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Emigrating

Working in Spain

Jasmine Chegaing | 28.02.2025

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.

Content

Which employees are in demand 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.

Working conditions

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.

Job search & application

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:

 

Job application in Spain

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.

Currículum (curriculum vitae)

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.

Carta de presentación (Cover letter)

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.

Referencias & certificados (References & certificates)

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.

Entrevista de Trabajo (Interview)

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.

Document translation

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.

Working as an EU citizen

As an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit to take up employment in Spain. All you have to do is register with the municipality or city where you will be resident. You can then apply for the necessary tax number (Número de Identidad de Extranjeros), which you will need to start work.

More information on Spain

FAQs: Working in Spain

In Spain, skilled workers in IT, engineering, healthcare and renewable energies are particularly in demand. There are also many vacancies in tourism, gastronomy and customer support. German is in high demand in customer support in particular.

As an EU citizen, you can work in Spain without a visa. You will need an Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE) and must register with social security. You can find jobs via platforms such as InfoJobs, LinkedIn or the EU EURES job portal. Language skills are often an advantage, but not always required in international companies.

Most jobs are in Madrid and Barcelona, especially in IT, finance and administration. Valencia and Málaga offer opportunities in tourism and customer support, while in the Balearic and Canary Islands, seasonal jobs in the hospitality industry are in high demand.

Yes, German educators can work in Spain, especially at German schools, international kindergartens and language schools. Recognition of your qualification may be required, depending on the region. There are good opportunities in Madrid, Barcelona and on the Costa del Sol, where many German-speaking families live.

Yes, as an EU citizen you can stay and work in Spain indefinitely. To become a permanent resident, you need to register, apply for an NIE number (tax number) and register with Social Security. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency.

The cost of emigrating to Spain will depend on the region and lifestyle. To start with, you should plan at least 3,000 to 6,000 euros to cover your rental deposit, any administrative obligations and initial living costs. In expensive cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, a larger budget may be needed, whereas life in smaller towns is cheaper.

Well-paid professions in Spain are mainly found in IT, engineering, medicine and finance. Especially in Madrid and Barcelona, salaries for software developers, doctors and investment bankers are above average. Executives of international companies also earn well.

Author

Jasmine Chegaing, Content Writer

Jasmine joined lingoking as a working student in November of 2024. She supports the content marketing team with its SEO strategy and writes for the lingoking guide and other media. Her motto: “The most radical thing you can do is be yourself.”

Portrait of Jasmine

Translation

Dr. Tracey Kimmeskamp

A native of Northern Ireland, Tracey has lived in Germany’s Ruhrgebiet for over 20 years. She has been working with lingoking as a translator since 2016, all the while diligently training for her dream career in mochi quality control.