Are you an expat looking for a job in Spain? You’ve come to the right place. We have the complete guide to jobs for expats in Spain, along with the requirements for each industry and the legal boxes you need to check.

Scroll down to find your industry and the type of job you prefer. But first, a quick primer:

The Job Market in Spain and Economy Stats You Need to Know

In recent years, Spain’s economy has beaten all the expert estimates and rose more than the projections. It is now the 4th economy in the European Union and the 14th globally.

There are currently over 3 million businesses registered in Spain and this number is projected to grow in the upcoming years. 

The top sectors in Spain are the automotive industry, medical technology, chemicals, shipbuilding, tourism and the textile industry. In other words, there is something for anyone, irrespective of the field you’re specializing in.

Add the mild Mediterranean climate, the stunning architecture, and the real estate investment opportunities to the mix and you’ll understand why Spain is at the top of the list for expats looking for a new job and a new adventure.

Speaking of jobs for expats in Spain, let’s take a look at the biggest nuisance: the requirements for getting hired.

Work Visas for Expats in Spain — Everything You Need to Know

To get a work visa as an expat in Spain, you first need a job offer from a local company. Your employer will then have to get a work permit for you so you can work legally in Spain.

Once you have the work permit, you can apply for a work visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country.

You can read more about employee visas here. One important thing to note is that employees in different sectors will have different requirements, so read the instructions carefully and coordinate with your Spanish employer.

As an expat in Spain, you need a “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” or NIE number, the official way to register with the authorities as a foreigner.

In some sectors, you will need proof of residency, which means you need to have a rented home lined up or buy a property.

Top In-Demand Jobs for Expats in Spain

If you want to relocate to Spain, your safest bet is to find a job in an in-demand industry. Since local talent is insufficient, your employer will be willing to help you get a work visa. 

Here’s where to start looking.

Sales and Customer Service Jobs for Expats in Spain

Almost any business needs sales and customer service representatives, so this is usually a good place to start. Since there are large communities of expats in Spain, speaking English is a big plus.

Other foreign languages in demand for sales and customer service reps in Spain are: Russian, Romanian, and Italian.

Jobs in the Finance Sector in Spain

Spain’s financial sector has been booming in the past couple of years and this trend is far from quieting down. Most bank branches have shut down but this is an opportunity, not a reason for worry: online banking is the norm.

Plus, Spain is a leader in the fintech industry, with new startups popping up every year. 

Top financial jobs for expats in Spain include:

  • Financial analysts
  • Accountants and CPAs
  • Investment managers

As always, speaking more than one language is a plus here, as you will typically need to communicate with your local colleagues, investors from all over the world, and expat clients.

Construction Jobs for Expats in Spain

The Spain construction market was valued at USD 72.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 2.5% between 2023 and 2032. This means that there are always new opportunities in this sector throughout Spain.

More importantly, there is an increasing need for both skilled and non-skilled construction workers. Some of the most in-demand construction jobs in Spain are:

  • Construction engineers
  • Architects
  • Sales managers
  • Skilled tradesmen, like electricians, welders, plumbers, and more.

Various Engineering Jobs for Expats in Spain

Many leading global motor vehicles have established manufacturing plants in Spain, which makes the country’s automotive industry a booming one. Thus, automotive engineers are in high demand.

However, this is not the only type of engineering in demand in Spain. Several other industries support the automotive sector, along with other thriving sectors. Thus, you will easily find engineering jobs for expats in the following industries:

  • Civil engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical engineering

Technology and IT Jobs for Expats in Spain

IT and technology companies are always looking for talent, all over the world and Spain makes no exception. The AI boom has created even more jobs in this sector and the local talent is insufficient.

If you’re an IT professional looking to relocate to Spain with a secure job, look at the following sectors:

  • Data analysis professionals
  • Data scientists
  • Computer engineering specialists
  • Big data, security, and AI experts
  • Business intelligence and data mining experts
  • Renewable energy engineers
  • Software developers in pretty much any field you can think

Healthcare and Nursing Jobs for Expats in Spain

As most European countries, Spain offers free healthcare to all its citizens and residents. Plus, the private medicine sector has also registered a significant increase. Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, so there is also a big demand for nursing and end-of-life care jobs.

Lastly, telemedicine is on the rise as well, with more and more patients choosing remote consultations with medical professionals.

Thus, the demand for healthcare professionals is at an all-time high. 

Hospitals and clinics in Spain hire healthcare professionals in the following fields:

  • Doctors and nurses across all specialties
  • Healthcare assistants
  • Technical specialists
  • Palliative care specialists
  • Nursing home specialists

To find a job in the medical field in Spain as a foreigner, you need C1-level Spanish proficiency, as well as the necessary credentials.

If you’re coming from outside of the EU, the vetting process will be longer and you will need to submit more paperwork. Typically, you need the Health Ministry to recognize your credentials and, in some regions and for some specialties, you will need to pass exams locally.

You can read more about practicing medicine as an expat in Spain here. 

Education Jobs for Expats in Spain

If you’re a native English speaker, you’re in luck! Spain’s private schools and companies are always looking for native-speaking teachers.

You can also easily get jobs as a translator or interpreter. Some of the most in-demand jobs for English speakers — and other language speakers include:

  • International school teachers
  • Private Tutoring
  • Tour guides
  • Various positions in international companies
  • Translators and interpreters

Tourism and Hospitality Jobs for Expats in Spain

Tourism accounts for nearly 12% of the Spanish GDP. This percentage is on the rise, however, because the latest data is skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic when global tourism took a major hit.

As an expat, it’s very easy to find a job in the tourism and hospitality sector, especially during summer, when the high season brings tourists from all over the world throughout Spain. With the recent climate changes, Spain is now e enjoying even milder winters, so experts project that the tourist season will be extended further.

If you’re looking for a job in the tourism and hospitality sector in Spain, your best bets are:

  • Hotel staff (seasonal and permanent)
  • Chefs 
  • Servers
  • Event coordinators
  • Tour guides

Tourism and hospitality jobs in Spain can be a good way for expats to add a stream of revenue, especially during peak season. If you’re a digital nomad, for instance, you can always take a part-time job in a nearby cafe or restaurant.

Digital Marketing and eCommerce Jobs in Spain

With the Spanish economy booming, more and more local businesses have the available funds to hire marketers to help them grow even more. 

Digital and eCommerce jobs are a great way for expats in Spain to immerse themselves in the local culture. For some of them, you won’t even need to be fluent in Spanish, specifically if you’re working for companies that cater to an international audience. English is required for most of these jobs.

Relocation Means More than Finding a Job in Spain

Now that you have a clear overview of which jobs for expats are in demand right now in Spain, it’s time to think about the other aspects of your relocation. Beyond securing a job, you will also need housing, a community, schools for your children, and perhaps a way to learn Spanish faster.

At Delmar Consulting, our specialty is making sure that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible. We can help you with every aspect of your relocation to Spain, from ensuring your luggage arrives here safely to finding the right temporary or long-term accommodation for you and your family.

Moving to a new country can be daunting: 

  • Which is the best neighborhood? 
  • What about the closest hospital? 
  • How do I get a local phone number fast? 
  • What happens if my work visa gets delayed?
  • How can I register with the local authorities as a foreigner in Spain?

These are just a few questions from our clients looking to start a new life in Spain. We’re here to answer any questions you may have, point you to the right local authorities, and even help you sort out bureaucracy without having to be fluent in Spanish.

Did you get an expat job in Spain and need help with the other aspects of your relocation? Schedule a discovery call with our experts — it’s 100% free, so what have you got to lose?