November 20, 2025 
5 mins to read Every year, a lot of young expats decide to move abroad and to start working in Spain. For a lot of people from Northern Europe, Spain is a great place to live in. The country has the combination of great weather, amazing food AND valuable working opportunities. At Job Squad we know all about why Spain is so amazing. It should really be on your list if you think about going for a gap year abroad in 2026. Read more about life in Spain, the financial parts of working abroad in Spain and about different cities that you could start working in here.
What makes working in Spain in 2026 worth it?
Working in Spain is amazing. Expats who have made the move before you, will all tell you that. The weather is so much better than you are used to in Northern Europe. This creates a life that takes place on the outside. Therefore, the people are really nice and relaxed. Spain is known for its social life, and you will definitely enjoy this. On our page about Spain you can read all about why this country is so amazing to relocate to.
In this blog we provide you with even more information! We give you a list with the best activities and events in Spain in 2026. If you make the move and start living and working in Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona or anywhere else in Spain, make sure to visit these events:
| Event | What | Where | When |
| Primavera Sound | One of Europe’s biggest music festivals | Barcelona | 4-6 June |
| Las Fallas | Papier-mâché sculptures (called “fallas”) displayed and burned in spectacular bonfires; fireworks ,parades, street parties | Valencia | 15-19 March |
| Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 | Formula 1 race on the new Madring circuit | Madrid | 13 September |
| Benidorm Fest | Spain’s selection event for Eurovision song contest | Benidorm | 10-14 February |
If these events don’t convince you, maybe the total solar eclipse that will fall over Spain on the 12th of August 2026 will. Spain is, together with Greenland and Iceland, the only country in the world that will experience a full solar eclipse in 2026. Check this website to see when and where you have to be ready for a solar eclipse while living in Spain in 2026.
Making new friends through expat life in Spain 2026
Moving abroad is a big adventure, but one that will change your life forever. You will gain valuable work experience. Having worked abroad is a big advantage when applying for a job after your return. But it will also help you grow personally. Gaining independence, adaptability and much more.
But one of the best things about living abroad in Spain is that you join a vibrant expat culture. Every city in Spain has one of those, and they are welcoming you with their arms wide open. Make sure to join in events, meetups and more. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to make new friends in your new destination.
Another way of doing this in Spain is to use housing to create social connections. Going for shared housing has multiple advantages. For once, you share rent costs with other people, which makes it cheaper for everyone. Next to this, you also have social connections on a daily basis. Housemates that already live in the house, can help you acclimatise and feel more at home quickly.
Average salary Spain 2026
If you start working in Spain in 2026, of course you want to know what the average salary is. This of course depends on what kind of job you want. At Job Squad, we offer a lot of different jobs. The salary depends of course, but on average you will earn between €1,500-€2,500 in customer service and between €2,000-€3,000 in IT support. This can differ from job, depending on the company and your experience.
How many tax do you pay in Spain in 2026
If you spend more than 183 days during a year in Spain, you’re generally a tax resident. In 2026, there will be a special law for expats, the Beckham Law. If you qualify for this law (moved to Spain for work and no resident in Spain in the 5 prior years, you can opt into a special regime. This means that there is a 24% flat tax on Spanish-sourced employment income up to €600,000. If you don’t use the Beckham Law, income tax is progressive.
Working in Valencia; why it’s so popular for 2026
There are a lot of options when it comes to working in Spain. Of course, Barcelona and Madrid are very popular because of their status. But we suggest that you also consider living and working in Valencia. This city is becoming more and more popular among young people, and we get why!
The city was named the best city to live in for expats by the Forbes Expat Insider 2024. Valencia has great weather, a welcoming local and expat culture and a really relaxed culture. After work, you don’t talk about work but you go and relax on the terrace with friends and coworkers. Enjoy a cocktail and eat the best seafood along the coastline of Valencia. You can even combine this with a valuable job. If you want to know more about why Valencia is so popular, read our blog about it.
Working in Spain: Find a job with Job Squad
We are here to help you to find your dream job abroad in Spain. There are job offers in multiple Spanish cities. Check out our latest vacancies, or contact one of our recruiters. They are ready to help you, even after landing that job! So if you are convinced that living and working in Spain is an adventure for you in 2026, you don’t have to do it on your own. We are on your team.
