Top Jobs in Spain for Foreigners in 2025

Spain enters 2025 with strong economic growth and a rising demand for talent in tech, healthcare, education, tourism, and green energy — all fueled by EU funding and digital innovation.
Startup ecosystems in Madrid and Barcelona are thriving, while rural regions seek medical staff and teachers. Permanent contracts are now more common thanks to recent labor reforms, making the Spanish job market more attractive to both EU and non-EU workers.

Spain combines a high quality of life with low living costs, great weather, and public healthcare — making it a top destination for international workers.
From the dynamic cities of Madrid and Valencia to the beaches of Málaga and Alicante, Spain offers a welcoming environment and large expat communities that ease integration.

This article is for:

• EU citizens seeking local work
• Non-EU nationals exploring visa options
• Remote workers interested in the Digital Nomad Visa
• Skilled professionals aiming for in-demand jobs
• Anyone curious about salaries, benefits, and how to apply

👉 Part of our “Working in Spain” series, this guide covers top jobs, hiring regions, work contracts, and how to launch your career in Spain successfully.

Spain’s job market is booming across sectors like tech, healthcare, tourism, and education, thanks to digital transformation, EU funding, and demographic shifts. Major cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga — are at the center of this hiring wave.

Spain’s tech sector is growing fast, especially in Barcelona’s 22@ district and Madrid’s innovation parks. Foreign talent is highly sought for roles such as:

• Full-stack developers
• Cloud engineers
• Data analysts
• DevOps & cybersecurity specialists
  

Aging populations and rural understaffing have created high demand for:

• Nurses and caregivers
• Physiotherapists
• General practitioners

Spain’s world-class tourism industry needs:

• Hotel and restaurant staff
• Chefs and bartenders
• Travel and event agents

International schools and academies are hiring:

• English/French teachers (TEFL/FLE certified)
• Bilingual subject teachers
• Private tutors

Spain’s shift to a greener economy creates roles in:

• Renewable energy (solar, wind)
• Eco-friendly construction
• Energy efficiency and environmental engineering

E-commerce is boosting demand for:

• Delivery drivers & warehouse staff
• Logistics coordinators
• Supply chain managers

Spain’s workforce is increasingly international, but some foreign profiles are especially sought-after in 2025. Whether you’re from the EU, a skilled non-EU worker, or already living in Spain, certain backgrounds give you a strong edge.

For EU/EEA citizens, no visa is required — just register locally and obtain a NIE (Foreign ID Number).
Why it helps:

• No work permit needed
• Immediate access to contracts, healthcare, and banking
• Employers prefer EU hires for simpler onboarding

Non-EU citizens need a work visa, but Spain offers options like the HQP visa, EU Blue Card, and ICT visa.
Top roles in demand:

• Engineers, developers, and IT specialists
• Healthcare professionals
• Legal, finance, and academic experts

Speaking Spanish + English, French, or German is a huge asset. Spanish firms value employees who can serve global customers.
Key industries:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Customer service & sales
• Language education
• Shared services and international trade

Spain is ideal for remote workers and entrepreneurs in tech, design, marketing, and consulting. Apply through the Digital Nomad or Self-Employment visa.
Hot freelance fields:

• Web development, UX/UI
• Content creation, SEO
• Translation, coaching, virtual assistance

If you’re already in Spain with a NIE and some work experience, you have a clear advantage. Employers appreciate your readiness and cultural understanding.
Valued profiles:

• Students or volunteers with local experience
• Residents seeking to renew or upgrade their status
• EU citizens with prior jobs in Spain

Understanding Spain’s employment structure helps foreign jobseekers make informed decisions. In 2025, labor reforms favor long-term stability while allowing flexibility for seasonal roles, freelancers, and remote workers.

Permanent contracts (CDI) are now the default — even in lower-skilled jobs.

• CDI: Long-term, with social benefits and 6-month trial periods
• CDD: Short-term roles (cover, events, projects), limited to justified cases
• Seasonal contracts: Up to 9 months, often in tourism or agriculture. For non-EU citizens, return to home country may be required.

Spain offers flexible work schedules depending on the sector:

• Full-time: ~40 hours/week, common in most industries
• Part-time: 20–30 hours/week, typical in education, hospitality, or retail
• Remote/hybrid: Widespread in tech, customer service, and creative roles

Spain promotes work-life balance, though hours may vary:

• Standard: 9:00–18:00 with a long lunch break
• Modern offices: 9:00–17:00 continuous shifts

Time off & protections:

• 30 days of annual paid leave
• 12–14 public holidays (regional variations)
• Paid sick leave and parental benefits
• Universal healthcare and social security coverage

Common perks in larger firms or startups:

• Flexible hours & remote options
• Private health insurance
• Meal vouchers or transport cards
• Training budgets

Spain’s legal framework combines security for employees with flexibility for modern work formats — ideal for both traditional professionals and mobile workers.

Before relocating or signing a contract, it’s essential to evaluate how far your income will go. Spain remains affordable compared to most Western European countries, especially for remote workers and skilled professionals.

• Tech & IT: €2,500 – €4,000
• Healthcare: €1,800 – €3,500
• Tourism & Hospitality: €1,200 – €1,800
• Education & Languages: €1,400 – €2,200
• Logistics & E-Commerce: €1,500 – €2,500

Your lifestyle and location play a big role in purchasing power:

• Madrid/Barcelona: Higher wages, but costly rent reduces disposable income.
• Valencia/Málaga: Lower expenses and quality services make them popular with expats.
• Remote workers with foreign income can live very comfortably, especially outside major cities.

Example: A digital nomad earning €3,000/month in Valencia may enjoy better living standards than someone earning €4,000 in London or Paris.

Looking for work in Spain? Whether you’re aiming for full-time roles, freelance gigs, or seasonal jobs, success depends on knowing where to look — combining online tools, recruiter contacts, and networking.

Start with top platforms to browse active listings:

• InfoJobs – Spain’s #1 job portal for all sectors.
• Indeed Spain – Filter by salary, contract, and location.
• Jobandtalent – Great for temp and logistics roles via mobile app.
• LinkedIn – Key for tech, international, and mid-level jobs.
• EURES – Ideal for EU citizens seeking cross-border opportunities.

For autónomos and digital nomads:

• Malt, Upwork, Fiverr – Perfect for marketing, writing, translation, dev work.
• Domestika – For designers, illustrators, and creatives.
• Tecnoempleo – Specialized in IT and tech security jobs.

Trusted names actively hiring foreign talent:

• Michael Page, Randstad, Adecco, Hays – Broad coverage, especially in cities.
• Robert Walters, Page Personnel, Talent Search People – Great for multilingual or skilled profiles.

In Spain, who you know matters. Boost your visibility by joining:

• Meetup.com – Local business and tech events.
• LinkedIn Groups – Join expat or industry-specific communities.
• Internations – Great for networking and integration events.
• Facebook Groups – Try “Jobs in Barcelona,” “Francophones à Valence,” or “Expats in Spain – Job Offers.”

Landing a job in Spain takes more than sending your CV — you’ll need to match local expectations, manage admin requirements like the NIE, and know how to approach interviews.

Spanish employers expect clean, concise applications:

• CV: Max 1–2 pages, reverse-chronological, with sections for experience, education, skills, and languages. Add your NIE if available.
• Cover Letter: Half a page, tailored to the job, focusing on motivation and relevant skills.

• Apply in Spanish for local companies.
• Use English only if the job post allows it (e.g., international firms or startups).
• Be transparent about your level and show you’re learning Spanish — it matters.

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is required to:

• Sign a contract
• Join social security
• Open a bank account
  

If pending, write “NIE in progress” on your CV to reassure recruiters.
Need help? Check our guide: How to Get a NIE in Spain

• Applying too early or too late after work permit approval.
• Failing to apostille and translate foreign documents.
• Submitting incomplete business plans or missing income proof (especially for autónomo and digital nomads).
• Attempting to work in Spain without the correct visa type (e.g. using a tourist visa to work remotely without formal approval).

Ignoring the 30-day limit after arrival to register your address and apply for the TIE (residence card).

Spanish interviews are friendly but professional:

• Be punctual and wait to be seated
• Show motivation, flexibility, and teamwork
• Avoid discussing salary too soon
• Be positive, make eye contact, and stay relaxed

Working in Spain as a foreigner in 2025 is fully achievable with the right approach. Focus on:

• Targeting roles that match your skills
• Customizing your CV and cover letter for Spanish employers
• Using top job portals and building a local network
• Exploring visa options early if you’re a non-EU national

From tech and teaching to remote work and seasonal jobs, Spain offers a range of real opportunities for international professionals.

Speaking Spanish — even at a basic level — improves your hiring chances, especially outside large cities or expat roles. Employers value adaptability, cultural understanding, and a willingness to integrate. Show you’re ready to be part of the team, even if you’re still learning the language.

Explore the Complete “Working in Spain” Series

This article is part of our expert content hub designed to help you succeed in Spain’s job market:

• Working in Spain: A Complete Guide for Expats (2025) – Legal basics, work culture, NIE, taxes, and local adaptation

• Spain Work Visas: Types, Requirements and How to Apply (2025) – Compare all permits, eligibility, and application steps

• Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025: What You Need to Know – For remote professionals earning from abroad

• Top Jobs in Spain for Foreigners in 2025 – Most in-demand roles, salaries, and where to find them

Each guide dives deeper into legal procedures, visa strategies, salary benchmarks, and real-life tips to help you live and work in Spain with confidence.