Spain is the Perfect Destination for English-Speaking Foreign Workers
Spain is one of the top preferred European countries for many foreign workers because it ticks all the essential boxes as an ideal work destination: Relatively low cost of living, temperate climate, vibrant culture, advanced healthcare system, and picturesque scenery.
Spain is also generally a foreigner-friendly place. However, if you’re a native English speaker wondering whether or not you can thrive working in Spain despite the potential language barrier — well, the answer is yes.
And even more so if you put in a little work to learn and embrace the country’s unique attributes.
The Stats
According to statistics, only 24% of the Spanish population can converse in English. For ages 20-29, however, this number increases to 32%. English is the third most-spoken language in Spain, next to Castellano, their official and predominant language, and Catalan. When it comes to English use, Spain is behind other European countries, but this does not stop English-speaking foreigners relocating here for work.
In fact, around 250,000 British nationals reside in Spain for work, study, or retirement, with the coastal regions of Andalusia and Valencia having the highest concentration of them. Many expats are drawn to the allure of Spain’s coastal towns and cities like Costa del Sol and Malaga.
The Language Situation
If you’re moving to a region that already has large population of English-speaking expats, you can easily manage daily life using only English. Many services, shops, and social settings in these areas cater to English speakers, making the transition smoother for newcomers.
However, in areas where Spanish is predominantly spoken, it’s essential to know some basic Spanish phrases to navigate everyday situations smoothly, especially in work environments.
Learning Spanish will not only help you integrate into the local community more effectively, but it can also open up a wider range of job opportunities and enable you to express your ideas more clearly and confidently. Additionally, having a grasp of the language will help you avoid misunderstandings and awkward moments when communicating with colleagues or simply getting around at work. Embracing the local language enriches your experience and allows you to connect more deeply with the culture and people around you.
The Opportunities
Spain is a progressive country. It reported a 2.5% growth in 2023, thanks to a robust labour market growth that led to strong private and public consumption and export industries.
Spain's job market has also seen significant growth in recent years, which is fantastic news for job seekers.
English-speaking foreign workers play a vital role in supporting Spain’s dynamic industries and expanding their global reach, both for inbound and outbound businesses. Even if your Spanish skills are still a work in progress, there are plenty of job opportunities that can help kickstart or advance your career as a British worker in Spain.
There’s a place here for hardworking individuals eager to contribute to local businesses and communities. Whether you're new to the country or looking for a fresh start, here are some top job opportunities for non-Spanish speakers that you might be qualified for and ready to apply to as you join Spain’s vibrant workforce.
English Teacher
There is a growing demand for English proficiency in Spain, and many private institutes, language and academic schools are hiring English language teachers. You can increase your chances of landing a job with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification. A degree in teaching would also bolster your qualifications.
You can prepare for this career by beefing up your credentials through relevant work experience. Start by teaching English language to Spanish students online or privately tutoring professionals who want to learn English.
Teaching Assistant
You could also consider applying for a teaching assistant position, where you would support English teachers by helping to draft lessons, create presentations and tests, and assess student progress. Additionally, you would play a key role in enhancing student engagement through classroom activities and facilitating learning by providing clarifications and answering questions.
Hospitality Staff
Spain is one of the world’s top holiday destinations, attracting tourists to bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona as well as charming towns and villages like Valldemossa and Setenil de las Bodegas. With many tourists speaking English, there is a high demand for English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and tour companies. You could find opportunities as a travel consultant, hotel staff, tour guide, or booking assistant, helping visitors make the most of their Spanish adventure.
Call Center Representative
Business process outsourcing is one of Spain's largest industries in the service sector that serves a global market. Many international companies have offices in Spain — primarily in Madrid — and they need customer service staff to cater to their English-speaking clients.
While being bilingual is an advantage, there are many customer support companies that hire purely English speakers for their competency in the language and ability to communicate clearly with their fellow native English speakers worldwide.
Technical Support
Barcelona and Madrid are thriving global tech hubs, with a strong demand for software developers, IT experts, engineers, project managers, and tech consultants.
These cities are home to numerous software companies and major tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Vodafone, Ericsson-Worldwide, Amadeus, IBM, Google, Capgemini, Airbus, and more. Many of these companies are eager to hire English-speaking professionals, making Spain an attractive destination for tech talent looking to advance their careers in a vibrant, innovative environment.
Freelancing and Remote Work
If you work remotely as a freelancer or independent contractor for a company outside Spain, you can qualify for a digital nomad visa. This pathway to working and living in Spain combines the perks of working for a company abroad while making Spain your base.
You may also work in Spain for a Spanish employer as a remote or freelance worker like a website developer, designer, copywriter, programmer, or teacher — as long as you have the proper work visa for it.
Retail Staff
Spain’s retail market is valued at a staggering EUR 253.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 2% until 2027. Its leading retail industries include fashion, food and grocery, health and beauty, and home.
These industries cater to a robust market that includes tourists and requires the service of English-speaking retail staff.
Healthcare Staff
Spain boasts a robust healthcare system, creating a strong demand for skilled professionals across various medical facilities and services. International hospitals, medical research institutions, clinics, private practices, and telemedicine providers are all looking for talent to help them deliver high-quality care. Whether you're a medical specialist, nurse, caregiver, nursing assistant, clinic staff member, researcher, or telemedicine professional, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the healthcare needs in both urban and rural areas across the country.
Digital Marketing
Spanish companies expanding their global reach through a robust online presence need the expertise of content writers, graphic artists, video editors, social media managers, SEO experts, and other digital creative and technical roles.
Build and show your portfolio and apply to companies that suit your experience, proficiency level, and English language skills.
Work Visa Requirement
Here are the requirements to work and reside in Spain as a foreigner legally.
Application Form
This visa application form should be duly filled out and signed.
Photograph
Submit your recent passport-size photo in colour with a light background. Remove any dark or reflective glasses, garments, or accessories covering the face.
Valid Passport
Your passport should be unexpired and valid for a minimum of four months. If your work is short-term, the validity period must cover the entire duration of your contract plus two blank pages.
Copy of the Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena
Translated, this means Authorization for Residence and Employment for Wage Earners or the eligibility to be employed and reside in Spain.
Work Contract
Copy of the employment contract provided by the employer to the applicant, duly stamped by the Foreign National’s Office.
Criminal Record Check Certificate(s) (ACRO)
This is a record showing that the applicant has no criminal record in their country or countries of residence for the past five years. This should be apostilled with a translation in Spanish.
Medical Certificate
This is a apostilled and translated certification that declares that the applicant does not suffer from any disease as per the International Health Regulations of 2005. This must be issued by a registered medical practitioner no later than three months before the date of application.
Proof of Residence in the Consular District
This is a document that proves that the applicant’s legal residence or school is in the consular district. It includes utility bills, rental or lease contract, certificate of residence, school documents, ir official correspondences.
Proof of Identity and Capacity of the Representatives
When applying for a Spanish work visa, you will need to provide proof of identity and capacity for any representatives. In cases where the applicant is a minor, the parent or guardian must present apostilled and translated proof of kinship or relationship.
Payment of the Visa Fee
This should be paid in local currency along with the submission of the application.
Getting Ready for the Big Move
Are you finished with your job application process and paperwork?
If you’re all ready for this new chapter in your life, then it’s time to plan the logistics of your relocation from the UK to Spain.
While it can be overwhelming to pack up your whole life and move to a new country, Gentlevan Removals makes it easier and hassle-free. You can absolutely rely on us for your packing, storing, and shipping needs.
Contact us today for a free online quote, and we’ll be glad to help you process your move efficiently and stress-free.