In 2024, Spain is experiencing labor shortages, especially in certain industries. Analysts say that by 2053 the country will need almost 25 million foreign workers. Expats already have a high chance of finding work here, especially in certain areas. Find out what positions foreigners work in Spain in 2024 and what the working conditions are

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Spain is recognized as one of the best countries in the world to move to, because the country has an affordable cost of living, an excellent health care system, a high level of public transport development, many places of interest and sights, an interesting culture, delicious cuisine and a warm climate.

More than 3.3 million expats work in Spain, accounting for 20.83% of the labor market. However, finding a job in Spain can be quite difficult, because the country has the highest unemployment rate in Europe - 14.8%. However, there are certain industries that are looking for foreign specialists.

What positions do foreigners work in Spain? The ranking of the most popular jobs for expats in 2024 in this article.

Is Spain suitable for work?

Expats can enjoy a number of benefits in Spain, including free healthcare, 1 month of paid vacation and tax savings thanks to a simplified system.

In addition, considering that the average salary in Spain is 2,710 euros per month, you will be able to live here quite comfortably, as the approximate monthly expenses are 1,000 euros.

Despite the high rate of unemployment, foreigners manage to get a job in Spain. Therefore, we can conclude that if you were able to find a job in Spain, pleasant prospects will await you here.

The best jobs for expats in Spain in 2024

Business consultant

Many international companies have a representative office in Spain, which is why one of the most popular vacancies among expats is the position of business consultant. In general, in the financial sector, you will be able to work as a consultant, data collection manager or international financial director.

- Average salary: €23,000 – €25,000 per year;

- Working hours: Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Data analysts

Data analytics professionals are in high demand in various industries in Spain, as their work helps companies make informed business decisions. Also, these professionals are necessary for the implementation of strategic initiatives.

- Average salary: €30,000 – €55,000 per year;

- Working hours: Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Vacancies in the field of IT

Expats with the right education and skills can find work in the IT industry. Most often, foreigners in Spain are engaged in software testing, coding and programming. There are also many people working on developing apps for iOS and Android.

- Average salary: €36,000 – €82,000 per year;

- Working conditions: remote work.

Digital content creators and social media managers

Digital content creators and social media managers are key to businesses looking to improve their online presence and engage with their audience. They create content, manage social media platforms and develop marketing strategies.

- Average salary: €21,600 – €60,000 per year;

- Working conditions: remote work.

Work in the mechanical engineering sector

The most popular positions in mechanical engineering are mechanical engineers and industrial engineers. The requirements for future employees are the availability of education and relevant experience, it is also important to speak Spanish at a basic level to communicate freely with colleagues.

- Average salary: €35,000 – €40,000 per year;

- Working hours: Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Medical workers

Spain's healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world. Vacancies for medical workers are very popular in the country. Caregivers for the elderly are also often sought after.

- Average salary of a doctor: €45,000 – €65,000 per year;

- Working conditions: shifts (35 or 37.5 hours per week).

Work in the field of tourism and hospitality

The tourism industry is developed in Spain at a very high level. In the largest tourist cities: Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Seville, expats work as managers in travel companies, tour guides, guides or find work in the hospitality industry - they work in hotels, restaurants, bars, holiday organizers and entertainers, in amusement parks, on cruise ships, etc.

The largest database of vacancies for work in the field of tourism and hospitality is collected on the Turijobs. 

- Average salary: €25,000 – €45,000 per year;

- Working conditions: about 40 hours a week.

English teacher

Foreigners who are native speakers of English (that is, come from a country where English is their native language) often become teachers in Spain. You can be a private tutor or get a job at one of the country's universities. In some cases, a TEFL, CELTA or TESOL certificate is required for employment.

- Average salary: €18,000 – €23,000 per year;

- Working conditions: about 37.5 hours per week.

Skilled workers

Many people in Spain are building houses or renovating their homes. That is why plumbers, electricians and welding mechanics are popular in Spain.

- Average salary: €28,800 – €31,800 per year;

- Working conditions: about 40-50 hours per week.

Logistics managers

Logistics managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth delivery of goods. As Spain is a key logistics hub in Europe, there is a high demand for these professionals.

- Average salary: €26,400 – €72,000 per year;

- Working conditions: about 40 hours a week.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Which Spanish companies most often hire foreigners?

In Spain, there are a number of leading companies that employ foreigners in various industries, among them: Mapfre, Repsol, Telefonica, Acciona, Glovo, etc.

Also in the rating of the best employers in Spain are: Naturgy, Sandoz, Indra, Applus, Enagas and others.

In which cities of Spain is it easiest to find a job for a foreigner?

More opportunities to find a job in Spain in major cities, particularly Madrid and Barcelona.

Where can an expat look for a job in Spain?

Most expats find work online. The best job search sites in Spain are Infojobs, Trabajos, Infoempleo, Indeed and Monster.es.

How to write a resume for a Spanish employer?

As with resumes from many countries around the world, the most common order in a Spanish resume is reverse chronological order, meaning you list your most recent work experience and education first.

Key differences – unlike UK and US CVs, Spanish CVs must include a photograph of the candidate. The photo must be professional. Also, most recruiters expect to see some personal information in a resume, unlike resumes for other European countries. You must provide your basic personal details, including date of birth, marital status and nationality.

We also recommend writing your resume in Spanish to immediately demonstrate your level of knowledge.

How to pass an interview to a Spanish company?

If the interview is in Spanish and you feel like you need to brush up on your spoken Spanish, get a tutor to prepare.

Dress to impress. The recruiter will definitely appreciate your appearance, as well as what you wrote in your resume.

Prepare for the interview - learn more about the company you would like to work for.

In which areas are the best conditions for work in Spain?

The engineering, IT, healthcare and hospitality industries offer some of the best working conditions in the country.

Do you need to speak Spanish to work in the country?

Most jobs require knowledge of Spanish, so make sure you have a sufficient level of Spanish before moving.

How to get a visa to work in Spain?

Citizens of member states of the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA – the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) can come to Spain and work freely without needing a work permit.

All non-EU/EFTA nationals require a residence visa as well as a valid work permit in Spain.

The most common types of employment visas in Spain:

- Work visa - it is issued for work in a company/institution/organization in Spain.

- Self-employed visa - it is intended for starting a business, investing in an already established company/institution/organization in Spain or for working as a freelancer.

A detailed guide for foreigners on the employment procedure in Spain in this article.

Spain has a promising market for the employment of foreigners, so moving here can be a good stage in your career.

We will remind you! The Spanish region of Extremadura has allocated 2 million euros and is giving grants to digital nomads to move there. What are the requirements for participants and whether Extremadura is suitable for digital nomads, read in this article.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to Spain, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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