Despite obtaining work in Spain being fairly difficult if you speak Spanish and are a dedicated and committed worker you should be able to find something to suit you. 

Once you start working you’ll begin to become part of the community and will soon settle into the Spanish way of life.  Below are a few ideas for types of work that foreigners can carry out in Spain.  Be prepared to do anything to start with to establish yourself.  After all, the relaxed lifestyle will make up for the fact you may be doing a job you wouldn’t have taken in your home country.  As the months and years pass (and they do go quickly!) you’ll meet more and more people who you can network with to find employment.

Bar and restaurant work – if you have any catering experience this type of work can be found.  It’s not that well paid and the hours are long but this is a great opportunity to network.

Sales – many agents on the coast are looking for sales staff.  The jobs are usually advertised as marketing jobs.  Being able to speak a number of languages is an advantage.

Teaching English – if you have a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) or TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) qualification you can find work as an English teacher.  You many be limited with location and have to go where the work is.  Language schools advertise job opportunities or you can work as a freelancer.

Translation – if you are a qualified translator you can register with the many agencies throughout Spain and the world.  The beauty of this career is that you can work from home, although the supply of work can be hit and miss and to register with an agency you must be qualified.  You could also try offering your services locally if your Spanish is good enough, although this can’t be relied on as a regular source of income.

Interpreter – if your Spanish language skills are excellent you could become an interpreter in the area where you live.  This involves accompanying people to meetings, doctor’s and hospital visits, legal visits and interpreting for any other situation where people can’t speak Spanish. 

Cleaning – offices, villas and private homes all need cleaners.

Childminding – this is the perfect opportunity to find work during the long school holidays in Spain.  Most working parents can’t take lots of time off during the summer, particularly as this is the busiest time in the tourist areas.

Gardening – if horticulture is your thing you could offer to tend and tidy people’s gardens.

Villa management – this work is more seasonal in the tourist areas.

Office work – you’re more likely to find this in the cities and towns and will need to be fluent in Spanish.