not too big of a deal if you don’t.

Once you have chosen the bank you want to go with, you should head in there in person to request an account. Bear in mind that the tellers and clerks may not speak fluent English, so if you’re not super proficient in Spanish, bringing along a local friend or at least your Google Translate app will be very useful.

The documents you will need to bring are proof of identity (like a passport), your Spanish foreigner identification number (obtained before you applied for your visa), proof of address (this can be a utility bill or a copy of your lease agreement), and proof of employment (your employment contract).

Once your bank account is sorted, you’re going to want to transfer some money into your new Spanish account. I do NOT recommend just doing an international transfer as this could take a while and you’ll definitely get the short end of the stick when it comes to exchange rates and fees.

Instead, opt for a money transferring service such as Wise (formerly known as Transferwise) or payoneer. You’ll get good rates and you can even use these services to pay bills and hold funds.

By now, hopefully you are raring to go, and I’m sure plenty of you have got this, but some of you are going to be leaning towards pre-planned working holidays. For me, Global Work and Travel are the bees knees. They are specialists when it comes to arranging your working holiday programme, and will help you jump right into your new life abroad!

There are loads of choices in Spain, you could find yourself as a live-in nanny (au pair), seriously buffing up your CV by taking part in an internship, or teaching English. They are all great opportunities.

Au Pair in Spain

Au Pairs are basically live-in nannies whose main job is to provide childcare, DUH, as well as a bit of light cleaning around the house and occasionally doing some cooking. It is one of the best ways to become fully immersed in Spanish culture as you’ll be living with your host family in their home.

This is great if you love kids and you’ll be sure to develop a super close bond with your host family, plus make a load of amazing memories. This is why finding the right host family is important. You will be in each other’s space 24/7, so you’ll want to be sure that you will mesh well! It’s good to consider where you want to au pair too, as well as any non-negotiables.

Finding au pair work on your own isn’t too difficult, but you will have to secure a contract before arriving in Spain. You could take a look at various au pair websites online where families post vacancies or look at local Facebook groups in the area you want to work.

You can either au pair using your Spain working holiday visa, or if you’re not eligible for that, there’s also the au pair visa to consider.

The drawbacks from a DIY au pairing job (aside from the paperwork) is that there’s always a chance that you don’t get along so well with your host family. If you want to reduce the risks and hassle as much as possible, then opting to pair up with a Global Work and Travel could put your mind at ease.

Their au pair package will have you matched up with a fully vetted host family, earning between 75-90 EUR a week! Their programmes last between 3-12 months with numerous locations around the country! Your personal trip coordinator will help you through the visa process, set up the contract between you and your host family, and arrange for them to pick you up from the nearest major airport.

For first-time au pairs, there’s an online short course on everything you need to know so you can feel confident on your first day. There’s a ton of perks, but my personal favorite is that you can opt to extend your time away and head on over to the Netherlands with a new host family!

Interning in Spain

Working holidays aren’t only limited to working, you could get an internship instead. I think we all know how hard it is to get an internship nowadays, let alone one abroad. Most of the time you’ll find yourself sending out hundreds of applications, only to get rejected due to lack of experience. The cheek!

Why is this? Well for starters internships are really competitive as you need experience to land an entry-level job in most fields. They look fantastic on college CVs, and are one of the best ways to get to grips with your field without the responsibilities or feeling overwhelmed. They are more structured than volunteering and tend to be a better way of learning the ropes too.

If you’re interested in finding your own internship in Spain, a good place to start is by email blasting potential companies you wanna intern for. It’s important to remember that you’ll need to have something secured before you head over, and you’ll be up against Spanish locals who will have the upper hand. It may also be difficult to communicate well since whoever you’ll be contacting probably speaks Spanish.

Sometimes the lack of security of doing things yourself is, let’s be honest, so NOT worth it. If you agree with me, then maybe you should think about handing off the responsibility and hard work to Global Work and Travel. They have a fantastic working holiday programme that will help you to secure an internship in a wide range of fields. Some of them include journalism, design, leisure and tourism, and marketing. There’s loads to choose from!

The duration is 3 to 6 months, you’ll need to be between the ages of 18 to 30 and come from an eligible country. Interns in Spain can either enter on a working holiday visa or a student visa. GWaT will arrange interviews with their partner organizations in the fields that you choose, and help to secure a fantastic unpaid internship you’ll be sure to learn loads at.

Aside from having a dedicated trip coordinator to help with all the confusing stuff, my favorite thing about this programme is the CV/resume assistance that will help you get noticed by potential companies, the company reference you’ll get once you internship is completed, and best of all, the dedicated mentor they’ll assign you to help you grow your knowledge in the industry and give you one-on-one training.

Teach in Spain

This last one has got to be the most popular thing to do when it comes to working holidays abroad. It is the one and only, trusted time and time again, English teaching job! Teaching English abroad, especially Europe, usually comes with a load of conditions and requirements. Luckily, Global Work and Travel has a full package deal just waiting for you. You will need to be aged between 20 and 65, be from an eligible country, and have had no criminal convictions within the last five years. Pretty easy, right?

The working holiday programme includes a four-week TESOL training course, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have an international teaching qualification. Once you’ve completed your course, GWaT will arrange interviews for you with their partner schools in Barcelona. Most private language institutes also pay the very fair wage of 15 EUR an hour, so you’ll be able to live a super comfortable life.

Before you arrive your dedicated trip coordinator will help you with visas, and answer any questions you might have. While you’re getting your ESL certificate and during your orientation, you will be put in a modern apartment close to the training center with 2 to 3 other students. You will also be given 10 hours of Spanish lessons to give you the best start towards your time in Spain.

Of course, it’s possible to get a teaching job off your own back, but with perks like interview prep, guaranteed interviews, and help setting up a bank account and all that jazz, going with an agency just makes a lot of sense!

Don’t get me wrong, even though I’ve been ranting and raving about how awesome pre-planned working holidays are, doesn’t mean I’m not a big fan of DIY. If you don’t mind the extra work and like to be totally in control, then doing it alone could be a great option for you. You could find yourself a job as an au pair, teaching English, or simply working in Spain.

You will be in charge of sorting out your visa, return flights, making sure you have enough cash to a) meet the working holiday visa requirements and b) to see you through the duration of your stay. There is plenty of seasonal work in Spain, if that’s what you’re after you may want to start searching early as it can be competitive. Another good tip is to stick with major tourist posts like Ibiza so the language barrier won’t be as much of an issue.

If you want to try something a little more outside of the box on your working holiday, then you could spend some time working in exchange for room and board. Check out WWOOF, Woldpackers , and Workaway for some great opportunities that are perfect for prolonging your travel time. There’ll be more opportunities in rural countryside areas too!

If you’re still umming and ahhing about whether embarking on a working holiday in Spain is a good idea, I highly recommend just taking the plunge. Sadly, the Spain working holiday visa does have an age limit, so if you wait around forever, the opportunity will slip away.

There is no better way to expand your horizons and grow as a person than pushing yourself to your limits in an unfamiliar environment. You’ll learn to adapt to any situation and meet people from all walks of life.

Spain is a seriously beautiful country, and not many people will get the chance to explore all it has to offer, from idyllic beaches to ancient cities, all while keeping your bank balance out of the red zone. Taking your time to travel through Spain also means you’ll really learn the ins and outs of Spanish culture as well as seeing the secret spots that only the locals know.

There’s no doubt in my mind that whether you choose to DIY your working holiday or to seek the help of an agency, this trip will be some of the best years of your life!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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Work and Travel in Madrid

Help us grow. share what you know about getting work in madrid for travellers., work in madrid all year round.

There are always english teacher needed in Madrid. Right now people love to do activities in English like going to a Yoga class, learn to play the guitar, doing crafts with an native speaker etc. It's very easy, too, for German and Mandarin native speakers to get a job specially minding children. For any kind of unskilled worker it's very hard to find a job as there are so many unemployed people right now.

SEASONAL WORK IN MADRID

What kinds of work are available in the spring time in Madrid. Remember to keep work that is all year round in the section above and not mention it again here.

It gets boiling hot in summer in Madrid and everyone who can moves to the coast or the surrounding mountains. There are lots of summer camps though in the city and its surroundings where they need native English speaker.

What kinds of work are there in Madrid in autumn? Maybe it's harvest time, but do people need the help of foreigners for either cheap labour or expertise? This is the kind of thing we need to know here.

Madrid cuenta con tres estupendas estaciones de esquí: Navacerrada, Valdesquí y la Pinilla. Las tres a aproximadamente una hora de la ciudad. Son estaciones relativamente pequeñas si las comparamos con las que podemos encontrar en el norte de España, pero están muy bien para ir a esquiar un fin de semana (si todas las pistas están abiertas). Hay muchos equipos de esquí que suben a esquiar todos los fines de semana de la temporada de esquí (clubes como el Pilar o el Amistad, entre otros) los cuales normalmente requieren de monitores para hacerse cargo de los niños (bien en estos fines de semana o en los viajes más largos que se organizan). Para ser monitor de esquí tienes que hacer un curso no demasiado complicado si tienes experiencia en este deporte, el cual te proporciona el mismo club de esquí. Así que si tienes tiempo, ganas y habilidad ¡No lo dudes! ponte en contacto con ellos; es un trabajo divertido y en el cual pagan muy bien. ¡Suerte!

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN MADRID

Spain's main income comes from the touristic business and this is directly linked to its people's opennes to foreigners from all over the world. Madrid (being the capital) is designed to embrace life with its public squares and spacious café terraces. Nevertheless we can't ignore our history. Spain has been a democracy for only 40 years since Francisco Franco died. Before that, we went through a dictatorship that lasted for 40 years and this is somehow reflected in the cultural features of some of our people (mainly elderly). The remainder of this fascist regime may cause a little scepticism and mistrust from them. Thankfully the young generations have no problem with the free flow of people from one place to another and we welcome whoever wants to enjoy Madrid's beautiful life. We are aware of the growing interdependence between countries and we love the enrichment this means.

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Edited on May 4 2016 by Jorge
Edited on Dec 14 2015 by Evelyn
Edited on Aug 19 2015 by Mohamed

If you have worked in Madrid or live here. Instead of saying `That information is not right` Please sign up to Working Traveller by clicking here and update this page with your opinions on the subject and your views on what the barter points should be. If your a host, you will have a SEO link added to the page directly to your own web site so viewers can see who provided the information. If you are a traveller it will link to your profile.

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Workaway spain: work and travel in the spanish countryside, workaway spain life.

Waking up to the end of summer sun rising over the sun-browned hills of the Spanish countryside.

Making breakfast with fresh eggs and showering with a view.

Wandering with the dogs up and down the rolling hills, stopping to eat freshly cracked almonds and enjoy the hospitality of Spanish neighbours without much understanding of what the other is saying.

Cleaning the never-ending dust away from around the traditional Andalusian-style house, followed by siestas in the afternoon.

Listening to the one radio channel that reaches through to this remote location while playing cards and drinking local beer to pass the time as the sun sinks.

Enjoying our evening meal late to avoid the heat and wasps that disappear with the sun before talking into the night and collapsing into bed to wake up again for another day in the Alora Campo.

This was my life on a work exchange in Spain.

I spent one of the best travel weeks I have ever had doing a work exchange in Spain – in the countryside 40km from Malaga, twenty minutes drive up a riverbed from a small Andalusian town called Alora, in what is called the Alora Campo.

I’m generally happy to spend time exploring city sights, but I’ve always been drawn to the countryside to see life at a slower pace and be away from the hustle of the city.

Searching for a different travel experience and a way to save money while travelling led me to the idea of doing a Workaway in Spain.

What is a Workaway?

A Workaway, or work exchange, is basically what it sounds like! You work in exchange for free accommodation and often food.

The exact terms are between you and the people who you’re working for, but a general rule of thumb is around 4-5 hours of work a day for full room and board.

There are some great websites that help you connect and plan your Workaway with people willing to offer you a place to stay in exchange for work.

How can you get work exchange jobs?

You need to pay to create your work exchange profile on various platforms, but if you’re actually planning on using the service, it’s definitely worth it.

You’re saving on some of the biggest costs of travelling!

In your profile, you can indicate where you’re interested in travelling and what kind of work you could do. Be realistic!

There are 3 main websites:

Workaway : The biggest platform and most well-known.
HelpX : A smaller platform but with more access to see what’s available before you pay.
Woofing : Mainly working on organic farms around the world.

I chose HelpX for Spain over others such as Workaway and Woofing because HelpX lets you see the offerings in each country before you need to sign up for a small yearly fee that then gives you more access and the ability to contact owners.

Tips for selecting a place to work for accommodation

Work exchange is a great option for long-term travellers and budget travellers or those looking to spend a decent amount of time in one place experiencing what normal life could be like. It’s one of the best ways to work and travel the world .

If you’re travelling on a budget and headed somewhere where the accommodation is expensive, then a work exchange would be a great way to save money and extend your travels.

I spent a long time looking at the different areas I wanted to go to for my HelpX in Spain, reading reviews and seeing if the place was a match for my expectations. It was important to me to be somewhere social but in the countryside.

There are definitely work exchange jobs hosts for those that want to experience life in a city. This would be a great way to try out a place before moving there or just have a taste of what it’s like to live somewhere different .

There are usually hostel or guest house options or even family stays.

Tips for selecting a Workaway host

There are so many Workaway in Spain options to choose from, working in hostels and hotels, in the countryside, in the city, in more plush accommodations, or even camping, not to mention all different kinds of work.

For my HelpX in Spain, I purposely chose a host that offered places to multiple volunteers because I wanted to be able to meet other travellers.

Remember, the host needs to choose you as well.

My Workaway hosts in Spain told me they received multiple messages a day from potential workers. Make your profile attractive. Include pictures and information about yourself.

Most importantly, don’t send a generic email to everyone you are thinking of staying with.

Some hosts only want long-term stayers or workers with certain experiences, such as building. Some want specific dates. Pay attention to their listing to be sure you meet their need for workers in exchange for whatever kind of accommodation they provide.

You can email a few hosts just in case, but always reply and follow up even if you don’t intend to stay there or if your plans change.

My experience on workaway in Spain

During my HelpX in Spain, I was asked for a small donation for food which is not often the case, but the work we did for them was also less than expected in many work exchanges.

This was agreed upon before I arrived, but you should normally not be expected to pay anything.

As for the work, we stacked wood, planted seedlings, walked the dogs and kept the communal and outdoor areas clean. Easy work in exchange for staying in an amazing place!

They were willing to realise that, at heart, we were travellers wanting to experience the country around us. Travel really teaches us how to make the most of opportunities .

I was so grateful that during my work exchange, we had time off to visit Malaga , Alora, and El Chorro with their help.

I couldn’t recommend taking part in a work exchange enough! Travelling in this part of the Spanish countryside would not have been possible without HelpX and the work in exchange for accommodation opportunity.

My HelpX in Spain experience in the Alora Campo was a once in a lifetime that can never be recreated, especially because of the amazing people I met there.

Have you completed a work exchange with HelpX, Workaway or Woofing? Is it something on your travel list?

Want to know more about working and travelling in Spain?

Teaching English in Spain with the Auxiliar de Conversacion Program
Things I Didn’t Expect About Teaching English in Spain
12 Things I’ve Learned From Living in Spain
An Ode to a Year in Spain

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Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

7 thoughts on “ Workaway Spain: Work And Travel in the Spanish Countryside ”

The place looks fancy! thanks for sharing this, will check it out!

It was a pretty typical Andalusian house :). But they had added in the pool area since it gets so hot in Spain! I really loved doing HelpX and it’s definitely something I can recommend. Let me know how you get on!

Thank you! If you have the time I highly recommend looking up HelpX and giving it a go! There are so many great places in Spain and it doesn’t have to be a long stay. So glad to hear you love it, I’ll have many more posts coming soon!

My first HelpX experience was in a small village in Andalucia as well! 🙂 Ever since, the place has a very special place in my heart! http://www.myfeetaremeanttoroam.com/helping-out-in-a-hotel/

Thanks for sharing your experience Els! I think I might have even looked at this one too. Andalusia is such an amazing place I can’t wait to spend more time there!

Sounds like you had an amazing experience. We used workaway a lot while we were in South America- with varying degrees of success! Ultimately these work exchange things are a great way to save money, meet people and make yourself a semi-valid member of a community for a while!

I agree they’re a great way to save money and be able to meet locals and have that more local experience. I loved it and I hope I’ll be in a position to do it again soon! I’d be interested to hear more about your experiences with it in South America 🙂

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A FULL Guide To Working Holidays In Spain

Introduction

Embarking on a working holiday in Spain can be an enriching experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, explore stunning landscapes, and gain valuable work experience. Whether you are a recent graduate looking to enhance your skills, a gap year traveler seeking new adventures, or simply looking to fund your travels, Spain offers a myriad of opportunities for working holiday goers.

Known for its sunny beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively fiestas, Spain has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world. But it’s not just the leisurely activities that make this country special; it’s the chance to fully integrate into Spanish society, understand the local customs, and learn to live like a true Spaniard.

By participating in a working holiday in Spain, you can not only support yourself financially but also enhance your language skills, gain international work experience, and make new friends from all walks of life. Whether you choose to work in a bustling city like Madrid or Barcelona, or prefer the laid-back vibe of coastal towns like Valencia or Malaga, there are endless opportunities awaiting you.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of working holidays in Spain, the visa requirements you’ll need to fulfill, how to find employment opportunities, popular job options, accommodation options, budgeting tips, health and safety advice, cultural etiquette, language tips, and even tips for exploring Spain during your time off. So, let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know about working holidays in Spain.

Benefits of Working Holidays in Spain

Working holidays in Spain offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond the typical travel experience. Here are some of the key advantages you can expect:

Enhance Language Skills: Immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment is an excellent way to improve your language skills. Interacting with locals on a daily basis, navigating the language in a professional setting, and immersing yourself in the local culture will greatly enhance your fluency and confidence in Spanish.
Gain International Work Experience: Participating in a working holiday in Spain allows you to gain valuable international work experience. This can be a significant advantage on your resume, showing potential employers that you have the ability to adapt to new environments, work in diverse teams, and overcome challenges.
Discover a Rich Culture: Spain is known for its rich culture and diverse traditions. Working in Spain gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant culture, attend local festivals, and experience traditional customs firsthand. You’ll have the chance to understand and appreciate the nuances of Spanish life in a way that tourists seldom do.
Forge International Connections: Working in Spain means interacting with people from all over the world. You’ll meet fellow travelers, expats, and locals, forming lifelong connections and expanding your global network. These connections can prove invaluable both personally and professionally in the future.
Explore Beautiful Landscapes: From the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean to the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees, Spain boasts diverse and breathtaking landscapes. During your time off, you can explore these natural wonders, go hiking, enjoy water sports, or simply bask in the sun. Working holidays in Spain offer the perfect balance between work and leisure.
Personal Growth and Independence: Venturing off on a working holiday in Spain requires a certain level of independence and adaptability. By navigating through new challenges and experiencing different cultures, you’ll develop invaluable life skills, become more self-reliant, and gain a greater understanding of the world around you.

With such a wide array of benefits, it’s no wonder that working holidays in Spain are a popular choice among travelers seeking a unique and rewarding experience. So, get ready to embark on an adventure that will not only broaden your horizons but also leave you with incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

Visa Requirements for Working Holidays in Spain

Before embarking on a working holiday in Spain, it’s important to understand the visa requirements. The specific visa you’ll need will depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Here are some essential details to keep in mind:

Non-EU Citizens: If you are a non-European Union (EU) citizen, you’ll generally need a visa to legally work in Spain. One option is to apply for a Working Holiday visa, which is available to citizens of certain countries with bilateral agreements with Spain. These agreements allow young people to live and work in Spain for a specific period, usually ranging from 6 months to 1 year. It’s important to check if your country has a working holiday agreement with Spain and to fulfill the specific requirements outlined by the Spanish consulate in your home country.

EU Citizens: If you are a citizen of an EU member state, you have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. You’ll simply need to register with the local authorities upon your arrival in Spain. However, it is still recommended to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is a foreigner identification number, as it will be required for certain administrative processes, such as opening a bank account or signing a work contract. The NIE can be obtained at the local police station or immigration office in Spain.

Documentation: Regardless of your nationality, you’ll need to provide certain documents when applying for a working holiday visa or registering as an EU citizen. This typically includes a valid passport, proof of travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and sometimes a letter of intent explaining the purpose of your visit.

It’s crucial to start the visa application process well in advance, as it may take several weeks or even months to obtain the necessary documents and approvals. It’s also recommended to consult the official website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa requirements.

Keep in mind that visa requirements and regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed and plan accordingly. By ensuring that you have the appropriate visa, you can fully enjoy your working holiday in Spain without any legal issues.

Finding Employment Opportunities in Spain

Finding employment opportunities in Spain for your working holiday can be an exciting and rewarding process. Here are some strategies to help you secure a job during your time in Spain:

Online Job Platforms: Utilize online job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or InfoJobs to search for job listings in Spain. These platforms allow you to filter your search based on location, industry, and job type. Upload your updated resume and tailor your application to each job you apply for.
Local Job Websites: Explore local job websites specific to Spain, such as Trabajando.com or Infoempleo. These websites often have a wide range of job listings across various industries and can be a valuable resource in your job search.
Networking: Take advantage of networking opportunities to expand your professional connections in Spain. Attend industry events, professional meetups, and job fairs to meet potential employers face-to-face. Spanish people value personal connections, so it’s essential to build relationships and make a positive impression.
Language Schools and Cultural Institutions: Consider reaching out to language schools or cultural institutions in Spain, as they often hire native English speakers as language instructors or cultural ambassadors. This can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local community while earning a living.
Seasonal Jobs: Spain’s vibrant tourism industry offers numerous seasonal job opportunities, especially in coastal regions and popular tourist destinations. Look for positions in hotels, restaurants, resorts, or event planning companies, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Au Pair and Language Exchange Programs: If you enjoy working with children, consider joining an au pair program where you can provide childcare services to a Spanish family in exchange for room and board. Alternatively, language exchange programs allow you to teach your native language to a Spanish family while learning Spanish in return.

When applying for jobs in Spain, it’s crucial to adapt your resume and cover letter to reflect the local standards and expectations. Use a professional and well-structured format, highlight relevant skills and experiences, and emphasize your enthusiasm for working in Spain. Fluency in Spanish is often a key requirement for many jobs, so investing time in language learning will significantly boost your chances of finding employment.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of perseverance and a positive attitude. The job search process can be competitive, so it’s important to remain proactive, follow up on applications, and stay motivated throughout the process. With determination and the right approach, you’ll discover exciting employment opportunities that will make your working holiday in Spain truly unforgettable.

Popular Jobs for Working Holidays in Spain

Spain offers a diverse range of job opportunities for those on a working holiday. Whether you’re looking to gain experience in a specific industry or simply want to try something new, here are some popular job options for working holidays in Spain:

Teaching English: English teaching positions are in high demand in Spain. You can work as a language assistant in a school, teach private English lessons, or find opportunities in language academies. English teaching can be a fulfilling way to immerse yourself in the local community while enhancing your teaching skills.
Hospitality and Tourism: Spain’s thriving tourism industry offers numerous job opportunities. Whether it’s working as a hotel receptionist, bartender, waiter/waitress, or tour guide, there is always demand for friendly and customer-oriented individuals in popular tourist destinations.
Au Pair or Nanny: Many families in Spain seek au pairs or nannies to assist with childcare and language exposure for their children. This can be a rewarding job for those who enjoy working with children and want to experience Spanish family life.
Customer Service: With its growing international presence, Spain has seen an increase in customer service roles. Working in customer service, either in-person or through call centers, provides an opportunity to improve your language skills while gaining experience in a fast-paced environment.
Internships: If you’re a recent graduate or student, consider pursuing internships in your field of interest. Interning in Spain offers valuable work experience and the chance to develop professional connections within your industry.
Freelancing: If you have skills in web development, graphic design, writing, or digital marketing, freelancing can be a great option. Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer allow you to find remote work and collaborate with clients from anywhere in Spain.
Resort and Summer Camp Jobs: In coastal regions and tourist hotspots, there are often opportunities to work in resorts, summer camps, or water sports centers during the peak summer season. These jobs are particularly popular among those seeking a beachside working holiday experience.

When searching for jobs, it’s essential to research the specific requirements and qualifications needed for each role. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable, especially in customer-facing positions, although some English-speaking roles may be available in tourist areas. Additionally, many employers appreciate cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt to Spanish working norms.

Remember to utilize online job platforms, networking events, and local job websites to maximize your chances of finding suitable employment. Keep an open mind, be proactive in your search, and embrace the opportunity to try something new. Working in Spain not only allows you to support your stay but also offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and enhance your professional skills.

Accommodation Options for Working Holidays in Spain

Finding suitable accommodation is an essential part of planning your working holiday in Spain. Here are some popular accommodation options to consider during your stay:

Shared Apartments: Renting a room in a shared apartment is a common choice among working holiday goers in Spain. Websites such as Idealista, Fotocasa, and EasyPiso offer a wide range of listings where you can find roommates and split the cost of rent and utilities.
Student Residences: Student residences, also known as “residencias de estudiantes,” provide furnished rooms and communal spaces for students and young professionals. These residences can offer a social atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other international and local students.
Hostels and Guesthouses: If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more temporary option, hostels and guesthouses can be a convenient choice. Many hostels offer private rooms in addition to dormitory-style accommodations, making them suitable for both short-term and long-term stays.
Airbnb: Airbnb is a popular platform that offers a wide range of apartments, rooms, and even entire houses for rent in Spain. This option provides flexibility in terms of location and the ability to choose accommodations that meet your specific needs.
Homestays: Living with a Spanish host family, also known as a homestay, can be a valuable cultural experience. This option allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, practice your Spanish, and gain insights into Spanish traditions and customs.
Serviced Apartments: Serviced apartments offer the convenience of fully furnished units with amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities. These apartments are often located in central areas and are suitable for those seeking more independence and privacy.

When searching for accommodation, consider factors such as location, budget, and proximity to your workplace or desired amenities. It’s advisable to start your search well in advance to secure your preferred option, especially during peak seasons or in popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

Additionally, keep in mind that some landlords may require a safety deposit, reference letters, or proof of income. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the local rental regulations and understand the terms and conditions of your lease agreement before committing to any accommodation.

Lastly, don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as utilities, internet, and community fees, which may or may not be included in your rent. Budgeting for accommodation is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable working holiday experience in Spain.

Living Expenses and Budgeting for Working Holidays in Spain

When planning a working holiday in Spain, it’s essential to consider your living expenses and create a budget to ensure financial stability throughout your stay. Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to expenses and budgeting in Spain:

Accommodation: Your accommodation expenses will likely be the most significant portion of your budget. The cost of rent can vary greatly depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose. Shared apartments and student residences are generally more affordable options compared to renting a private apartment or staying in serviced accommodation. It’s important to factor in utilities, internet, and potential maintenance costs when budgeting for accommodation.

Food and Groceries: Eating out in Spain can be affordable if you stick to local cafes and restaurants, especially for the “menu del día” or fixed-price menu. However, cooking your meals at home or opting for grocery shopping can help you save significant money. Supermarkets like Mercadona, Lidl, and Aldi offer reasonably priced groceries, and local markets are great for fresh produce at lower costs.

Transportation: Spain has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and metros, which are generally affordable. Depending on your location and daily commute, it’s advisable to budget for transportation expenses. Consider getting a transport card like the “Tarjeta Multi” for discounted fares.

Utilities and Bills: In addition to rent, you may have to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. These costs can vary depending on your consumption habits and the size of your accommodation. It’s important to factor in these expenses when budgeting for your working holiday in Spain.

Phone and Internet: Mobile phone plans in Spain vary in price and coverage. It’s advisable to research and compare different providers to find a plan that suits your needs and budget. Public Wi-Fi is widely available in many places, so take advantage of free hotspots to minimize data usage.

Entertainment and Leisure: Spain offers a plethora of entertainment options, from visiting museums and historical sites to enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Budgeting for leisure activities, dining out, and socializing with friends is recommendable to ensure you can enjoy what Spain has to offer without straining your finances.

It’s crucial to create a detailed budget, taking into account your expected income, living expenses, and any additional costs specific to your situation. This will allow you to manage your finances effectively and make necessary adjustments if needed. It’s also wise to set aside some savings for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Remember, living costs can vary depending on the city or region in Spain, so it’s important to research the specific cost of living in your chosen destination. By budgeting wisely and keeping track of your expenses, you can have a financially sustainable working holiday in Spain while still enjoying all that the country has to offer.

Health and Safety Tips for Working Holidays in Spain

Ensuring your health and safety is of utmost importance during your working holiday in Spain. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Health Insurance: Before arriving in Spain, it’s crucial to have comprehensive health insurance coverage. This will protect you in case of any medical emergencies or unexpected illnesses. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand what services are covered.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), it is recommended to obtain an EHIC. This card ensures that you can access necessary healthcare services in Spain on the same terms and conditions as local residents. Non-EU citizens should check if their countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Spain.
Pharmacies: In Spain, pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare. They often provide over-the-counter medications, advice, and basic healthcare services. Familiarize yourself with the nearest pharmacy to your accommodation and the operating hours in case you need to seek assistance.
Emergency Services: In case of emergencies, dial 112 to reach emergency services in Spain. This number can be used for medical emergencies, reporting accidents, or seeking immediate assistance from the police or fire department.
Safety Precautions: Spain is generally a safe country, but it’s important to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hubs, and keep your personal belongings secure. Avoid late-night isolated areas, and be cautious of scams or pickpocketing attempts.
Employment Contracts: When accepting a job in Spain, make sure to have a clear and written employment contract that outlines your rights, working hours, wages, and any additional benefits. Be aware of your legal entitlements and seek clarification if needed.
Workplace Safety: If your job involves physical labor or potential hazards, ensure that your employer provides the necessary safety equipment and adheres to safety regulations. Speak up if you have concerns about workplace safety and report any accidents or incidents to your employer.
Personal Well-being: Take care of your mental and physical well-being while on your working holiday. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and take breaks to relax and recharge. Seek support from friends, family, or local resources if you find yourself facing emotional or mental health challenges.

It’s also advisable to register with your country’s embassy or consulate in Spain. This will ensure that you receive up-to-date information, guidance, and assistance in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

By prioritizing your health and safety and staying informed about the necessary precautions, you can have a smooth and secure working holiday experience in Spain.

Cultural Etiquette and Language Tips for Working Holidays in Spain

Understanding and respecting the cultural norms and language in Spain is essential for a positive and successful working holiday experience. Here are some important cultural etiquette and language tips to bear in mind:

Greetings and Personal Space: When meeting someone, it is customary to greet them with a handshake and maintain eye contact. In informal settings, friends and acquaintances may exchange kisses on the cheek. Respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others unless you have a close relationship.
Punctuality: Spaniards value punctuality, but they tend to have a more relaxed approach to timekeeping compared to some other cultures. It’s generally acceptable to be a few minutes late for social events, but it’s important to be punctual for work-related commitments.
Mealtime Customs: Spaniards often have late lunches and dinners compared to other countries. Lunch is typically served between 2 pm and 3 pm, while dinner is usually enjoyed between 9 pm and 10 pm. Embrace the local custom of taking your time to enjoy your meals and engage in conversations around the table.
Respecting Siesta: While the traditional midday siesta has become less common in urban areas, it’s still important to respect the concept of rest during the afternoon. Avoid making loud noises, honking horns, or engaging in activities that may disturb others during siesta hours.
Language: Spanish is the official language of Spain, and it’s advisable to learn basic phrases and expressions to navigate daily interactions and show respect for the local culture. Locals appreciate efforts to communicate in Spanish, even if it’s not perfect. Engaging in language exchange opportunities can also help you improve your Spanish skills.
Pleasing “Vosotros” and “Ustedes”: Spaniards use different forms of “you” depending on the relationship and level of formality. “Vosotros” is used among friends and people of similar age or status, while “ustedes” is more common in formal or professional settings. Using these correctly can help you build rapport and show respect.
Embrace the Spanish Lifestyle: Spain is known for its relaxed and leisurely lifestyle. Embrace the custom of enjoying long conversations over coffee, taking leisurely walks after meals, and indulging in the siesta culture. This can help you immerse yourself in the local way of life and build stronger personal connections.
Appreciate Regional Differences: Spain is diverse, with each region having its own unique culture, traditions, and even languages. Take the time to learn about the specific customs and traditions of the region where you’ll be staying. Showing interest and respect for regional differences will be appreciated by locals.

Cultural etiquette and language fluency can greatly enhance your working holiday experience in Spain. By embracing the local customs and making an effort to communicate in Spanish, you’ll not only earn the respect of your colleagues and friends but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Spanish culture.

Exploring Spain and Travel Tips for Working Holidays

While on a working holiday in Spain, take advantage of your time off to explore the country and all that it has to offer. Here are some travel tips and recommendations for making the most of your experience:

Plan Your Travel: Spain is a diverse country with countless cities, regions, and attractions to explore. Research and plan your travel in advance to make the most of your time. Create a bucket list of places you want to visit and consider the best ways to reach each destination.
Transportation Options: Spain has an extensive transportation network, including trains, buses, and flights. Consider using high-speed trains, such as the AVE, for longer distances, while buses and local trains are ideal for shorter trips. Budget airlines like Vueling and Ryanair offer affordable flights within Spain and to neighboring countries.
Explore Local Cuisine: Spain is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional dishes such as paella, tapas, and jamón ibérico. Explore local markets, known as “mercados,” to sample fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies.
Local Festivals and Events: Spain is famous for its lively festivals and events. If you have the chance, attend festivities like La Tomatina in Buñol, Las Fallas in Valencia, or San Fermín in Pamplona. These cultural celebrations showcase the unique traditions and vibrant spirit of Spain.
Nature and Outdoor Activities: Spain offers diverse landscapes ranging from beautiful beaches to stunning mountains. Explore national parks like Picos de Europa or Sierra Nevada and engage in activities such as hiking, skiing, or water sports depending on the region and season.
Immerse Yourself in History and Art: Spain is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic landmarks, and world-class museums. Visit iconic attractions like the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, or the Prado Museum in Madrid to soak in the rich history and artistic masterpieces.
Weekend Getaways: Take advantage of your weekends to explore nearby cities or towns. Spain has excellent intercity transportation, making it easy and affordable to plan weekend getaways to places like Seville, Bilbao, or Malaga.
Be Open to Cultural Exchanges: Engage with locals, learn about their traditions, and experience their way of life. Connecting with the local community will enrich your understanding of Spanish culture and create lasting memories.

It’s important to strike a balance between work and travel during your working holiday. Plan your holidays strategically and communicate your travel plans with your employer in advance. This will ensure that you can enjoy your time off while fulfilling your work responsibilities.

Additionally, always prioritize your safety while traveling. Stay alert, secure your belongings, and follow any local guidelines or recommendations. Be mindful of any travel restrictions or advisories, and stay informed about local customs and regulations in each destination you visit.

Enjoy the opportunity to explore, discover, and fall in love with the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that Spain has to offer. Your working holiday experience will be enhanced by the countless adventures and memorable experiences that await you.

Embarking on a working holiday in Spain is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, gain international work experience, and explore the diverse landscapes of the country. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the tranquil beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain offers a wealth of experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the benefits of working holidays in Spain, visa requirements, finding employment opportunities, popular job options, accommodation choices, budgeting tips, health and safety considerations, cultural etiquette, language tips, and travel recommendations. Armed with this knowledge, you can maximize your time in Spain and make the most of every moment.

Remember to embrace the Spanish way of life, immerse yourself in the local customs, and build connections with the welcoming people you encounter. By being open to new experiences, trying local cuisine, exploring historical sites, and participating in festive traditions, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Spain offers a perfect balance between work and leisure, allowing you to grow professionally while enjoying the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Whether you choose to spend your time off exploring the bustling cities, relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches, or hiking through the stunning mountains, Spain has something for everyone.

As you embark on your working holiday in Spain, remember to prioritize your health, stay safe, and embrace the opportunities for personal and professional growth. Immerse yourself in the language, indulge in the local cuisine, and create lasting connections with the people you meet along the way.

So, pack your bags, prepare your resume, and get ready for a remarkable adventure in Spain. Your working holiday will not only leave you with valuable skills and experiences but also provide you with countless memories and a deep appreciation for the Spanish culture. ¡Buena suerte!

Best Jobs in Spain for International Citizens

Girona, Spain

There’s no way to sugarcoat it – the job market in Spain is tough. At 14.8%, the unemployment rate in Spain is one of the highest in Europe (though it had been falling steadily until the pandemic).

So, is it possible for international citizens to find work in Spain?

The short answer is yes. While the job market is tough, there are certain industries and job sectors that are in search of skilled workers. If you’re an expat looking to move and find work in Spain, make sure you have the skills to do the jobs that are vacant.

For expats, there are many reasons to move to Spain , and a thriving economy is not one of them, but don’t let that discourage you.

If you plan to move, here’s our list of the most popular, in-demand jobs in Spain for expats .

Business Consultant Jobs in Spain for Foreigners

There are many multinational companies located in Spain, and business consultants are often in need. In the finance sector, you can find work as a consultant, as a collections manager, or as an international financial director.

IT Jobs for Americans in Spain

If you have solid skills in the technology sector, IT jobs are available in Spain. You can find employment doing software testing, coding and programming, and iOS and Android development.

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Jobs

Mechanical and industrial engineers are in demand – as long as you have the education and experience to do the job. Just make sure that you can speak Spanish so you can communicate with coworkers.

Medical Practitioner Jobs for Expats

Spain’s Healthcare System is a universal healthcare system, and it is considered to be one of the best in the world. Healthcare assistants, childcare professionals, and elderly care professionals are the most in-demand jobs.

Tourism and Hospitality Jobs in Spain for Americans

Catering, restaurant, hotel, and bartending jobs are an excellent option for Americans looking for work in Spain. You’ll have the best chance of finding this type of work in the major tourist destinations, such as the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.

English Teaching Jobs in Spain for International Citizens

If you want to put your English language skills to work, you can find jobs as private tutors and university-level English teachers. Since the barrier of entry is relatively low, teaching is one of the most popular jobs in Spain for Americans and other native English speakers.

Not all teaching jobs require certification, but some require certification, such as TEFL, CELTA, or TESOL. For more information on different English teaching certifications, check out this useful guide .

Skilled Tradesmen Jobs in Spain

People are always looking to update and remodel their homes, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Plumbers and electricians are in need of this type of work, as are other skilled tradesmen such as mechanics and welders.

Getting a Work Visa for a Job in Spain

International citizens looking to work in Spain must obtain the appropriate work visa. You can get a Spanish work visa from the Spanish Embassy or the Consulate in your last state/country of residence.

Once you receive your work visa, you have three months to apply for the corresponding permit with the Spanish authorities.

Expat Jobs in Spain

While jobs in Spain aren’t plentiful, some industries are in need of skilled workers. In 2019, the engineering, IT, healthcare, and hospitality industries offer some of the best opportunities. Contact Europe Language Jobs for more information on job openings in Spain .

Other Things to Consider When Moving to Spain for Work

Health insurance options in spain.

Before moving and living abroad in Spain for a new job, be sure you understand your options for health insurance. Even though Spain has a universal healthcare system, you will still want to consider private international health insurance .

Find the Best International Insurance

Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
Find the best plan for your needs and budget

Also Read: Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners

Speaking the Language

If you’re looking for work in Spain, remember that most job opportunities are in Madrid and Barcelona; also some of the safest places to live in Spain . Most jobs require you to speak Spanish, so be sure you can speak the language before moving.

While many people want to secure work before moving, finding work from within the country is usually easier than from outside.

Related: Retire Abroad in Spain Best Hospitals in Spain The Cost of Living in Spain Best Places to Live in Spain Moving Abroad Checklist Living in Spain as a Foreigner

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Understanding and Preventing Expat Failure

Working in Spain: The Essential Aspects Covered

If you’re considering moving to Spain, then an important thing to figure out is what it’s like working in Spain. Will you be able to find a job that suits you and leaves you feeling fulfilled and happy, or will it just feel like a dull and dead-end job?

Well, if we’re to believe what we read in the popular press, then finding work in Spain is becoming an increasingly difficult task, and the number of unemployed people continues to rise. Despite this, there are still plenty of foreigners in Spain who feel that they’re very fortunate to be able to work in such a wonderful country with its great climate and friendly people.

But don’t believe everything you read, Spain is an amazing place to live and work. There are many opportunities for work in Spain. A lot of ex-pats say that they enjoy the Spanish lifestyle and they live well.

However, it is very important to know all the possibilities available to you about working in Spain, when moving there. Even if you’re not looking for a job or employees at the moment, it’s still good to be aware of what’s out there and perhaps think about any future possibilities that might arise

In this article, we discuss the reality of working in Spain for ex-pats and everything you need to know about working in Spain.

Working in Spain and the Spanish language

Spanish is the native language of Spain and is spoken by practically everybody in the country. Spanish people don’t speak English as well as many people from other European countries. So don’t count on it that you will be able to speak a foreign language in Spain.

Becoming a fluent speaker

That means that if you don’t speak Spanish when you arrive in the country, then learning to do so should be one of your highest priorities. Of course, not everyone can become a fluent speaker overnight and it will take time and effort before you’re able to communicate effectively in Spanish.

Your language skills and motivation will come into play here, as you can’t just expect to walk into a Spanish school on the first day and start speaking like a native. So keep at it, and don’t be put off when your progress seems very slow.

You’ll make the most progress when you learn in a Spanish-speaking country and are paired up with native speakers who can correct your mistakes, so Spain is one of the best places for this.

Life in Spain for people who can’t speak Spanish fluently

Even if you do manage to get yourself a job without speaking any Spanish, then obviously your experience will be quite different from that of someone who can live entirely in the local community. If you’re like most foreigners, then at some point you’ll want to learn Spanish.

If you speak English then you might get around a little bit, but if you only speak a foreign language then you will need to get some help if you want to carry on living in Spain.

The best thing to do is get yourself educated in Spanish, either by attending a private school, college or through one of the many home-study courses available. If you can’t be bothered with all that then you will need to find somebody who’s able to live as your guide in Spain, who can help you to settle down, show you where to find non-speaking jobs, and generally keep an eye on things.

Of course, some foreigners are living in Spain who only speak English (and their native language) fluently and never bother to learn the local language. This might be a sensible decision if most of your work is in English, but if your job involves regular interaction with Spanish people then it’s going to be very hard to get by without at least a rudimentary knowledge of the language.

To integrate yourself learning the language is important, but also important is understanding Spanish festivals and other Spanish traditions .

Teaching English in Spain

Teaching English is a job many English language professionals want to do in Spain. Most teachers are hired at language schools, though there are other options too.

If you have a degree in English then your chances of landing a teaching job will be increased. Since English teachers should be able to give lessons for all levels and teach different types of English speaking classes.

However, teaching English in Spain is not seen as an easy job. You will need to be able to speak Spanish (although you don’t necessarily need a degree, or be fluent). So if you’re considering moving to Spain, then you might consider teaching English.

English speaking jobs in Spain

Next to teaching English, you can also find many English-speaking jobs in Spain, especially in big cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Sevilla. Many international companies hire English-speaking people for their marketing divisions or customer services.

Tourism is another sector that welcomes foreigners, and there are a large number of English-speaking jobs in Spain for hotel workers. Many bars and restaurants also seek foreign staff to show visitors the best time possible.

Moreover, many holiday companies are looking for English-speaking people to work as heads of departments; teaching at language schools is an option too.

However, if you’re working in Spain then you will need to learn Spanish eventually! It’s worth it even if your job doesn’t require it (and many jobs don’t) because you can find yourself left out in the cold when you don’t have good enough of the local language.

Working in Spain and your nationality

What your nationality is will naturally affect your employment prospects in Spain. You will either need a work and residency visa to work in Spain or not.

Coming from other European countries

Residents of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can live and work in Spain without a visa or permit. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you must register with the authorities and get a residence certificate, which requires evidence that you can support yourself financially and have health insurance.

Coming from Non-European countries

When you are coming to Spain from a non-European country, you will need both a work and residency visa. You can get this either by showing an employment contract or registering as self-employed.

After you have worked and lived in Spain for five years, you can apply to become a permanent resident.

Residency Visa and Work permit for employment in Spain

As a non-European, you will need to get a Spanish work visa. To work in Spain, you will need a work and residency visa. You can get this either by showing an employment contract or registering a company or being self-employed.

Below is a short description of the different types of Spanish work permits.

Long-term work visa:

This is the most common visa for those working in Spain. The visa will state how long you are allowed to stay in the country.

Seasonal work visa:

If you’re planning on working in Spain temporarily, then this is the visa for you. It is valid for the duration of the time you work.

Au pair visas:

The Spanish Au Pair visa is for those travelling to Spain to look after children and help out around the house. Before coming to Spain, Au pairs can apply for a specially designated Visa for Au Pairs at a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country.

Eu blue card:

The EU blue card is a European work visa for highly-skilled workers with a contract or job offer in Spain. It is available for individuals who have completed university education, obtained a higher education diploma, or have at least five years of professional experience at a high level. Getting a work permit application can take up to 7 months to process so planning is needed. Once the Ministry of Labour has approved the application, the embassy or consulate issues the work and residence visa.

Self-employed Visa:

When you want to stay in Spain, you can also do this through self-employment. A self-employment visa is for people that have a few Spanish clients and can sustain them-self in Spain. Some of the criteria are having the appropriate professional credentials or sufficient expertise for the business function you wish to perform, and you should also be able to manage your finances properly to run your company successfully.

Entrepreneurs Visa:

If you want to start your business in Spain , you can apply for an entrepreneur’s visa. You will need an official Spanish business plan to get this type of Spanish visa. Getting a self-employed visa is not easy.

Finding jobs in the Spanish job market

The Spanish job market can be very tricky and competitive. Below you can find a few tips for finding a job in Spain:

Major job websites

There are many Spanish employment websites to look for work in Spain, but also search major job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and Jooble. They all have sections that list jobs in Spain. The negative about these websites is that the jobs are not always up to date. Most of the time it takes a while for employers to post their vacancies. The majority of jobs posted on these sites are from larger companies, so if you want a job with a small company or startup this is not very useful.

Recruitment agencies

Contacting local employment offices or recruitment agencies in Spain can also help. Some of these companies specialise in tourism jobs and they are looking for fluent English speakers, or have other language requirements, especially young EU-nationals. There are also Spanish recruitment agencies that look for expertise, such as engineering, finance, and IT.

Local Newspaper

Spain is not too different from Britain in the sense that they have their own local newspaper websites. If you are living in an area where these newspapers are sold, then look for advertisements of jobs. This is also a good source to find more information about the place you’re staying at and who’s hiring around you.

Taking a shot at local newspapers and magazines in Spain might seem a long shot, but you maybe find something authentic and original that you will like.

Contacting employers directly

You can also contact employers directly, if they are based near you, by email or phone. Just make sure you follow up after sending your CV and application letter.

Locations of jobs

If you are performing a job search, then you will probably find the most jobs in the bigger cities. For example, popular Spanish cities and towns where you’ll find more work opportunities would be Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Medium-sized to small-sized cities also offer a good amount of jobs in Spain as well. Tourism jobs are often found in seaside towns and touristy cities. Places like Benidorm, Palma de Mallorca, or Ibiza are perfect for this type of position.

Employment Contracts in Spain

To get a work visa, you will need to have a signed contract with a Spanish employer. In other words, you will need to get be on payroll in Spain . It’s worth checking it over for any potential problems. Make sure that the contract is legally binding. There are ‘contracts’ that do not really contract at all, or they contain completely unrealistic clauses.

Remember that you probably have Spanish holidays that you require to take off, so check for this. Also, most importantly, do you have a specified contract length? If it is open-ended then this could cause problems later on. And make sure that your contract states what happens if either party wishes to end the employment agreement.

In general, employment law in Spain is regulated very well. So you don’t have to be worried that you are scammed. But just be careful, just like in any other country, some companies can be abusive.

Spanish Work Culture

The Spanish culture is known for its work ethic. It’s expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before you officially start working, and Spanish workers tend to stay in the office until around 6 pm every day.

Of course, the workday length can vary depending on your job and industry. Many Spanish workers take a long lunch break between 1 pm and 4 pm, but if you’re working in a restaurant or then you might not be able to do this as there’s no set time for your break.

Of course, this type of work ethic is not the rule and it’s important to respect that, especially if you’re working in a multinational company or dealing with Spanish clients.

Just remember that you will work for a Spanish company, so you might run into some differences. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable with your working schedule.

CV and Cover letter

Make sure your cv and cover letter is complete, clear, and professional when you apply to job vacancies. It’s important for your CV to include all of your education, skills and previous work experience.

Make sure you write it in Spanish and English and don’t forget to include that you speak fluently English as well as your home country language (except for UK nationals of course). Speaking English is an advantage when it comes to finding a job in Spain. It will make you stand out from the rest of the Spanish applicants.

Your cover letter should include your motivation for applying, why you are interested in working in Spain, what skills you have that make you a good candidate for this job and what makes you stand out from other candidates.

The effects of the Spanish Economy on working in Spain

The work in Spain is affected by the Spanish economy. As you probably know the economy has been hit really hard in the year 2008; many jobs have gone and those that remain are not as safe as they were before. The big question is “Where are all the jobs?”

There is still work to be found but with no doubt, easier said than done. This is because Spain’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in Europe. You will find the most jobs in economic sectors that are stable and growing in Spain such as real estate, tourism, service, agriculture and construction.

There are also many small companies that are hiring at the moment because they’re active in these sectors. The best advice for anyone who is looking to work in Spain is to search online job sites or look for jobs on professional networks such as LinkedIn!

Average wage and Minimum wage in Spain

Salaries in Spain are usually lower than in big European cities like London or Paris. However, the cost of living is also much cheaper, especially if you’re moving from a Western country.

The minimum salary in Spain in 2021 is €965 gross per month (about £810 and 1090$). However, if you are offered this salary in a big city, then living solely on it will be very difficult. Remember the average salary in Spain is much lower than in other European countries, so take this into consideration before accepting a job offer.

The average salary per year in Spain was 26.537 Euro in 2020, which is fairly low compared to the average of other European countries.

The Spanish government has continued to increase the minimum salary over the last years, but there was a downside to this rule too, as companies had to cut workers.

Just like in any job market, professional qualifications will give you a competitive advantage. Usually, the more qualifications you have under your belt, the bigger salary you will get.

Bonus and incentives are also a part of Spanish salaries. In fact, they can be significant because they’re often based on company performance.

Concluding working in Spain

At SpainDesk, we work in Spain. We handle immigration , administration , payroll administration , and all types of legal work. Our team of lawyers , accountants , and supporting personnel loves working in Spain. Just like our clients. If you are willing to make the move to Spain and stay for a period of time, we can help you. We have the knowledge and expertise to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

We can deal for you with the national tax office, support you with buying a house , and get you a visa (for non-EU citizens). Next to this, we also support multinational companies that want to settle in Spain or want to move their employees to Spain.

Whether you are coming to Spain from other EU countries and want to settle in one of the major cities here, or if you need help with opening a bank account or paying tax in Spain . Our team of expanding experts is ready to support you. Contact us today, and get a quote for your situation.

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Work in Spain

Competition for jobs in Spain is high, but the huge tourism and expat community provides a welcoming environment for international graduates

Statista has published data revealing over 310,000 British citizens currently live in Spain and according to the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2021 , nine out of ten expats recommend moving there for a high quality of life.

The cost of living in the country is low compared to other European countries, meaning that in your spare time you'll be able to enjoy all the culture Spain has to offer.

Living and working in the country, you'll also get the opportunity to learn the second most common language in the world, which will no doubt impress employers wherever you work in the future.

While there are plenty of positives to working in Spain, you need to be aware that the country was hit particularly hard by the economic crisis. While it's recovering, the Spanish unemployment rate is still one of the highest in Europe at 12.5%. Youth unemployment is also relatively high at 26.9% (July 2022).

Competition for jobs is fierce and the majority of international workers tend to gravitate towards bigger cities, where jobs are more readily available. Popular destinations for expats include Madrid and Barcelona, the two largest cities in the country, and Valencia and Seville.

Jobs in Spain

Securing work in the country can be a challenge as you'll be competing against Spanish graduates for jobs. However, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of success.

The first is to look for work in major cities, where vacancies occur on a more regular basis. Having a solid grasp of Spanish will also be incredibly useful. To further increase your chances of finding work, concentrate your search on the Spanish job sectors that are performing well. These include consulting, teaching English as a foreign language and the service and tourism sectors.

Popular graduate jobs

Electricity
Pharmaceuticals
Telecommunications

The service sector dominates the Spanish job market and major industries in the country include:

care workers
computer engineers
data analysts
data miners
IT security
specialist doctors.

Spain is also home to a number of large international companies. These include:

Abengoa (telecommunications)
Abertis (infrastructure)
ACS Group (civil engineering)
Almirall (pharmaceuticals)
Banco Santander (banking)
Ebro Foods (food processing)
Ficosa (automobile production)
Iberdrola (utilities)
Inditex (apparel)
Logista (logistics)
Telefónica (telecommunications).

For the latest jobs in Spain, visit:

Skills shortages

There are some sectors of the Spanish economy currently experiencing skills shortages, and these shortages could lead to employment opportunities for international workers.

Shortage occupations occur in professions such as doctors, engineers, marketers, operating staff and business consultancy.

There are also shortages in occupations such as translators, pilots and teaching positions.

How to get a job in Spain

The standard application process is similar to that in the UK. Prospective candidates apply for jobs by submitting a CV and cover letter, or by completing an application form. The format of these application documents is similar to what you're used to in the UK. Most workers apply for jobs from their home country - typically through a jobs portal - or find temporary work before looking for something permanent.

The language you need to submit your application in will sometimes be stated in the job advert, so make sure you read it carefully before applying. However, as a rule, unless you're applying to work in an English-speaking office, all applications should be made in Spanish.

Informal ways of securing work are also popular among jobseekers in Spain - for example, through word of mouth, networking or speculative applications.

Summer jobs

Spain has a strong tourism industry, welcoming over 30 million visitors in 2022. Popular tourist destinations include the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and Benidorm. With such a high percentage of British tourists visiting Spain, there's always a need for English-speaking workers in its tourism and hospitality industries.

Temporary positions are the easiest to secure. You could find work in bars, restaurants and hotels, as a watersports instructor, or at tourist attractions such as theme parks. If you have some childcare experience, you could also look for work as an au pair.

In addition to the job sites listed above, you may be able to find summer jobs, seasonal work and gap year opportunities at:

Season Workers

Bear in mind that since the UK's departure from the EU, UK nationals will now need a visa to take on seasonal work in Spain.

Voluntary work has become an increasingly popular option for graduates looking for work experience. Not only will it put your language skills to the test and help you to understand Spanish culture, volunteering provides you with an opportunity to make important contacts and enhance your CV.

Teaching jobs

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular source of employment for international workers.

However, being a native speaker of English isn't enough to secure a teaching job. Instead, you'll need a TEFL qualification to ensure success. You can either take a course in your home country or once you arrive in Spain.

For more information and to see what opportunities are currently available, take a look at:

Premier TEFL
TEFL Iberia

You can also apply to work as an English language assistant through the British Council's English Language Assistants scheme.

Internships

In Spain, work experience is held in high regard. Students that have completed two to three years of work experience prior to applying for graduate roles hold a significant advantage.

Internships in the country usually last between two and three months, but the length of a placement depends on the employer and the needs of their business. Due to Spain's growing technology and thriving tourism and hospitality sectors, internships of this kind are easy to find.

To look for a placement in Spain, see:

AIESEC UK - for students and recent graduates (in the past two years).
IAESTE UK - for science, engineering, technology and applied arts students.
The Intern Group - a leading provider of international internship programmes in Madrid.

Spanish visas

Following the UK's departure from the EU, the rules for UK citizens travelling to EU countries has changed. You can travel to countries in the Schengen Area (which includes Spain) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. During this period, you can attend business meetings, seminars, conference or trade shows or meet clients, but you must not receive payment from a Spanish company for these activities or it may be classed as work.

If UK nationals plan to work in Spain, or stay for more than three months, you must apply for a visa and work permit. There are different types of Spanish work visa depending on the kind of work you do and the length of your employment. Some of the most common types are:

Long-term work visas
Seasonal work visas
Au pair visas
EU Blue card.

While most visa applications are made through the Spanish Embassy or consulate in your home country, for some types of work your prospective employer makes the application on your behalf.

EU nationals, European Economic Area (EEA) citizens and those from Switzerland can work in Spain without the need for a work permit. If you plan to stay in the country for longer than three months, you'll need to register at a police station or the local Foreign National Office. This will provide you with a registration certificate and a non-nationals identification number (NIE).

Language requirements

If you don't have a strong grasp of Spanish then jobs can be hard to find - unless you're looking for a job with a multinational company, or work in the expat community or tourist areas.

There are lots of Spanish-speaking courses in the UK and many good websites exist to help you to learn a language or improve your skills. There are also opportunities to take Spanish classes once you arrive in Spain.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

You should find that your UK qualifications are comparable to their Spanish equivalents, and will therefore be recognised by employers.

Despite this, workers involved in regulated professions - for example, lawyers and doctors - will need their professional qualifications recognised in Spain before they can start work. Certain authorities are responsible for the recognition of professional qualifications. For more information, see the EC regulated professions database .

To get a degree from outside of the EU recognised in Spain, you'll need to contact the Subdirección General de Titulos y Reconocimiento de Cualificaciones, of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, and fill in the required form.

What it's like to work in Spain

The average working week for full-time employees is just over 40 hours, with traditionally long lunch breaks in the afternoon still observed by some businesses. Because of this, workers can sometimes stay in the office as late as 8pm.

The monthly minimum wage for workers in 2022 is €1,167 (£1,010).

In 2022, Spain will celebrate ten public holidays, with additional dates in each region. National public holidays include:

New Year's Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Assumption of Mary
Spanish National Day
All Saints Day
Constitution Day
Christmas Day
Christmas holiday.

Find out more

Discover what it's like to study in Spain .

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Find information on helpful national and EU services to help you on your path to work in Spain.

SEPIE (Servicio Español para la Internacionalización de la Educación)

Contact via Email

Address: General Oráa 55, 28006 Madrid, ESPAÑA

Telephone: +(34) 915 50 67 68

Links to Social Media:

Twitter

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Helpful national services

Spanish public employmente service (pes).

Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE)

Regional PES websites

Webs de los SPE de las Comunidades Autónomas

Employment agencies network

Red de agencias de colocación

SEPE: Youth guarantee

SEPE: Garantía juvenil

Spanish Institute for Youth (INJUVE) calls

Convocatorias Instituto Español de la Juventud (INJUVE)

Additional national services to work in Spain

Helpful eu services, living and working in spain.

EURES is a network of employment services covering all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.

Your Europe

Information, help and advice on EU rights for EU nationals and businesses (i.e. travel, work, shopping, funding opportunities, doing business and procedures)

Eurodesk Spain

Eurodesk is a European youth information network that promotes European awareness and opportunities to go abroad.

EURAXESS Spain - Researchers in Motion

EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion is a unique pan-European initiative delivering information and support services to professional researchers.

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Trip itinerary, why choose us, why au pair, how it works, au pair in spain.

42 others looking at this too. Next opening is Sep 2024 , with limited spots.

Home away from home? How about a family away from home – on the other side of the world?

An Au Pair trip combines your love of children and travel into one EPIC trip where you become part of the family while looking after the kids.

In exchange, you get full board and lodging in your host family’s home and a basic salary.

Which means anything you’re earning can go straight to your adventure fund!

And when you go with Global, you get:

Host Family Match. Personally approve your host family via family profiles and video calls before you even leave home.
Full board and lodging. Accommodation and 3 meals a day are covered. So your salary can go towards your travel fund instead!
4 nights hostel accommodation. Enjoy 4 nights at any hostel ON US to keep your adventure going.
2nd family match. Keep the adventure going and get matched with a new family in another country, such as: Netherlands, Canada, Australia or New Zealand!

If you enjoy hanging out with children, and you’re looking for a trip overseas that’ll help you travel for months at a time, this is the one for you.

You become part of the family as you’ll form close bonds with everyone while you’re helping out. It’s your shortcut to experiencing a new country with the insight of a local.

You’ll get to pre-approve your host family using family profiles and video calls before you leave home. So you know exactly what you’re getting into long before you step foot on a plane.

With your living expenses covered and a basic salary between €75 – €90 a week, all your earnings could go straight to your travel fund.

Your days off could be filled with adventures around your new Spanish neighbourhood, discovering your favourite Spanish cuisine, or making friends with the friendly locals.

Talking about time off, you’ll have plenty. You’ll agree on your responsibilities and salary with your host family before you leave. But you know the kids will be at school for several hours a day and you get at least 2 days off a week.

When you book with Global, you book with the best. Our team will sort out your admin from visa assistance, finding an approved host family before you go, banking advice, side trip planning, worldwide support, and much, much more.

Tap to show less

Host family match

Second country match.

If you’re not ready to go home yet, we’ll match you with a new family in a country of your choice: UK, Netherlands, Canada, Australia or New Zealand to continue your adventure!

Dedicated Trip Coordinator

Trip visa guidance, personal travel concierge, access to family profiles, pre-approved family agreement, online au pair course.

Arrive prepared to be the best au pair you can. Undertake a 4-hour fun, interactive & informative digital course and learn everything you need to know, before you go.

Airport pickup or transfer

Private live-in accommodation, 4 nights hostel accommodation.

During your trip, we’ll give you 4 nights to stay in a hostel anywhere in Spain, so you can keep travelling on us.

2 nights to party at Oktoberfest, Barcelona or Surf in San Sebastian

Choose from a 2-night stay in Barcelona including breakfast, Oktoberfest in Munich or a surf house in San Sebastian! Spend your days partying at the legendary Oktoberfest in Munich, stay in the nightlife and beach capital of Spain, or enjoy endless surf, yoga and parties at a house in San Sebastian. The only thing left to do is choose where you want to go!

Incompatible family re-match

Certificate of completion, ongoing local team support, global emergency line.

Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday.

gWorld access

Travel alone but never lonely with Social! An exclusive social network inside our gWorld app to talk, share & meet-up with other Global Travellers in your region, with a dedicated Community Manager.

Global Academy

Gain access to an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn before & whilst you travel.

Marketplace deals

$250 off your next trip.

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Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

Be between 18 - 30 years of age
Be a citizen of an eligible country
Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

Our Au Pair in Spain trip is a cultural exchange designed to get you set up safely and securely abroad with a welcoming, English speaking host family.

Our expert team offer assistance with all those essentials you need to get set up overseas, like finding the perfect host family and 24/7 support to live-in accommodation.

Simply, we’re here to ensure your transition to living abroad in Spain is seamless.

Arrive into the country with the confidence that you are many steps ahead of every other person looking to be an Au Pair in Spain.

We offer you the security of an approved placement with a local pre-screened and loving host family, accommodation and an agreement set up before you’ve even left home!

With the hard work done for you, you can settle into your home-away-from-home straight away, get to know your new family and embrace the Spanish lifestyle with open arms.

We will guide you throughout the entire journey to ensure you feel confident knowing you are in the best hands possible.

With most of your living expenses covered, you can spend your earnings exploring the beauty of Spain, touring the different landscapes and joining your family on weekend getaways.

Don’t waste your precious time sweating the logistical stuff. That’s exactly why we’re here - to save you time, money, stress and even the risk of having to return home early.

Make your time count on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and prepare to immerse yourself in the laid back and relaxed culture, foster your personal growth and develop important life skills your future-self will thank you for!

The only bad part of any life-changing trip like this is having to come home, now you don’t have to (straight away)! When you’ve finished your placement in Spain, we can rematch you with a brand new family in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia or New Zealand if you wish to extend your trip.

Requirements

To qualify for this trip, you will need to have 14 days of proveable child-caring experience and meet the visa requirements . EU passport holders do not require a visa. As an au pair, you can not smoke or have suffered from any mental health or eating disorders in the last 12 months. You'll be required to obtain and pass a medical examination as proof.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

You’ll be set up with your own private room right there in your host family’s house. You’ll also share all your meals with your host family.

With rent and utilities covered, everything you earn could go straight to those once-in-a-lifetime side quests you’ve been dreaming about.

The beauty of this trip is that your days will generally be filled with au pair duties, and then you’ll get time off and breaks in between to explore however you please! As a rough idea, here’s what you can expect:

Before you leave

Pre-approve your host family through detailed family profiles and video calls. You’ll get to interview the family, agree on your responsibilities and compensation, and get to meet everyone before you’ve left home.

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. You’ll arrive in Spain totally prepared with a plan of action and trusted people helping you along the way.

Our Au Pair trips are designed to get you set up with a host family you’re comfortable with on the other side of the world before you’ve left home. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it:

We’re on your side from the moment you get started.

You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave.

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here.

We maintain relationships with a huge network of screened and vetted partner organisations all over the world. We know they’re trustworthy and that you’re in good hands because of all the successful trips Global Travellers keep having with our partners.

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way.

Join 80,000 travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true.

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about being an au pair in Spain, don’t delay.

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates.

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with a host family in Spain.

This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate au pair experience in Spain, complete with everything you need and 24/7 support.

Click the red button to check dates & prices.

The main purpose of this trip is for you to be a live-in Au Pair for a family in Spain.

Each placement is different and depends on the needs of the family. But you’ll cover all of this in the pre-screening process while looking for a host family match.

The happiest and most successful Au Pairs make a point to become part of the family. You want to form close bonds with your host family – they are your home away from home after all. Besides, you never know what opportunities this relationship could have for you in the future.

This means helping out around the house with regular chores just like any other member of the family would.

If you’re interested in child care as a career, this is a great way to get some broad experience that’ll stand out on your CV while smashing your travel dreams in the process.

If you’re just keen to work and travel around the world, this is a great way to base yourself in one location for some time while you form close personal bonds and save up for the next adventure.

Being an Au Pair is one of those travel ‘hacks’ that help people travel for extended periods of time all over the world. And we can make it easy for you.

Au pair locations

From the ancient beauty and rich culture of Madrid to the beachside metropolis of Barcelona and even to the dancefloors of Ibiza (during summer). You could find yourself au pairing at any of these incredible places and everywhere in between.

Guadalajara
Mallorca

Tayleigh S Make you feel really comfortable and organise everything for you, feel super relaxed knowing I’m in good hands for them to organise my trip!

Mikayla P Fantastic. Great communication and easy to get into contact with

Lateisha B I can not thank and appreciate the service I received any more. It was amazing and my travel assistant was so genuine and down to earth. I will 100% work with global for all my travelling

Olivia P My travel work expert helped me with everything! She was amazing and I can't wait for trip to begin!

Olivia P Awesome! My global work and travel expert helped me with everything!

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Frequently asked questions.

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Au Pairs are like the superheroes of childcare, providing live-in care for the children of a host family abroad. They aren't just ordinary caregivers, they become temporary family members themselves. Picture this: you could be joining the family for exciting holidays, sipping lemonade by the poolside, and maybe even having lively dance-offs in the living room. As an Au Pair, you'll experience the joy of being part of a new family, creating unforgettable memories and building bonds that last a lifetime. So, if you're ready to bring that extra sparkle to a host family's life and become an honorary family member, look no further. We'll help you find the perfect Au Pair opportunity abroad, where love, laughter, and family moments await. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure filled with love, care, and a whole lot of fun!

Our Au Pair trips are known for our exceptional matching process. We take the time to understand you and your preferences, allowing you to access a variety of family profiles and be involved in the matching process. Video meetings with the parents and children ensure a strong connection and compatibility. Leading up to your departure, you'll have the opportunity to connect with your host family again. With this thorough process, uncomfortable situations are extremely rare. However, if any unexpected circumstances arise, we are dedicated to finding you another match (providing you haven't broken the Au Pair agreement). Your satisfaction and well-being are our highest priorities throughout your Au Pair journey with us. Get ready for an incredible experience as an Au Pair, creating lasting memories with your host family!

Au Pair placements generally range from a few months to a year, depending on the requirements for the trip and host family. We are here to ensure we find the perfect fit for you, to satisfy your timeline and goals for the experience. Once registered, your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through next steps and recommend the best possible option to go for.

As an Au Pair, your primary responsibility is to provide childcare assistance. However, light household chores related to the children, such as tidying up their rooms or preparing meals, may be expected. You will be provided a clear understanding of the household expectations and responsibilities before accepting your placement.

Yes, as an Au Pair, you will typically receive a weekly or monthly stipend from your host family. The amount may vary depending on the destination country and the agreed-upon terms of the placement. Additionally, your host family will provide accommodations and meals as part of the arrangement.

Absolutely! As an Au Pair you will have at least 1-2 days off per week (usually weekends when the parents are home) along with designated free time throughout the week. This will allow you to relax, explore the local culture, or meet up with other Au Pairs or Global Travellers you met through Global Social in gWorld!

Our Au Pair trip provides comprehensive support throughout your placement. From the initial matching process to ongoing guidance, our team is always available to address any concerns or assist with challenges that may arise. Additionally, you'll have access to a community of other Au Pairs to connect with and explore your new home together!

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

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Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

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Work and travel in Spain

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How to apply

Who can apply.

To work in Spain through one of the Canada-Spain Youth Mobility programs, you must:

be a Canadian citizen
be 18-35 years old (inclusive)
live in Canada when applying, and
have a Canadian passport that’s valid for at least 12 months before you enter Spain

Other requirements may apply. Check Spain’s website for more details.

What type of work visa do I need?

You need to apply for a Youth Mobility visa . This visa has five categories:

Post-secondary graduates who want to get additional training in Spain through a pre-arranged contract of employment (job offer).

Registered post-secondary students who want to complete part of their academic training in a Spanish institution, including under inter-institution agreements.

Young professionals who want additional training in order to contribute to their professional development.

Registered post-secondary students who want to work temporarily at a summer job in Spain.

Category e (Working Holiday)

Young Canadians who want to travel to Spain work temporarily to help fund their trip or to do volunteer work.

Do I need a formal job or internship offer?

Yes, you need a job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer if you apply to:

Category a,
Category b, or

No, you don’t need one if you apply to:

Category d, or

How long can I stay and work?

You can stay and work in Spain for up to 12 months.

You can participate in Spain’s Youth Mobility Program two times. Your second participation must be in a different category and there must be a break of at least three months between the two participations

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Start your Adventure

About spain.

Spain is the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and is a country of great geographical wealth. You can explore the sea, mountains, big cities, or charming villages. It is the European Union's most biodiverse country, with 45 biosphere reserves recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Due to a blend of different civilizations over centuries, Spain has a unique cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food, paintings, sculptures, architecture, literature and music.

Whether you are at an outdoor café , concert, flamenco tablao , dinner party or discoteca , nightlife in Spain is unparalleled.

The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.

Before you leave, remember to register as a Canadian abroad to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice.

Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.

Tourism Spain

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Living and Working in Spain

Information & guidance about seasonal jobs in spain, seasonal jobs in spain.

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Spain offers many jobs in it’s summer tourist industry. The Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, The Balaric Islands Of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza as well as the the Costa del Sol, and the Costa Blanca are all good places to looking for hospitality work. Opportunities range from chefs, bar staff, kitchen assistants, holiday reps, DJs and ticket sellers and promotional staff.

Several British and European camping companies operate throughout France and jobs can be found in the summer working in campsites.

Au Pairs usually need some childcare experience but won’t always need to be able to speak fluent Spanish. Au pairs live with host families, looking after the children and perform basic domestic duties such as cleaning. Wages are often low but food and accommodation is usually included.

Spain’s agricultural produce includes oranges, olives, grapes and strawberries. Andalucia is a large region with opportunities for fruit picking . Some farmers may pay you depending on how much fruit you can collect, how much it is worth at market or how long it takes you so the wages won’t always be decent.

Smaller Earth Live and work abroad in Spain. Becoming an Au Pair in Spain is the perfect way to make new friends, learn or improve your Spanish language skills and experience the culture as a local .

Voluntary job opportunities In Spain Include immigration issues, the environment, poverty and women’s rights.

Traveltowork Can Assist With Setting Up A Bank Account In Spain Before You Leave Home.

Spain Visa Information: If you intend to visit Spain, on holiday, a business trip, to study, work, volunteer or as an emigrant you should get up to date and accurate information from the official website of the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Spain .

For up to date information on visa requirements, you can also check with the Embassy or Consulate of Spain before you travel.

Work in Spain

Working in spain: rules and working conditions.

There are plenty of reasons why working in Spain is so appealing. Overall, the quality of life in Spain is quite high . With numerous hours of sunshine each year, friendly people , a plethora of holidays (14), and a Mediterranean lifestyle , you might wish there were more hours in a day.

While in most cities, the standard workday is from 9 to 5 , many places in Spain still observe the siesta . Siesta is typically taken between 14:00 and 17:00, but this varies by location. Depending on the region, working hours might also be between 09:00 and 14:00 and 18:00 and 21:00 in Spain.

Salaries in Spain

The average gross monthly salary in Spain in 2020 was €2,038.60. Moreover, the highest average gross monthly salaries can be found in Madrid (€2,350.20), the Basque Country (€2,278.80), Navarre (€2,209.20), Asturias (€2,161.50), and Catalonia (€2,158.10).

Regarding sectors, the highest gross monthly salaries can be found in the financial sector (€3,152.50), the energy sector (€3,034.10), IT and computer science (€2,809.50), and the public sector (€2,800.80).

Working in the Spanish Hospitality Sector

Are you interested in spending your summer abroad while earning some extra cash? We recommend looking for a fun vacation job in the tourist areas of Spain . Especially in tourist destinations along the Spanish coast, such as the Canary Islands and Ibiza , there is a high demand for additional labor.

Hospitality and tourism are the most popular sectors in Spain, especially during the summer months. Many restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, campsites, and hotels are in need of multilingual employees who are willing to lend a hand. Think about positions like waitstaff, campsite workers, chefs, and hotel receptionists . Another common job is an entertainer in a hotel, where you’ll organize fun shows, activities, and performances for the entire family.

Hospitality jobs are perfect for people who are proactive, flexible, sociable, and up for an exciting challenge abroad. Speaking multiple languages is a plus, with Spanish, Italian, English, and German being especially valuable.

Voluntary work in Spain

Most Spanish cities offer voluntary work that can and will make a difference to Spanish communities. Each city, small or big, has a unique landscape and cultural identity, making it even more interesting to explore and chat to the locals with the aim to uncover what the cities unique characteristics are. A few of the most popular locations are Valencia and Barcelona .

Valencia is surrounded by the Meditteranean Sea as well as incredibly protected forests. The forests intrigue many volunteers year round, especially revolving around interests in conservation and ecology. These projects allow volunteers to explore on their time off, such as hiking or even enjoying the famous Valencian paella!

Barcelona – “the city that never sleeps”… means there are plenty of activities to take advantage of when the volunteering ends! During the day, you can explore Gaudi’s architecture speckled throughout the streets and up to the hills of Park Guell and visit the many beaches to soak up the sun. Then staying at the beach until night time to watch the beach light up with dance clubs on the sand, with the best musicians playing and flocks of people visiting for Barcelona’s summer music festivals, with all music genres.

Volunteering projects in Spain

Voluntary work in Spain is popular due to the countries affordability, diverse landscape and of course the famous food and drink. Many education voluntary placements can be found in every Spanish city while volunteers looking for work related to conservation should look in the more coastal areas of the country.

Education : Teaching English in Spain is very popular with volunteers, with opportunities to teach children or adults available in every city. Other education related voluntary work opportunities include tutoring programs for disadvantaged children, working within childcare professions or working with the community in general public health issues.

Conservation : Spain has large amounts of protected natural areas, both on land and in the sea. Popular conservation voluntary work in Spain include helping restoring habitats through maintaining forests and planting trees, or collecting behavioural and environmental data about sea creatures.

Living in Spain

Advantages of living and working in spain.

Wouldn’t you want to swap the dull winter and rainy autumn for the Spanish sun ? The warm climate is one of the most significant reasons to live and work in Spain. But there are many more reasons to embark on this fantastic adventure. Living and working in Spain is incredibly enjoyable because Spain is a pleasant country. The quality of life in Spain is high, thanks to the abundant hours of sunshine each year. Additionally, the population is very friendly, and the culture is intriguing . There are relatively many holidays , and the Mediterranean lifestyle is very pleasant.

This makes it extremely appealing for more and more Dutch people to choose to live and work in Spain. Due to the sunny climate in the South European cities , people spend a lot of time outdoors, engaging in various activities. Whether you want to go for lunch , take a nice walk , spend a few hours exercising , or enjoy an evening in a cozy café , it’s effortless to find people to do these activities with. Before you know it, you’ll become part of a friendly group of friends, and you might even spontaneously plan a day of kitesurfing , for example.

Spaniards are generally seen as an open-minded and hospitable people. Building your own circle of friends and social contacts is vital. The time dedicated to social interactions is a significant and fixed part of the day. This includes visiting bars and nightclubs , dining together with family and friends , and going on excursions . Even as a foreigner or newcomer , you are more than welcome to join the circle of friends . Moreover, Spaniards are very helpful . In short, living and working in Spain is a celebration ! Are you looking forward to it?

Accommodation in Spain

If you plan to live and work in Spain for an extended period, there’s good news because finding affordable accommodation in Spain isn’t too challenging. However, since Madrid and Barcelona are extremely popular among tourists and expats, finding suitable living spaces in these cities can be a bit of a challenge.

If you want to explore the options for yourself, you can choose to go exploring by staying in a hostel . This will cost you about €10 to €30 per night . In a budget 2-star hotel , you’ll pay an average of €40 for a double room. Through Airbnb , you can get a room for €20 per night , while a house will cost you around €50 per night .

Rental prices in Spain can vary greatly by region. In small towns and villages around cities, rental prices are quite low (around €200 to €400 per month ). In cities, rental prices are higher. Although it varies by city, in a city like Madrid , monthly rent typically ranges from €300 to €900 . In Barcelona , you can find simple and small accommodations with rent prices between €300 and €450 per month . For a more luxurious apartment that you don’t have to share with a roommate, you’ll pay between €400 and €800 per month .

Check out this blog with the top 10 cities in Spain to figure out which Spanish city suits you best.

Websites we recommend for finding accommodation in Spain are:

www.spotahome.com
www.housinganywhere.com
www.idealista.com
www.pisocompartido.com
www.badi.com

Furthermore, in a city like Barcelona , vibrant neighborhoods like Raval , Gòtic , El Born , L’Eixample , Sarrià-Sant Gervasi , La Vila de Gràcia , El Poble-Sec , El Poblenou , or Sant Antoni are highly recommended. Additionally, neighborhoods like Puerta del Sol , La Latina , Lavapiés , Barrio de las Letras , Chueca , Salamanca , and Malasaña are also great places to live.

Transportation in Spain

Public transportation in Spain is very well developed and reasonably priced compared to other European countries. In major cities, you can use the train, tram, or bus for around €1.50 . Of all the transportation options, the bus is the most economical choice. If you want to explore the country and take a bus trip from Barcelona to Madrid , a bus ticket costs around €39 .

Going Out in Spain

In Spain, apart from enjoying good food, you can also have an amazing nightlife experience. Experience Spain’s famous nightlife and party like the locals!

Spain is renowned for its vibrant nightlife . The party typically gets started later in the evening at a tapas bar or a restaurant. In Spain, every occasion is seen as a reason to celebrate.

Spain has many festivals , often referred to as “fiestas,” that are celebrated extensively. It’s incredibly fun to partake in these Spanish fiestas. Spaniards know how to turn everything into a celebration. Spain has numerous national holidays, and many cities or regions have their own additional holidays. Spanish parties and fiestas are celebrated with a lot of food and drink, and often, live bands as well. You can also participate in various traditional activities. During fiestas, people enjoy being outside, celebrating with each other, and savoring the delightful weather.

There are numerous bars, clubs, and pubs in Spain where you can party all night long.

The popular coastal towns include Lloret de Mar , Salou , Blanes , and Malgrat de Mar . Especially in the summer, many young people head here to have fun and relax on the beach. During the summer, there are countless parties with well-known DJs.

The Spanish islands are also known for their clubs, and Ibiza is highly popular. Every year, many international DJs perform in Ibiza. The clubs on Ibiza are a bit more upscale, but they still attract many young people. Additionally, the island of Mallorca is incredibly popular among young people, and there are also plenty of nightlife options on the Canary Islands .

In major cities like Valencia , Madrid , and Barcelona , you have a wide range of choices for going out. From small pubs to massive clubs with multiple rooms or floors, there’s something for everyone. Visiting a Spanish club is definitely worth it if you’re planning to live and work in Spain.

Food in Spain

Eating in Spain equals pure delight!

From Spanish cavas, local sausages (think of chorizo), cheeses (such as Manchego), and beverages (Sangria is very popular!) to typical dishes (calamares a la romana, paella), when you think of Spanish cuisine, you’re likely thinking of tapas . Spanish cuisine is rich and diverse, with a multitude of traditional dishes that will make your mouth water. Living and working in Spain is perfect for anyone who enjoys trying various dishes.

The prices of snacks and meals are lower than in the Netherlands or Belgium. In one of the many bakeries in Spain, you’ll pay around €2.50 for a snack, and for lunch, you’ll spend about €15 . For a complete meal with a glass of authentic Spanish wine, you’ll typically pay €20-€30 . If you’re adventurous, explore and step into small, local restaurants and eateries. Here, you can order various delicious tapas dishes for a small price. If you enjoy cooking at home, it’s good to know that you’ll spend an average of only €40 per week on groceries. With this budget, you can purchase products like fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, and other basic items.

The Landscape and Nature of Spain

Spain is the second country in the world with the most UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves: lakes, mountains, volcanoes, marshes, forests, rivers, valleys, and cliffs. The landscape of Spain is incredibly diverse and fascinating. In Northern Spain, many bears and wolves inhabit the region.

In the northeast of Spain lies the region of Aragón. Here, high mountains are filled with canyons, ravines, and forests. Aragón is often referred to as the outdoor paradise of Spain. From skiing and paragliding to canoeing on rivers and hiking through the mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will find their haven in Catalonia too. Thirty percent of Catalonia’s territory is protected to preserve wildlife and natural ecosystems.

In the largest region of Spain, Castile and León, keep your binoculars handy! This region is perfect for bird enthusiasts . Castile-La Mancha (the heart of Spain) is rich in oases amidst windmills and hills, endless olive groves, and steep mountain ranges. To the west lies the region of Extremadura, a beautiful area with valleys, rivers, and mountain ranges. On the other side, in Valencia, you can enjoy an abundance of orchids.

What You Shouldn’t Miss When Working in Spain

Spain boasts many beautiful cities! The Royal Madrid, the historical Toledo, or the palm city of Elche are cities that you must see. But then there is Seville. The largest city in the Andalusia region, the city where Flamenco lives. The neighborhood of Barrio de Santa Cruz is considered the birthplace of Flamenco. Additionally, in the district of El Arenal, you will find many attractions. In short, Seville is a city you simply must visit!

Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudí, as an architect, is responsible for many significant buildings in Barcelona. His most impressive creation is Sagrada Familia, an enormous basilica that has been awaiting completion for over a century. Many rightly consider this building to be Gaudí’s masterpiece. If all goes well, Sagrada Familia will be fully finished in 2026. If you are embarking on the adventure of living and working in Spain, you must pay a visit to the world-renowned Sagrada Familia!

Canary Islands

When you think of the Canary Islands, you probably think of sun, sea, and beach. However, the landscapes of the Canary Islands have a unique character, mainly due to their volcanic origin. Some are lush, like La Palma and the north of Tenerife, while others are rugged and rocky, such as Lanzarote. In Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote, the volcanic origin is clearly visible, and this park is still accessible to the public. You can enjoy the volcanic landscape here.

If something is sacred in Spain, it is football. Every weekend, millions of passionate football fans follow the matches in La Liga. FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is the classic and is often compared to Ajax vs. Feyenoord. The football stadium in Barcelona can almost be called a football temple. The stadium is now half a century old and is no longer among the most beautiful stadiums architecturally. It is the history and magic of the club that matter. This makes visiting Camp Nou a must-do when you are living and working in Barcelona.

Ibiza’s Nightlife

When you think of Ibiza, the first thing that comes to mind is partying and nightlife. It is party island number one! Young and old can visit the famous clubs spread across the island every day of the week. The world’s best DJs frequently come to Ibiza to take their place behind the turntables. When you go out in Ibiza, you can dress extravagantly and there is no consideration for age and background, although you will have to dig deep into your pockets if you go to the big parties. The entrance fee is quite expensive, and you will surely also be surprised by the prices of drinks. Either way, you must have been to Ibiza at least once in your life.

El Escorial

About 50 kilometers from the capital, Madrid, stands the immense complex of El Escorial. This is the former palace of Philip II, which was built in the second half of the sixteenth century. The building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a combination of a castle, abbey, basilica, mausoleum, and library. The Royal Monastery of El Escorial attracts many visitors from around the world every year.

The Basque city of Bilbao is a unique Spanish city. Bilbao has a distinct character, and it is worth mentioning that the city is on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago. There are at least two important reasons to visit Bilbao. First, you will find the beautiful Guggenheim Museum here: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Additionally, Bilbao is an important culinary city, and pintxos originally come from here. Pintxos are delicious Spanish skewers that are also often eaten as tapas.

Work in Spain FAQs

Have you found your dream job in Spain and are you planning to work in Spain soon? It's important to know what you need to arrange before you go. Start by checking your passport or identity card . If it's no longer valid (or expiring soon), make sure to apply for a new one well before your departure.

If you plan to live and work in Spain for more than 3 months, make sure to deregister from your municipality in the Netherlands/Belgium just before your departure. This deregistration certificate is often required to register in Spain. Once you're in Spain, you'll need to apply for an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number, an identification number for foreigners in Spain, if you intend to stay and work for more than three months. After that, you can go to your local town hall in Spain to complete your registration . Ensure you bring a valid ID , your rental contract , and your NIE number.

If you plan to live and work in Spain for a short time, you can either keep your Dutch/Belgian health insurance or opt for international health insurance . For longer stays, you'll need to take out health insurance in Spain.

Another important consideration when moving to Spain is your accommodation . You can arrange your apartment even before you physically move to Spain. Check out the websites mentioned above under the "Accommodation in Spain" section.

In principle, as a Dutch/Belgian citizen, you can stay in Spain for as long as you want. As long as you have a valid identification document , sufficient means to support yourself, and a valid health insurance policy . Remember that after 3 months, you need to register with the municipality of the province where you reside in Spain. You can even make an appointment online: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/ .

Every EU citizen can work in Spain without a work permit . Make sure you have an NIE number and a ( Spanish ) bank account when signing your employment contract .

Our clients in Spain often offer attractive opportunities for career advancement within their companies. This means you can work for these employers for an extended period, as long as both parties are satisfied!

There are numerous options when it comes to spending your gap year. You can take a language trip , do volunteer work abroad, or go backpacking . However, you can also work in Spain for a year. This way, you can explore a new culture, learn a foreign language , meet new people, and gain international work experience without depleting your savings.

On Anywork Anywhere, you can find various types of job vacancies. There are permanent jobs where you'll work abroad for at least 3, 6, or 12 months. These roles include customer service positions , sales/marketing vacancies , and online croupier positions .

Additionally, we offer holiday jobs on our website. These positions are often seasonal . For instance, you can opt for a summer job as an entertainer , chef , hotel receptionist , or campsite worker in Spain.

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Travel to Spain for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Spain and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s consulate or immigration authorities .

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Spain to work (or any other EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements .

Spain is in the Schengen area . If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Spanish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Spain’s consulate or  immigration authorities](https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/home) before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Spain. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Spain’s immigration authorities or consulate .

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Spain, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Spain’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

attending business meetings or discussions
attending seminars or fact-finding meetings
attending conferences and workshops
attending trade shows
meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
receiving classroom-based training
leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You must not receive any payment for these activities from a Spanish company or it could be classed as work.

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver .

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Spain’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permits from other countries

You do not require a visa or permit in Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you have an EU ICT permit from another country. You must be going to work for a branch of the same company that sponsored your current EU ICT permit. Your employer needs to notify Spain’s immigration authorities before you travel.

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
an employment confirmation
proof of required qualifications, such as diplomas and professional certificates
health insurance
provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number), if applicable
a residence card issued by the EU country that granted the current permit

You need to follow the Schengen visa waiver rules .

Working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180 day period

You do not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

working in the audiovisual sector
completing artistic activities for the public
recording a piece for the purpose of distributing it through mass media

You need to be able to show proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector. This could be:

an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience)

In addition, you will need to hold:

provisional NIE (foreigner’s identity number) , if applicable
Social security cover certificate, if applicable
Social Security Number (NASS), if locally hired in Spain

If you have a family they can join you as dependants under this exemption, this includes your:

spouse or partner
children under 18
dependent children
parents or guardians, if you’re under 18.

If a minor is participating in an artistic activity, Spanish labour law requirements must be considered.

If you need to stay for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you have the following options:

Stay visa - for up to 6 months
Residence visa - for more than 6 months

Exempt work that requires a visa

The following do not need a work permit in Spain but will require a visa:

technicians, researchers, and scientists invited or employed by the Spanish public administrations, autonomous communities, universities, local organisations, or organisations that promote and develop research
specialised technicians, professors, faculty members, researchers and scientists employed by a Spanish university
civil servants or military officials of non-Spanish governments participating in activities under a bilateral cooperation agreement
managerial, teaching or research staff from cultural or educational institutions – privately or state-owned, with a renowned reputation, officially recognised by Spain – carrying out cultural or educational programmes from the UK
correspondents from non-Spanish media, accredited by the Spanish authorities as correspondents or special correspondents, carrying out journalistic activity in Spain
authorised members of international scientific missions engaging in studies or research activities set by an international organisation or agency
religious ministers and members of the church, faiths and religious communities, and professed members of religious orders
members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations

The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:

C-type EET visa if you’re working up to 90 days
long-term D visa if you’re working for more than 90 days

If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Spain’s [consulate](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk  or immigration authorities .

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Spanish consulate or immigration authorities .

Taking your family

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Find out about family reunification .

Visas and permits

You must apply for a visa if you’re travelling to Spain because you’re:

carrying out short-term permit-exempt work
carrying out long-term permit-exempt work

You must apply for a visa, work permit and residence permit if you’re travelling to Spain, even for a short period of time, because you’re:

transferring to the Spanish branch of a UK-based company
working for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract
providing services to a client in Spain
carrying out self-employed work
investing in or founding a company

Short-term visa for exempt work

You need a C-type EET visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for up to 90 days. You must follow the Schengen 90-day in a 180-day period rule when travelling on this visa.

The C-type EET visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for 90 days in a 180-day period and you can’t extend it.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as visitors under the Schengen visa waiver .

How it works

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy by email and submit a C-type EET visa application .

Spain’s consulate will review your application and issue you with a visa if you meet the exemption conditions.

Application documents

Spanish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed C visa application form
C visa checklist
passport valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond your intended stay
recent passport-sized colour photo
invitation letter or contract from the company in Spain detailing the work you’ll be carrying out
a ‘no objection letter’ from your employer detailing the conditions of your employment, if you’re an employee
trade licence, accountant’s letter or proof of taxes paid in the past year, if you’re self-employed
proof you  have enough money to support yourself , such as certified bank statements for the past 3 months
proof of return travel
proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Spain, such as hotel reservations
proof of health insurance cover for your entire stay

Additional documents for your type of work

You may have to show accreditations or authorisations issued by the Spanish authorities, or other documentation, showing you’re carrying out exempt work.

What you need to show will depend on your type of work:

technicians, researchers and scientists – project description and professional background
managerial, teaching or research staff – degrees or diplomas
civil or military officials of non-Spanish governments – certificate issued by the Foreign State Administration
correspondents from foreign media – accreditation issued by the Spanish authorities
members of international scientific missions – authorisation issued by the competent Spanish administration to take part in the International Scientific Mission
members of the representative, governing and administrative bodies of internationally recognised trade unions and business organisations – certificate issued by the trade union or business organisation

Religious ministers and members of the church:

certificate issued by the Spanish Ministry of Justice if the church or community is registered at the Registry of Religious Orders of the Ministry of Justice
certificate issued by the religious organisation, with the consent of the Ministry of Justice, confirming that the applicant is a minister of religion, member of the church hierarchy, or professed religious

Long-term visa for exempt work

You need a D-type visa if you’re carrying out permit-exempt work for more than 90 days.

The D-type visa takes approximately 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can renew it for up to 5 years.

If you have a family they may be able to join you as dependants under the Schengen visa waiver .

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D-type visa application and temporary residence permit form.

You register with your local city hall  (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.

Your employer registers you with Spain’s social security, if applicable.

If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

completed D visa application form
completed temporary residence permit form
D visa checklist
passport with 2 blank pages, valid for the duration of your intended stay in Spain
copies of all the pages of your passport
invitation letter or contract  from the company in Spain detailing the work you’ll be carrying out
accreditations or authorisations  issued by the Spanish authorities or other documentation showing your work is permit exempt, if applicable
criminal record certificate ( legalised (with an apostille) )
medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner ( legalised (with an apostille)
fee self-assessment form

If you’re an artist you need to provide:

a work contract for your artistic activities
a list of authorisations or licences needed for your activities, if applicable
evidence that you’ve applied to the relevant authorities for your authorisations or licences, if applicable

Transferring to the Spanish branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these work and residence permits if you’re transferring to a branch in Spain:

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)  for managers, specialists or trainees
national intra company transfer (ICT)

EU intra company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an intra-company transfer work and residence permit (EU ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Spain to work for:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before your transfer to Spain
meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)
keep your employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist or 1 year if you’re a trainee.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type.  Find out about family reunification .

Your employer submits your ICT permit application to the immigration office.

Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK and submit a D Visa application.

You register with the local city hall  (ayuntamiento) when you arrive in Spain.

Your employer registers you with Spanish social security.

If you’re staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application  at the immigration office in Spain.

passport, valid for 12 months
relevant  university degree or qualification certificate  such as vocational training diploma
standard passport photo  taken within 6 months of applying
government tax form from your employer
evidence of 3 years’ work experience, if applicable
detailed job description
last 3 payslips
assignment letter
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if applicable
social security certificate of cover, if applicable
marriage certificate, if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
birth certificates of any children joining you
police clearance certificates  from your countries of residence - for the UK, you can obtain this using  ACRO
proof that the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
letter signed by the UK company confirming Law 45/99 labour requirements
Spanish company’s constitution deeds
power of attorney of the legal representative of the company in Spain stating their power to hire and let employees go
service agreement between the home and host company, if applicable
ID of the Spanish company’s legal representative
Spanish company’s tax identification number
Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation
memorandum of the Spanish company’s activities

National intra company transfer (ICT)

If you do not qualify for an EU ICT permit, you may be able to apply for a national ICT permit.

have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately before transferring to Spain
keep your UK employment contract

This ICT takes 4 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it for up to 2 more. After 5 years’ legal residence you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

The Spanish company submits your National ICT permit application to the immigration office.

Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy  by email and submit a D visa application .

relevant university degree or qualification certificate  such as vocational training diploma
government tax form
police clearance certificates  from your countries of residence for the last 5 years - for the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
proof the UK and Spanish company belong to the same group of companies, if you’re transferring to the Spanish branch
a service agreement between your employer in the UK and a company in Spain that includes the transfer of workers, if you’re providing services to a company in Spain
memorandum of the company’s activities

Working for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract

You need one of these long-term work permits if you have an offer of employment with a company in Spain:

highly qualified specialists permit: EU Blue Card or national work and residence authorisation for highly qualified professional
temporary work and residence permit

Work permit for highly qualified specialists

To qualify for a highly qualified specialist permit you must:

have an employment contract with a Spanish company
be on Spanish payroll
meet minimum salary requirements according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does) and at least €40,077 for technicians and €54,142 for managers and directors (as of 2022)

There are two different types of work and residence authorisation for highly qualified specialist:

EU Blue Card: you qualify if you hold at least a Bachelor´s degree (higher education of at least three years duration), or 5 years of professional relevant experience comparable to the aforementioned Bachelor´s degree (3 years within the last seven for IT sector)
national work and residence authorisation for highly qualified professional: if you do not qualify for EU Blue Card but you hold a diploma on higher level professional training, higher level plastic arts and design studies or higher level sports studies, or 3 years of professional relevant experience comparable to the aforementioned studies.

This permit takes 3 to 6 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

You or your employer submits your work permit application online to the immigration office.

Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate  or embassy and submit a D visa application .

Your employer registers you with Spanish social security .

marriage certificate if married, or a certificate confirming your registered partnership
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years. For the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
relevant university degree or qualification certificate such as vocational training diploma
standard [passport photo](https://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Downloads/Technical%20Reports/Annex_A-Photograph_Guidelines.pdf  taken within 6 months of applying
evidence of work experience, if applicable
signed employment agreement of at least 6 months
Spanish company’s tax identification card (CIF)

Temporary work and residence permit

This type of work and residence permit is available if you are offered a Spanish local contract but do not qualify for a highly qualified professional type of permit due to salary threshold, experience or qualification.

This permit takes 6 to 10 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for 4 more. After 5 years’ legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process.

Provided your employer has gone through the Labour Market Test process and authorities have certified that the position cannot be covered in the current labour market (this can take up to two months) then the process is as follows:

Your employer submits your work permit application  online to the immigration office.

Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application .

standard passport photo taken within 6 months of applying

Providing services to a client in Spain

If your UK employer sends you to work on an assignment or secondment to Spain you’ll need one of the following:

ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services

You should check with the Spanish authorities which you need before applying.

There are separate permits for providing audiovisual services .

To qualify for an ICT work and residence permit for the provision of transnational services (cross-border services) you must:

provide services specified in a contract between the UK employer and the company in Spain
have a bachelor’s level degree or at least 5 years’ relevant work experience
have provided services for the UK company for at least 9 months and at least 1 year in the UK
be paid at least the minimum salary according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement (depends on what the company does)

This permit takes 3 to 9 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 2 years.

The Spanish company submits your work and residence permit application (form EX08) online to the immigration office.

Once approved you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application  with the Spanish consulate or embassy.

You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you do not get an entry stamp at the border.

evidence of 5 years’ work experience, if applicable
signed employment agreement
payslips for the past 9 months issued within the past 12 months
employment contract with UK company and assignment letter
police clearance certificates from your countries of residence for the last 5 years - for the UK, you can obtain this using ACRO
social security cover certificate, if applicable
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain
Spanish company’s certificate of incorporation for the Spanish company
Spanish company’s quarterly IVA report or corporate tax return
copy of the contract for the provision of services, if applicable

Digital nomads (remote work visa)

You need a visa for remote workers if you want to live in Spain and work remotely for a company based outside the country.

have a degree or at least 3 years’ work experience
be able to perform your duties remotely while staying in Spain
be employed by a company outside Spain (starting at least 3 months before you apply) or have a labour/professional relationship with a company outside of Spain

You can do additional work for a company in Spain as long as:

you keep your professional relationship as a contractor with a company outside of Spain
you have a professional relationship with the company in Spain (rather than employment)
it’s not more than 20% of your total professional activity

A remote work visa takes around 20 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

If you’re outside Spain

You book an appointment at the  Spanish consulate or embassy  in the UK by email and submit a  D-type visa application .

Once approved, you get your visa stamped at the consulate.

You submit a residence card application  at the immigration office in Spain, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

If you’re inside Spain

You can enter Spain as a tourist and apply once you’re in the country. You will need to apply within 90 days.

You submit a work and residence permit to the immigration office.

Once approved, you can start working remotely.

You submit a residence card application at the local immigration office, if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

completed D visa application form or work and residence permit
proof of a relationship with the company for at least 3 months - for example, an employment contract or assignment letter
proof that your work can be done remotely - for example, a letter from the company
proof that the company has been operating for at least 1 year - for example a certificate of incorporation

Working in the audiovisual sector

You can apply for a work or residence permit if you’re an artist, technician or a professional:

You’ll need one of the following permits:

You do not need a permit if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for up to 90 days in a 180-day period .

You need a stay visa if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for up to 6 months. To qualify you must:

be sponsored by a Spanish organisation
have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your UK-based company and the Spanish host

This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up for the length of the work contract/assignment up to a maximum of 6 months (180 days). You can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit, this includes your:

dependant children
parents or guardians, if you’re under 18

Check with Spain’s  immigration authorities  on the exact process.

You or your employer submits your visa application at the Spanish Consulate.

Once approved, you book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email with the Spanish consulate to get your visa stamped.

Your employer registers you with Spanish social security, if you have a local Spanish work contract.

proof of hire from your UK-based company, if transferred to Spain to provide services
Spanish work contract, if locally hired
proof that you’re working in the audiovisual sector - for example, an assignment letter (including reference to previous experience), employment confirmation or a contract
evidence of private medical insurance in Spain, if not on a local Spanish work contract

Residence visa

You need a residence visa if you’re working in the audiovisual sector for more than 6 months.

have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your home company and the Spanish host

This permit can take 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for a further 2 years.

Check with Spain’s immigration authorities on the exact process.

Your employer submits your work permit application  to the immigration office.

Once approved, you book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application.

You submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

Self-employed work

To qualify for a self-employed work permit you must:

set up (incorporate) a company in Spain
have the relevant licence for your business and make sufficient investment to carry out your business
have enough money to support yourself
have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level education or relevant work experience

This permit takes 6 to 8 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 4 years.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants after you’ve lived in Spain for 1 year.  Find out about family reunification .

You need to check with the Spanish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare:

You book an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit your work permit application (form EX07) .

You book a second appointment with the Spanish consulate and submit your D visa application , once your work permit application has been approved.

You register with Spanish social security.

completed work permit and D visa application forms
business plan detailing expected investments, projected profits and the possible number of jobs created
approval of your business plan by a relevant association in Spain
proof of enough money, or investment contracts, or loans from financial institutions

Founding a company in Spain

If you want to start a company in Spain you need a residency visa for entrepreneurs and business activity (REM) (work permit).

To qualify:

your business must be considered of public interest in terms of job creation, impact on the local area and making a relevant contribution to technological or scientific innovation
you must have a business project that’s considered to be of general interest to Spain (and accredited)
you must have enough funds – check with the Spanish authorities on how much you’re expected to have

This permit takes 1 to 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it for a further 2 years.

You book an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK by email and submit a D visa application .

You submit a ‘statement of entry’ to the local police if you don’t get an entry stamp at the border.

You submit your work permit application online to the immigration office once the business has started operating.

You register with Spanish social security, if applicable.

If you are staying for more than 6 months, you should submit a residence card application at the immigration office in Spain.

bank reference letter
report from the Trade Office
business plan
proof of sufficient economic funds

Spanish government guidance

Read official Spanish government information on:

working in Spain
immigration rules

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Spain , for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Broken hyperlinks fixed; hyperlinks updated to reflect changes in names and definitions of visa types; hyperlinks updated to point to English-language webpages; error corrected in requirements for ICT work and residence permits

Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

Added links to information you will need in an invitation letter or contract from the company in Spain, Spanish Embassy and Consulates, registration details for local city hall for all applications, information on professional qualifications required for various permits. For long term exempt work visa now need to provide passport with 2 blank pages, valid for the duration of your intended stay in Spain. Police clearance certificates need to cover your countries of residence for the last 5 years. Change to the rules and application process for applying for a long-term work permit to work for a Spanish company on a Spanish employment contract. You can apply for an EU Blue Card or national work and residence authorisation for a highly qualified professional. Change in application process if you want to work a self-employed work permit. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

Updated the work permit for highly qualified specialists: the Spanish company no longer has to meet staffing or revenue criteria. Added an alternative way to apply for a digital nomad visa: you can travel to Spain as a tourist and apply once you're in the country. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

Digital nomads: Added details of the new visa for remote workers. ICTs, highly skilled work permit & REM visa: These are now valid for 3 years. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

Removed the temporary work and residence permit as this is no longer issued. Added details of the new audiovisual stay and residence visas. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

Added details of the new audiovisual sector arrangements. Fixed links to visa forms. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

Updated exemptions with 2 new visas added for work that doesn't require a work permit, but does require a visa.

First published.

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Gap Year World

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Teaching English on a gap year in Spain is a very popular way to live in the country and get paid. Lots of local recruiters and language schools hire international staff to work in places like Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona. Usually you need to be aged 18+ have a TEFL certification.

Volunteer in Spain

Looking to do more than just sightseeing? Apply to volunteer in Spain and help worthwhile local causes. There are lots of gap year volunteering programs available to join all year round including helping animals, people and the environment.

Study in Spain

Whether you want to pursue your academic studies abroad or learn a language , Spain is the perfect destination to be a student.

Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world after Chinese and English, and speaking it can increase your job opportunities in the future. A stay in Spain is the best way to learn the language, and you can also find a fascinating country that has considerable artistic heritage, rich cultural and culinary traditions, as well as a pleasant climate, these all combine to make Spain one of the most visited countries in the world.

There are highly rated universities located throughout the country and a lot offer courses in English. If you would like to learn Spanish you can book courses with language schools in places like Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Barcelona, Seville and Malaga – just to name a few popular locations.

Spain Adventure Tours

You could arrange a trip independently or book a tour, local and international travel companies offer a range of group tours to all the major tourist destinations. Some trips last a few days whilst others last weeks taking in so many locations. Tours are also a great way to meet other people and have a lot of fun.

Backpacking in Spain

So where should you go for your Spanish gap year? Here are our top picks:

Madrid The Spanish capital is a fast, diverse and exciting destination, and it offers an excellent cultural and artistic heritage. Gap year options in Madrid include international studies courses and foreign language programmes, and there are a number of opportunities for volunteer work as well.

Seville Situated in Andalusia on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is the cultural and financial heart of southern Spain. For centuries, it served as a major seaport, and it boasts a mixture of historic architecture from Roman, Islamic and Christian eras. Gap year opportunities include teaching English, working in a senior centre or helping to feed the homeless.

Barcelona Spain’s second largest city and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona offers a fabulous combination of bustling metropolis and beach paradise – with plenty of Gaudi’s architecture mixed in too. For gap year students, there’s also an excellent mix of options: take a language course, work on marine conservation projects or opt to help out in a social welfare project.

Malaga Located in the beautiful Costa del Sol, Malaga offers gap year students the ideal combination of sunny beaches and educational opportunities. As well as the normal year out options of volunteer work or learning a language, possibilities in Malaga also include adrenaline-fuelled adventures, such as learning to surf or kiteboard.

Ibiza While its reputation might be that of the Mediterranean’s party hotspot, Ibiza offers far more than beaches and bars. The third largest of the Balearics also boasts ancient landmarks and stunning natural scenery. Take up a job in a bar, club or hotel, volunteer to work in the local community or spend some time helping out at a local animal shelter.

Tenerife As the capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers, and it’s also growing in popularity for those seeking a unique gap year. Work in the hospitality industry at a resort, opt for an intensive scuba course or discover the unique ecosystems of the islands.

Similar Destinations

Spain Work Visa

Spain is an enticing country to live in. Unsurprisingly, thousands of people apply for jobs in Spain and many make the move each year. Non-EU citizens need a Spanish Work Visa to be able to legally start work.

What is a Work Visa?

Workers who are not from EU countries need to obtain a Work Visa to be able to live and work in Spain. Without a Work Visa a company cannot legally employ non-EU citizens.

There are various types of Work Visas for Spain for different types of jobs and for different lengths of employment. Some of the most common types of work visas are:

Long-term Work Visas
Seasonal Work Visas
Au Pair Visas

EU Blue Card

List of countries which need a work visa.

Antigua and Barbuda
Bosnia and Herz.
El Salvador
Marshall Islands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
S.V. and Grenadines
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Timor Leste
Trinidad and Tobago
United Arab Emirates
United States
Vatican City
UK who are not EU citizens

How to get a Visa to Work in Spain

There are numerous different types of Spanish Work Visas . Most require going to a Spanish embassy or consulate in the individual’s home country although for some certain types of visa, the prospective employer makes the initial application on the employee’s behalf.

Work as an Employee (Highly-skilled)

To work in Spain as a highly-skilled employee , non-EU citizens need to find a job which is listed as a ‘ Shortage Occupation ’. This is a job for which there is a lack of suitable candidates within the EU. The employer must then request a Work Visa from the Ministry of Labour.

Work permit applications can take up to 8 months to process so forward planning is needed. Once the Ministry of Labour has approved the application, the embassy or consulate issue the work and residence visa.

Visa for Seasonal Workers

The process of obtaining a Work Visa for Seasonal Workers is similar to the process for highly-skilled workers. Employers need to apply for the visa on the worker’s behalf from the Ministry of Labour.

In addition to this process, seasonal workers need to demonstrate they have suitable accommodation arranged , their travel costs are covered, and that they will return to their country once the job has finished. The visas are valid for the duration of the work contract .

Self-employed and Freelance Workers

To work in Spain as a freelance , it is necessary to apply for a Work Visa at a Spanish consulate or embassy. The work visas are valid for one year but can be renewed if all the conditions are still met. The required documentation includes:

Proof of sufficient finances to support yourself
Proof of relevant skills and experience
A business plan (if applicable)
Any contracts or commissions from companies
Any required licences or registrations (industry or job-specific)

The EU Blue Card is for people who spent at least 3 years completing a higher education qualification which allows them to work as a skilled professional. People who have a minimum of 5 years’ professional experience at a high level are also eligible. The employer submits the application on the behalf of the applicant.

A work contract that includes a salary which is at least 50% more than the average wage in Spain (or at least 20% more if the skills are in demand) is a requirement. Once approved, the worker also needs to apply for a visa from a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country. Blue cards are valid for one year but can be renewed as long as the conditions are still met.

Visa for Au Pairs in Spain

Au pairs can apply for a special Visa for Au Pairs at a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country before coming to Spain. Applicants need to meet a few conditions to successfully apply:

Be aged between 17 and 30.
Possess an au pair agreement with a host family which states the salary and conditions.
Provide proof of sufficient finances to self-support.
Possess medical cover.

Visas for Au Pairs are valid for one year but can be extended if the conditions are still met.

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Work and Travel in Spain
3. Work in a Hostel in Southern Spain. Hostel jobs are always available across Spain. For the budget backpacker, travel in Spain is much too expensive during the summer months. This is why it's the most popular work and travel job in the country. You'll find jobs available in places like Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Granada, and Valencia.
Volunteer and work in Spain
Reasons to volunteer in Spain. Learn Spanish: Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with over 460 million native speakers. It is the official language in 21 countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Chile and you've guessed it… Spain!Volunteering with Workaway is one of the best ways to learn Spanish and with it being so widely spoken ...
Work and Travel Spain
Our Work and travel programs in Spain are the best way to learn Spanish and work in Spain. It provides cost-effective affordable stays to learn or improve your Spanish skills and get immersed in the Spanish way of life and culture. Experience real Spain and live like a local!
Spain Travel Guide & Trips
1300 40 11 90. Speak to an expert now. Explore trips. Travel to Spain. One of Europe's most popular destinations amongst travellers from around the world, Spain is sure to awaken a fiery passion within you. Life here is like a fiesta filled with passionate people that will make you love every breathing moment.
How to Work in Spain as a Foreigner (All Your Options)
Have the right to work. Be registered with the Social Security. How to work in Spain as a foreigner. Regular work permit. Self-employed work permit. Highly qualified working visa. Entrepreneur visa. Family member of an EU citizen visa. Social arraigo.
Living and Working in Spain
The Cost of Comfort in Spain. The cost of living in Spain is probably the second thing that makes moving to Spain so appealing. The first is the excellent free health care. But you can opt for a private one for as low as €50 per month. Regarding housing, certain areas offer a more affordable cost of living.
Jobs in Spain
Live and work in Madrid & earn €1000/month teaching in Spain. With CIEE, you will be placed as a language and cultural assistant in the amazing city of Madrid - all while earning €1000 per month working 4 days and 16 hours per week.Just by living in Spain, you will be immersed in the Spanish culture and language, but if you are looking f...
A FULL Guide to Working Holidays in Spain
The minimum wage in Spain is 7.55 EUR an hour, so working a full time job at 40 hours a week, will bring you 1,125.83 EUR a month (1,250 USD). You probably won't save any money, but it IS enough to live on if you're careful. Working Holiday in Spain. Expense.
Work and Travel in Barcelona, Spain. Volunteer & work visa info for
There's a range of work available in Barcelona year-round, mostly for those who have good Spanish, but also for those who don't (if you use a bit of initiative). Lots of international companies are based here for those who like to do office work. For those looking for something different, consider: call centre and sales jobs, teaching English ...
Work and Travel in Madrid, Spain. Volunteer & work visa info for
Spain's main income comes from the touristic business and this is directly linked to its people's opennes to foreigners from all over the world. Madrid (being the capital) is designed to embrace life with its public squares and spacious café terraces. Nevertheless we can't ignore our history. Spain has been a democracy for only 40 years since ...
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This was my life on a work exchange in Spain. My house for the week, an old stable converted to a room with shower out the back. I spent one of the best travel weeks I have ever had doing a work exchange in Spain - in the countryside 40km from Malaga, twenty minutes drive up a riverbed from a small Andalusian town called Alora, in what is ...
Finding jobs in Spain as an expat
Requirements to work in Spain Spanish work visas. Citizens of EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA - EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) member states can come to Spain and work freely, without the need for a work permit. Everyone from outside the EU/EFTA needs a residence visa, as well as a valid Spanish work permit.
English-speaking jobs in Spain
The search engine for English-speaking professionals looking for opportunities in Spain or locals looking to work in a purely international environment. search. 20984 jobs available new jobs every day. Jobs by Comunidad. 8063 Community of Madrid; 6365 Catalonia; 1249 Andalusia; 595 Community of ...
A FULL Guide to Working Holidays in Spain
These agreements allow young people to live and work in Spain for a specific period, usually ranging from 6 months to 1 year. ... Plan Your Travel: Spain is a diverse country with countless cities, regions, and attractions to explore. Research and plan your travel in advance to make the most of your time. Create a bucket list of places you want ...
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English Teaching Jobs in Spain for International Citizens. If you want to put your English language skills to work, you can find jobs as private tutors and university-level English teachers. Since the barrier of entry is relatively low, teaching is one of the most popular jobs in Spain for Americans and other native English speakers.
Working in Spain: The Essential Aspects Covered
Average wage and Minimum wage in Spain. Salaries in Spain are usually lower than in big European cities like London or Paris. However, the cost of living is also much cheaper, especially if you're moving from a Western country. The minimum salary in Spain in 2021 is €965 gross per month (about £810 and 1090$).
How to get a work visa in Spain: process, cost, and more
Working in Spain. Spain has much to offer people who want to live and work in the country long-term. The nation scores high marks among OECD countries for work-life balance. Not only that, but it boasts year-round sunshine, excellent culture, and a vibrant food scene, making it highly appealing to expats from around the world.In fact, around 5.5 million residents were born in another country ...
Work in Spain
In Spain, work experience is held in high regard. Students that have completed two to three years of work experience prior to applying for graduate roles hold a significant advantage. ... You can travel to countries in the Schengen Area (which includes Spain) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. During this period, you can ...
Work in Spain
Additional national services to work in Spain. Helpful EU services. Living and working in Spain. EURES is a network of employment services covering all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland. Your Europe. Information, help and advice on EU rights for EU nationals and businesses (i.e. travel, work, shopping, funding ...
Au Pair in Spain
Being a nanny overseas is an unforgettable way to work and travel Europe! Experience living abroad as an Au Pair in Spain and be part of a family in Barcelona, Madrid and more. Being a nanny overseas is an unforgettable way to work and travel Europe! s. x. 89,316+ dreams turned into reality.
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To work in Spain through one of the Canada-Spain Youth Mobility programs, you must: be a Canadian citizen. be 18-35 years old (inclusive) live in Canada when applying, and. have a Canadian passport that's valid for at least 12 months before you enter Spain. Other requirements may apply.
Living and Working in Spain
Spain offers many jobs in it's summer tourist industry. The Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, The Balaric Islands Of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza as well as the the Costa del Sol, and the Costa Blanca are all good places to looking for hospitality work. Opportunities range from chefs, bar staff, kitchen assistants, holiday reps, DJs and ticket sellers and promotional staff.
Travel to Spain for work
To qualify you must: be sponsored by a Spanish organisation. have either a Spanish work contract or a service agreement between your UK-based company and the Spanish host. This permit takes 1 to 2 ...
Spain Gap Year Jobs, Programs & Trips
Here are some of the best things to do on a gap year in Spain: • Study Spanish at a language school. • Travel and explore cities and islands, tours operate all year round. • Whale and dolphin conservation projects in places like Tenerife. • Find summer jobs on the amazing Spanish islands. • Live and work in Spain as an English ...
Spain Work Visa Requirements and Application Process
The application process for a Spain work visa is as follows: Get a job in Spain. You must have a concrete job offer from the authorities in Spain before you apply for a visa. If you are applying for a Spanish employment visa, you will need to get a job at a company, institution, or organization in Spain.
Spain Work Visa: Requirements and How to apply
Au pairs can apply for a special Visa for Au Pairs at a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country before coming to Spain. Applicants need to meet a few conditions to successfully apply: Be aged between 17 and 30. Possess an au pair agreement with a host family which states the salary and conditions. Provide proof of sufficient finances ...

Volunteer and work in Spain - low cost travel abroad - Workaway!

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Regional Highlights of Spain

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Volunteering in Spain

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Important information about visiting: Spain

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Work, Study and Travel in Spain. Best way to learn Spanish.

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OUR PROGRAMS IN SPAIN

How to Work in Spain as a Foreigner

What do I need to start working in Spain?

Minimum age

Have the right to work

Be registered with the Social Security

How to work in Spain as a foreigner

Regular work permit

Self-employed work permit

Highly qualified working visa

Entrepreneur visa

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Social arraigo

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Living and Working in Spain – An Expat’s Guide

Embracing the Spanish Lifestyle

The Cost of Comfort in Spain

Regional Differences in Spain

Navigating the Job Market as a Foreigner in Spain

Spain’s Allure: Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Spain

Pros of living and working in Spain:

Cons of living and working in Spain:

Essential Tips for Expats in Spain

Learn the Spanish Language

Know the most important documents

Research the Spanish Housing Market

Healthcare in Spain: What You Need to Know

Legal Essentials: Visas and Work Permits for Spain

Your Next Steps: Preparing for the Move to Spain

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