Living and working in Spain
Thinking about working in Spain? Spain is a popular destination for international workers looking for a new career and a different way of life. From customer service and sales to technical support and tourism, there are opportunities for foreign workers in cities across the country.
Working in Spain allows you to combine your career with life abroad, whether you are considering Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Valencia or another Spanish destination. However, moving abroad for work also means dealing with practical matters such as finding a job, understanding salaries and taxes, arranging accommodation and getting the right documents.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about working in Spain, including finding a job, salaries, working hours, taxes, cost of living, housing and the best cities to work in.
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Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency in Spain like most other EU countries
Famous people
Some notable Spanish people are Penélope Cruz, Enrique Iglesias and Rafael Nadal
Population
Spain has a population of ~47,4 million, many living in Madrid and Barcelona
Typical food
Paella (rice dish with e.g. seafood), tapas (small plates of snacks), gazpacho (cold tomato soup, churros (sweet fried dessert)
Avg. working week
Spain has an average of 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Spain is locates southwest in Europe and borders Portugal, France, and Andorra. The capital city is Madrid
Languages
The official language is Spanish and they use latin script when writing
Healthcare
Spanish healthcare is generally very good. The public system is free for all residents due to monthly social security contributions
What you need to know about living and working in Spain
Spain has been a desired vacation destination for many years. The Spanish culture differs markedly from other European countries, and if you combine it with the mild climate and the beautiful nature, you have the answer to why especially Nordic people are attracted to this southern European country. The Spaniards are known for being warm, welcoming, and social, and family is very important. Religion also continues to play a role in Spanish society, where most are Catholics.
What is it like to work in Spain?
If you find a job in Spain, you must prepare to change your daily rhythm significantly compared to many other European countries:
- The length of the work week is approximately 40 hours;
- Spaniards often have 2-3 hours of siesta when the temperature is highest;
- Work days often extend to 20.00 or later;
- Work culture is social and largely based on relationships;
- Before agreements can be made people often spend time getting to know each other. Face to face and preferably over good dinners;
- In general, Spaniards prefer personal contact rather than phone calls and emails.
Wages are generally lower in Spain than in e.g. northern Europe, and the same applies to the cost of living. Of course, there is a difference between country and city – in the big cities you should expect a higher rent but often also a slightly higher salary. Income tax is between 19% and 45% – the highest rate applies when you earn 60,000 euros a year.
Working in Madrid
Madrid is a financial capital in southern Europe, and it’s a very innovative environment in technology fields. Spain is in general suffering from a lack of job opportunities, even for EU citizens. But language based jobs and jobs in the restoring and service areas such as restaurants and hotels are available. If you want to know more about the cost of living in Spain, look at our articles about Barcelona and Valencia.
How to find work in Spain
Finding a job in Spain is easier when you know where to look and what employers are looking for. International companies in Spain regularly hire foreign workers, particularly for roles where speaking multiple languages is an advantage.
If you are looking for work in Spain from abroad, you can start your job search before moving. Online job boards, company websites and recruitment agencies allow you to apply for positions while you are still in your home country. These are the most important tips for finding work in Spain:
- Look for jobs that match your language skills; depending on the position, you may be able to work in Spain without being fluent in Spanish
- Prepare your CV; adapt your CV to the position you are applying for and clearly highlight your language skills, previous experience and relevant qualifications
- Apply from abroad; any companies and recruitment agencies conduct interviews online, allowing you to secure a position before relocating
How to find housing in Spain
Finding accommodation is one of the main things to arrange when you start working in Spain. Rental prices vary significantly depending on the city, neighbourhood and type of accommodation, so it is worth comparing your options before moving.
If you are moving to Spain for your first job, shared accommodation is often the most affordable option. Renting a room in a shared apartment can also make it easier to meet other international workers and settle into your new city.
For those looking for more privacy, renting your own apartment is another option, although this generally comes with higher monthly costs. Madrid and Barcelona tend to be among the more expensive cities, while cities such as Málaga, Valencia and Alicante can offer different price points depending on the area.
What are the costs of housing in Spain?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Spain depends on the place where you live:
- In a major city like Madrid this will cost around €1,370;
- Barcelona is similar, with an average of €1,370.
- In smaller towns or rural areas room for a 1-bedroom apartment will be around €400-€600.
If you find these prices a bit high, consider shared housing. A room in a shared apartment in one of the big cities will cost around €300-€650 a month. Next to rent, utilities are also a part of prices for housing in Spain. Utilities like electricity, gas, water and garbage are typically around €100–€150 a month for a medium-sized apartment.
How much tax do you have to pay in Spain?
Taxes in Spain are progressive and they go from 19% to 45%. Check out exactly how much tax you have to pay in Spain:
- Up to €12,450; 19%
- €12,451-€20,200; 24%
- €20,201-€35,200; 30%
- €35,201-€60,000; 37%
- €60,001-€300,000; 45%
- Over €300,000; 47%
NIE and other things you need to fix when moving to Spain
When you decide to start living and working in Spain, there are some things you need to fix as an expat, when you live there for more than three months:
- You have to register in your local community first, afterwards you can request your social security number online.
- NIE; the identification number you need for all legal and financial matters in Spain. To apply, you can visit the local immigration office or police station with the required documents (a completed EX-15 form, valid passport or ID, proof of your reason for needing the NIE, and payment of the fee).
- Healthcare registration; when you have a work contract and social security number, you can apply for a healthcare card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual)
- Tax registration; if you live in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you have to register with the Agencia Tributaria
- Bank account; most employers require you to have a Spanish IBAN
- Spanish phone number
Popular cities in Spain
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Life in Spain
From the streets of Barcelona to the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain offers a unique blend of old charm and modern excitement. Embrace the joy of tapas, where you can sample mouthwatering dishes while sipping on sangria or a refreshing glass of tinto de verano. Spain is the birthplace of the world-famous paella, a delicious rice dish full of flavours.
There is a big love for fiestas and celebrations from the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona to the lively carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there’s always a reason to dance, sing, and come together.
Passionate Spanish culture
Flamenco dancers, bullfighters and beautiful sandy beaches are perhaps some of the things that first come to mind when thinking about Spain. But Spanish culture contains much more than what you typically see in advertisements and tourist brochures:
- The country has strong traditions in art, music and architecture – just think of Gaudí and Picasso;
- Sports also take up a lot of space in many Spaniards’ everyday lives. The country is especially associated with football and is also home to some of the world’s very best teams, like FC Barcelona an Real Madrid;
- Every year there are a lot of local festivals full of music, emotion, and communal energy.
Still not convinced about Spain?
Spain is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a wide range of destinations to explore:
- The vibrant city of Barcelona, known for its unique architecture, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
- Madrid, the capital city, and explore its world-class museums like the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace.
- Andalusia; experience the stunning Alhambra in Granada and the majestic Mezquita in Córdoba.
- Don’t miss the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol or the picturesque towns of Seville, Valencia, and Bilbao. Spain’s diverse regions offer something for every traveller.
Next to this, there are also many highlights to see and activities to do, like:
- Hiking in the majestic Pyrenees
- Exploring the picturesque landscapes of Andalusia
- Sunbathing on the stunning beaches of the Balearic Islands
- Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
- Alhambra palace in Granada
- The narrow streets of Seville’s charming old town
FAQ
No, as an EU citizen you do not need to apply for a work permit to work in Spain. You can read more here.
Generally, Spain offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to have higher living costs, particularly in terms of housing and rental prices. Smaller towns and rural areas can be more budget-friendly. Overall, expenses in Spain on average will be like this:
- Groceries; €200-€300 a month
- Healthcare; €30-€200 a month, depending on what you cover
- Dinner in a restaurant; €25-30
- Cinema ticket; €8-€12
So how much money do you need to live in Spain? We think you can live a good life in Spain with a budget around €1,500-€1,750 a month.
The weather in Spain, in different seasons and different regions (Northern Spain, Central Spain, South Spain):
- Spring
- North: 10-18°C, cool, rainy, mild
- Central: 12-22°C, cool mornings, warm afternoons
- South: 15–25°C, mild to warm
- Summer
- North: 20–28°C, warm, mild compared to rest of Spain
- Central: 30–38°C, very hot, dry
- South: 28–35°C, hot and humid on the coast
- Autumn
- North: 12–20°C, cooling, rainy
- Central: 5–25°C, Warm September, chilly November
- South: 20–28°C, Warm early, mild later
- Winter
- North: 5–12°C, cool, cloudy, wet
- Central: 0–12°C, cold, dry, frosty
- South: 10–18°C, mild
Public transport in Spain is relatively cheap in comparison to other European destinations. The big cities in Spain all offer monthly passes for public transport. The costs for these passes are:
- Madrid; between €32-€79, depending on the zones. Major discount for people younger than 26.
- Barcelona; betweeen €22-44, depending on the zones.
- Valencia; between €21-€52, depending on the zones. Costs for younger people are between €14,90-€37,40
Yes. Spain has a well-regarded healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its residents and visitors. The country has a universal healthcare system, which means that all residents have access to healthcare services, regardless of their income or employment status. Spain consistently ranks among the top countries in terms of healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Thecosts for healthcare in Spain:
- Public healthcare will be around €60 for a basic coverage
- Private health insurance costs vary from €50 to €200 a month, depending on what you want to cover
Our recommended place to learn Spanish in Spain is with any academy related to the Cervantes Institute, which works in 4 languages (English, German, Dutch and French) and is located in multiple locations in Spain. You just have to select the one where you want to study Spanish and look at the available courses. Another option is using language apps on the phone, like Duolingo.