Working in Spain: A Complete 2025 Guide for Expats and Foreigners

Spain continues to attract thousands of foreigners and expats each year with its vibrant culture, excellent climate, and more relaxed approach to life. But beyond paella and palm trees, Spain is also a serious option for those looking to live and work in Europe, whether temporarily or long-term.

If you’re considering working in Spain in 2025, this comprehensive guide is designed for you. Whether you’re a non-EU citizen, a European relocating within the EU, or a remote worker dreaming of Mediterranean mornings, you’ll find key insights here about how to legally work in Spain, what to expect in the job market, and how to adapt to Spanish professional life.

Understanding the legal, cultural, and economic aspects of employment in Spain is essential before making the move. From navigating bureaucracy to finding a job, adjusting to local work culture, or planning a freelance career in Spain, this guide covers it all — without getting lost in legal jargon.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Who can legally work in Spain and what basic registrations are required
• What working life is really like in Spanish cities
• The pros and cons of the Spanish employment market
• How much it costs to live and work in Spain in 2025
• What rights and protections you’ll have as a foreign worker

Yes — foreigners can work in Spain in 2025, but the legal requirements differ greatly depending on your nationality and employment type. Whether you’re coming to Spain to work for a local company, launch a freelance business, or relocate as an EU citizen, you’ll need to fulfill certain administrative steps before starting any paid activity.

To work legally in Spain, you must meet three basic criteria:

1. Have the legal right to work (by nationality or with a valid visa/work permit)
2. Be registered with the Spanish tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria) and social security system (Seguridad Social)
3. Have a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) for any contractual or legal process

Failure to meet these conditions may lead to fines, problems with immigration status, or denial of social security benefits. That’s why it’s essential to start your professional life in Spain on the right legal footing.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement, which means:

• No need for a work visa
• Free access to the Spanish job market
• Same labor rights as Spanish nationals

However, EU citizens are still required to register locally if they plan to stay longer than 90 days. This includes:

• Getting a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• Registering with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals
• Completing empadronamiento (municipal registration) in their city

On the other hand, non-EU nationals must:

• Obtain a valid work visa before entering Spain
• Have a job offer or business plan (depending on the visa type)
• Complete the registration steps after arrival in Spain (NIE, TIE card, etc.)

Spain has multiple types of work and residence permits for non-EU nationals — including options for employees, freelancers, and remote workers.

🔗 Want to understand the full visa process?
Head over to our dedicated guide:
Work Visa for Spain: Types, Requirements and How to Apply (2025)

Regardless of your nationality, you’ll need to complete these administrative steps to live and work in Spain:

• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number):
  Essential for signing contracts, opening a bank account, getting paid, and filing taxes.
  → Apply via a Spanish consulate or in Spain (at police/immigration offices).
• Empadronamiento (Census Registration):
  Required for accessing healthcare, schools, and other public services.
  → Register at the local town hall (ayuntamiento).
• Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social):
  Required to pay into Spain’s public system and access benefits like healthcare and pensions.
  → Usually managed by your employer or, if self-employed, by your gestor.

These registrations may seem bureaucratic at first, but they are essential to becoming a legal and protected worker in Spain.

To check the latest requirements or begin your paperwork, consult the following official sources:

• Extranjería – Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones
• Agencia Tributaria (Tax Office)
  
• SEPE – Public Employment Service
  
• Your Europe – Work and Retirement in Spain
  

Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations for expats looking to combine career opportunities with a high quality of life. However, as with any country, working in Spain comes with both benefits and challenges. Here’s what you should know in 2025.

• Quality of life: Relaxed lifestyle, social culture, and a strong focus on work-life balance.
• Great weather: Sunny Mediterranean climate in most regions, ideal for outdoor living.
• Affordable cost of living: Especially outside major cities, everyday expenses remain moderate.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is high-quality and accessible to legal workers.
• Paid time off: At least 30 days of vacation plus public holidays.
• Safety: Low crime rates across the country.
• Culture & food: A rich lifestyle centered around local traditions, food, and community.
  

• Lower salaries: Wages are often below Northern Europe, especially outside of tech or finance.
• Bureaucracy: Administrative processes can be slow and unclear.
• Language barrier: Spanish is essential for most roles outside of international environments.
• Job market disparities: Some regions offer fewer opportunities for foreigners without fluent Spanish.
  

Choosing the right city in Spain can significantly shape your experience as a foreign worker. Some areas are better suited to tech jobs, others to remote workers, and others offer a more affordable lifestyle — but with fewer professional opportunities. Here’s a snapshot of the best cities for expats in 2025.

Spain’s capital is a dynamic hub for finance, consulting, government, and multinational corporations. It offers one of the country’s strongest job markets and is ideal for professionals in banking, legal services, and tech.

• Great for English-speaking roles in large companies
• High cost of living but excellent public transport and job density
• Limited access to beaches, but plenty of parks and cultural venues

A favorite among creatives and tech professionals, Barcelona is known for its startup culture, design sector, and tourism industry.

• Home to international companies and fast-growing startups
• Excellent lifestyle, but high rent in central neighborhoods
• Catalan is co-official — Spanish is widely used, but some jobs may require Catalan
  

Valencia and Seville offer a balance of urban life and affordability.

• Valencia is gaining attention in tech and logistics
• Seville offers roles in tourism, education, and public services
• Lower rent and living costs than Madrid or Barcelona, ideal for first-time expats
• More Spanish-only work environments — language skills matter

This southern coastal city is quickly becoming Spain’s capital for remote work and tech innovation.

• Google’s cybersecurity center and Andalusia’s Tech Park are here
• Sunny year-round with a growing international community
• Very popular among digital nomads and entrepreneurs
  

• Bilbao: Industrial and design capital with a strong engineering sector
• Alicante: Attractive for real estate and tourism-driven entrepreneurship
• Palma (Mallorca) / Las Palmas (Canary Islands): Seasonal jobs and remote-worker hotspots with beach lifestyle appeal
  

Spain remains one of the most affordable Western European countries, especially when compared to France, Germany, or the UK. However, the cost of living in Spain can vary widely depending on the region and your lifestyle.

• Madrid & Barcelona are the most expensive, with rents starting around €1,100–€1,500/month for a one-bedroom in the city center.
• Valencia, Seville, and Málaga offer a better balance between affordability and quality of life, with average rents between €700–€1,000/month.
• Smaller cities and rural areas can be even cheaper — in some towns, a modest apartment can cost under €500/month.

Living near the coast or in expat-heavy areas usually means higher rent, especially during summer.

Here’s what a typical single adult might spend per month:

In total, expect to spend between €1,800–€2,500/month in Madrid or Barcelona, or €1,300–€2,000/month in smaller cities. Couples or families may benefit from shared expenses, but costs rise with children, especially if private schooling is needed.

While Spain is affordable, lower average salaries may affect your financial comfort — especially in high-cost areas.

Understanding Spanish work culture is key to integrating smoothly into professional life. While friendly and flexible, Spanish workplaces still have their codes — and adapting to them will help you build trust and succeed long-term.

A typical full-time schedule runs from 9:00 or 10:00 AM to 6:00–7:00 PM, often with a midday break of 1–2 hours — especially in traditional industries or small businesses.
Modern offices in urban areas increasingly follow a 9-to-6 continuous day, but the long lunch break remains a cultural norm in many sectors.

The “siesta” isn’t about napping anymore — it’s more a time for lunch and errands, though some small businesses may still close between 2–5 PM, especially outside big cities.

• Work environments tend to be social and team-oriented. Expect plenty of informal chats and coffee breaks with colleagues.
• Small talk is part of meetings and daily life — showing interest in your coworkers’ lives helps build rapport.
• Communication is often indirect on sensitive topics. Criticism is usually softened and confrontation avoided.
  

While you should arrive on time, many Spanish professionals operate with a more relaxed approach to time. Meetings might start a few minutes late, and deadlines can be more flexible than in Northern Europe or the U.S.
Adaptability and patience are essential, especially in large organizations or public institutions.

• First names are common, even with managers, though it’s best to start formally until invited otherwise.
• A handshake is standard at first meetings; colleagues may greet more casually later (e.g. with cheek kisses in some settings).
• Lunch with coworkers or after-work drinks (“afterwork”) are often part of team bonding. Participating in these is key to social integration.
  

Foreigners working legally in Spain benefit from the same core employment protections and social rights as Spanish citizens. Here’s what you should know to protect your interests and understand your obligations in 2025.

Most jobs in Spain are governed by written contracts that define hours, salary, and duration. The two main types are:

• Contrato indefinido: Permanent contract with strong protections
• Contrato temporal: Fixed-term contract, subject to renewal limits

Recent reforms encourage long-term hiring, limiting overuse of temporary contracts.

• Vacation: 30 calendar days (approx. 22 working days) per year minimum
• Public holidays: 12–14 per year (national + regional/local)
• Parental leave: 16 weeks maternity and 16 weeks paternity — both fully paid
• Other leave: marriage (15 days), bereavement, moving, etc.

These benefits apply equally to foreign workers with a legal contract.

Spain has strong dismissal protections:

• Dismissals must be for justified economic or disciplinary reasons
• Unfair dismissals lead to compensation (up to 33 days per year worked)
• Employees have the right to challenge a dismissal in labor court

Temporary contract terminations also follow set legal procedures.

When employed or self-employed, you and your employer contribute to Seguridad Social, which covers:

• Public healthcare access
• Pension accrual
• Unemployment benefits (after minimum contribution period)
• Paid sick leave and work injury insurance

Self-employed workers pay full contributions but are also covered.

If you’re planning to work independently in Spain — whether as a freelancer, remote consultant, or entrepreneur — you’ll likely need to register as an autónomo. This is Spain’s official status for self-employed professionals.

• EU/EEA citizens can register without needing a special permit
• Non-EU citizens need a self-employed visa (Cuenta Propia) or a residence permit with the right to work independently
• Digital nomads working for foreign clients may also qualify under a different status

Registering as an autónomo is open to most professions, from web developers to language teachers — but legal residence is mandatory.

• Social Security (Seguridad Social):
  Fixed monthly fee, which varies by income. In 2025, new autónomos benefit from a flat rate of ~€80/month for the first year. After that, it scales up from €230 to €500+ based on earnings.
• VAT (IVA):
  Most freelancers must charge 21% VAT and file quarterly returns — unless exempt (e.g., certain educational services).
• Income tax (IRPF):
  Declared quarterly and annually. Many autónomos apply a 7–15% withholding tax on invoices depending on their professional activity and experience.

You’ll need to submit quarterly tax declarations and maintain records — which is where a gestor becomes essential.

A gestor is an administrative accountant who handles:

• Tax declarations (IRPF & VAT)
• Social security payments
• Communication with Hacienda (tax office)

Monthly fees range from €50 to €100, and most freelancers consider this a worthwhile investment — especially if you’re unfamiliar with Spanish bureaucracy or language.

Moving to Spain isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about building a fulfilling life. To truly enjoy your experience, integration is key. Here’s how to make the most of your new chapter as an expat.

While you can get by with English in international settings, learning Spanish will unlock daily life — from grocery stores to government offices and casual conversations at work.

• Join affordable Spanish classes in local schools (or online)
• Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or TV shows with Spanish subtitles
• Practice daily, even if it’s just greetings at the café

Even a basic level of Spanish can transform your experience and create real connections.

Spain is a social country, and relationships matter — both professionally and personally.

• Join expat meetups, coworking events, or local Facebook groups
• Say yes to lunches, afterworks, or cultural outings with colleagues

Be open and curious — Spaniards are often warm and welcoming once you make the first step

Don’t stay in the expat bubble — get involved in your neighborhood or city.

• Attend local festivals, street markets, or cultural events
• Volunteer or join local clubs (sports, art, language exchange…)
• Explore regional food, traditions, and even dialects

This not only helps you feel more at home but also builds a deeper understanding of Spanish culture.

It’s normal to go through ups and downs. You might be frustrated by paperwork, puzzled by punctuality, or miss certain things from home.
Give yourself time to adjust, and don’t hesitate to ask for help — locals often go out of their way to assist.

Spain offers a unique mix of professional opportunities, lifestyle perks, and cultural richness. While salaries might be lower than in Northern Europe, the cost of living, climate, healthcare, and work-life balance often make up for it — especially for those seeking a healthier pace and better quality of life.

Whether you’re looking to start a new job, launch your freelance business, or relocate remotely, Spain remains one of Europe’s most attractive countries to live and work in — as long as you’re well-informed and properly prepared.

Where you choose to live, how you approach the visa process, and how you integrate into local culture will all shape your experience. Take time to define your goals, compare regions, and explore the right legal and professional framework for your situation.

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.