7 Tried & Tested Tips to Find a Job in Spain as an English Speaker

Finding a job in Spain as an English speaker can be challenging, especially if you're a non-EU citizen. It can be tough, but not impossible!

Spanish work visas are typically tied to job roles that are in high demand, meaning you’ll have a much better chance if your profession aligns with Spain’s Shortage Occupation List. Without this, securing a company-sponsored work visa can be more challenging. However, if you already have the right to work in Spain or are looking for remote work opportunities, there are still plenty of ways to build a career here.

While speaking Spanish can open more doors, there are still opportunities for English speakers—if you know where to look. In this guide, I’ll share the best job options, where to find them, and how to maximize your chances of getting hired.

Seven years ago, I embarked on the journey of finding a job in Spain as an English speaker. It wasn’t easy, but I learned valuable insights along the way. While speaking Spanish can open more doors, there are still opportunities for English speakers if you know where to look.

In this guide, I’ll share the best job options, where to find them, and how to maximize your chances of getting hired.

1. Teaching English: The Most Accessible Option

I know, teaching English might not sound like the most glamorous job, but hear me out—it’s one of the easiest ways to get a foot in the door in Spain. Plus, it pays the bills while you figure out your long-term career path. The demand for English teachers is high, and you don’t always need prior experience. Here’s where to look:

• Language Academies: Search for "English Academies" on Google Maps in your city. Many are always hiring, especially before the start of school terms in September and January.

• Private Schools: Some are well-known for hiring native English speakers. International schools also often seek English teachers with teaching certifications like TEFL, CELTA, or PGCE.

• Private Tutoring: Many parents look for English teachers for their kids. You’ll need to market yourself and find clients, but it’s a great way to set your own schedule and rates.

• University Programs: Universities with international students may have job opportunities related to language support or tutoring. Check their career pages or language departments.

🔹 Pro Tip: Teaching English in Spain doesn’t always require a degree, but having a TEFL certification can boost your chances of getting hired and earning a higher rate. Also, joining expat and teaching Facebook groups can help you find opportunities more quickly.

2. Corporate & Industry Jobs

If you’re looking for something beyond teaching, corporate jobs can be a solid option—especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Some industries are more open to English speakers, particularly those that operate internationally. This is the avenue I took, I ended up working for a Spanish company that was looking to expand its footprint in the US and was looking for English-speakers to support with their marketing and public relations in the U.S.

• Technology & IT: Developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts are in high demand. Check job boards like LinkedIn, InfoJobs, and Glassdoor.

• Marketing & Sales: Many companies with international clients need native English speakers for content marketing, social media management, and sales roles.

• Finance & Consulting: Banks, fintech startups, and global consulting firms often have openings for English-speaking professionals.

• Customer Support: If you speak multiple languages, there are plenty of roles in multinational customer service teams.

🔹 Pro Tip: While some companies advertise in English, learning at least basic Spanish will make you a stronger candidate. Even if your role is English-based, office communication may still happen in Spanish.

3. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs

Spain is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, meaning there’s always a need for English-speaking workers in tourism and hospitality.

• Hotels: Major hotel chains like AC Hotel, NH Palacio, and Hotel Abba often hire English-speaking front desk staff and guest relations managers.

• Tourist Attractions: The Cathedral, Museum of Evolution, Atapuerca archaeological site, and Monasterio de las Huelgas may need English-speaking tour guides, especially in peak season.

• Campgrounds & Outdoor Tourism: Campsites like Fuentes Blancas attract international visitors and might need English-speaking receptionists or activity coordinators.

🔹 Pro Tip: Seasonal hiring is common in tourism. Start applying in early spring for summer jobs and late summer for winter season roles in ski resorts.

4. Exploring Niche Opportunities

Not all jobs in Spain are publicly advertised. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from thinking outside the box:

• Startups: Wired Magazine publishes a list of top startups in Spain yearly. Many of these companies operate internationally and require English-speaking professionals.

• Freelancing & Remote Work: If you have skills in writing, design, programming, or marketing, remote jobs for international companies are a great option. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are great places to start.

🔹 Pro Tip: Attend networking events, coworking spaces, and startup meetups in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Many startups hire through connections rather than job postings.

5. Language Training & LLM Training

As AI-powered language models (LLMs) become more integrated into business communication, there is a growing demand for professionals who can help train and refine these systems. Companies and institutions are looking for English-speaking specialists to:

• Train AI Language Models: Assist in improving AI's ability to understand and generate natural language content.

• Annotate Language Data: Work with tech companies to help refine AI responses by labeling and categorizing linguistic data.

• Evaluate AI Communication: Provide feedback on AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and relevance.

These roles are typically remote, making them a flexible option for English speakers in Spain. You can find these positions through companies specializing in AI training, language data services, or platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn.

🔹 Pro Tip: If you're interested in this field, gaining experience with AI language training tools or completing a certification in computational linguistics can give you a competitive edge.

6. Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

Spain recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, making it one of the best destinations for remote workers looking to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle while working for international companies. If you have an online job or work as a freelancer for clients outside Spain, this visa can be a game-changer.

✅ Who is Eligible?

• Must work for a company outside Spain or be self-employed with international clients.

• Earn at least €2,000–€3,000 per month (exact income requirements vary by region and family size).

• Must have private health insurance and proof of financial stability.

• Cannot work for Spanish clients (unless they account for less than 20% of your total income).

✅ How Long is it Valid?

• The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for up to five years.

• After five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency.

✅ Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads

• Spain offers a special tax regime for digital nomads, allowing you to pay a reduced tax rate of around 24% on income up to €600,000.

• After five years, you transition to Spain’s standard tax system.

✅ How to Apply?

• Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country or within Spain if you’re already there on a tourist visa.

• Submit proof of employment, income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

🔹 Pro Tip: Spain has a thriving digital nomad community, especially in Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. Join digital nomad Facebook groups, coworking spaces, and networking events to meet others who have successfully obtained the visa. Some great coworking spots include WeWork, Impact Hub, and Spaces.

7. Finding Jobs Aligned with Spain’s Market Needs

If you want to maximize your chances of finding a job in Spain as an English speaker, aligning your skills with the country’s job market needs is crucial. Spain has a growing demand for workers in certain industries, and tapping into these sectors can open up more opportunities for you.

✅ Industries Currently in High Demand:

• Technology & IT: Software development, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing are among the most sought-after skills. If you have expertise in these areas, your chances of finding a job in Spain are significantly higher.

• Healthcare: Spain needs more nurses, elderly care specialists, and medical researchers. If you have a background in medicine or healthcare, this could be a great sector to explore.

• Engineering & Construction: There’s a demand for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, especially in infrastructure projects.

• Logistics & Transportation: With the rise of e-commerce, supply chain and logistics professionals are needed to manage distribution and operations.

🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to find a job in your preferred industry, consider internships or volunteering opportunities to gain relevant experience and expand your network in Spain. Many companies offer paid internships, especially for recent graduates or career changers looking to break into a new field.

Finding a job in Spain as an English speaker requires persistence, flexibility, and creativity. While teaching English is the easiest option, there are also great opportunities in tourism, corporate jobs, startups, and remote work. The key is to align your job search with Spain’s growing industries while leveraging your English skills.