Working in Spain

Would you like to build a new professional future in Spain? Whether you are hoping for a new start in Barcelona, Madrid or on the coast, Spain offers many possibilities. But how does the labour market work in Spain? And what should you keep in mind when applying for jobs there? We will show you how to find the right position and master work in Spain.

In Spain, employees are primarily sought in the following areas:

• Tourism & gastronomy: Hotels, restaurants and tour operators are constantly looking for staff, especially in tourist regions.  
• IT & technology: Specialists in software development, cybersecurity and data analytics are in high demand, especially in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.  
• Healthcare & nursing care: Doctors, nursing care staff and therapists are urgently needed, especially in rural areas.  
• Customer support & call centres: Many international companies are looking for German-speaking employees for customer service.  
• Renewable energies: Spain is investing heavily in solar and wind energy, which means that skilled workers are in demand in this field.

Other key industries are construction, education and logistics.

In Spain, Spanish is the primary language in professional life. English is only an advantage when it comes to international companies. In some industries, such as tourism or customer support, other languages, such as German, French or Italian, are also in demand. But if you want to work in Spain long-term, learning Spanish will be essential.

The regular working week is 40 hours, spread over five days. Many companies have switched in the meantime to flexible working hours, and the traditional lunch break – the siesta – is usually still practiced only in small towns and rural areas.  

You are entitled to 22 days of holiday leave per year, with many companies granting their employees additional days off. On top of this, there are about 14 public holidays, depending on the region. Some autonomous communities even have extra local holidays, augmenting the number of days off even more. The first three days of sick leave in Spain are usually unpaid. The proportion of the salary that employers continue to pay as sick pay increases with the duration of the illness but never reaches 100 percent: 60 percent is paid from the fourth day and 75 percent from the 21st day.

The statutory minimum wage in Spain is currently 1,134 euros gross per month (as of February 2025). However, it is common in Spain to receive 14 salary payouts per year. As a result, the monthly income is initially lower, but many employers continue to grant an additional salary payment as a bonus in the summer and at Christmas.

The numerous online platforms out there make finding a job in Spain relatively straightforward. It is advisable to start your job search well in advance. We have compiled the most popular contact portals for you here:

• EU EURES portal
• InfoJobs
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Trabajando.es

Have you found a position that appeals to you? Then, it is time to apply. Your application will usually comprise a CV and cover letter.

In Spain, the CV is in tabular form but must also be dated and signed. It is common, but not mandatory, to attach an application photo. While in Germany the focus is often on education, in Spain more emphasis is placed on the professional goal. This should come directly after your personal data in order to clearly convey your career and the position you desire.

The presentation of professional experience also differs slightly: as well as listing this in chronological order, the relevance for the advertised position is of primary importance. It is also not uncommon in Spanish CVs to indicate marital status and the number of children you have.

Language skills play a central role. In addition to Spanish and English, other foreign languages are advantageous, especially in internationally oriented companies.

Keep your cover letter short and focused. Above all, your qualifications and motivation for the position should be clearly evident.  

Avoid titles such as “Dr” or “Ing.” in the salutation. Likewise, “Mr” or “Mrs” is usually omitted. Instead, you simply write “Dear [surname]” (Estimado/a [surname]). Or if you do not know the name: “Dear recruiting team” (Estimado equipo de selección). Another special feature in Spain is that the sender’s address is not at the head of the document, but at the end of the cover letter, between the closing and the signature.

Employment references and certificates are usually presented for the first time in the interview itself. However, international applicants are often required to provide proof of qualifications in advance. If your certificates are in German, they should be translated into Spanish or English and, if necessary, certified. References from previous employers can also be advantageous – especially if they are in Spanish or English.

If you have been invited for an interview in Spain, there are a few cultural differences to keep in mind.

Do’s – this is how you do it right:
 

• Be on time, but do not overdo it: Be sure to be there on time but avoid arriving excessively early. Five to ten minutes early is ideal.
• Appear well-dressed: Even in professions with a relaxed corporate culture, a stylish appearance is important. Clothing that is too casual can look unprofessional.
• Medical certificate: Some companies require a health certificate before hiring. Find out in advance whether this is necessary for your job.

Don’ts – what you should avoid:
 

• Getting to the point too quickly: Jumping straight in to discuss the job and salary comes across as rude. Conversations often start with casual small talk.
• Appearing too brash: While self-confidence is valued, an overly direct or dominant presence can be negatively received – especially in companies with traditional structures.
• Being inflexible with working hours: If you insist too much on a fixed work schedule or a clear demarcation of work and leisure time, you could be perceived as lacking adaptability.

For a successful application in Spain, it is essential that your German documents are professionally translated into Spanish or English. In many professions – especially in healthcare, engineering or education – it may even be necessary to provide certified translations. Especially in the case of certificates, diplomas or proof of employment, translation and certification can make the application process easier.