WORK IN SPAIN: what is worth to know?

1 month ago

Spain is like a piece of paradise, where the sun shines for more than 300 days a year. Working in Spain is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners, including Lithuanians, due to its vibrant culture, warm climate, and diverse job market. Working in Spain can be especially beneficial for those who want to gain experience in an international market, broaden their horizons, or settle in Spain for a longer period. The Spanish job market is quite competitive, but both skilled professionals and unskilled workers can find opportunities here.

Skilled Work in Spain

For skilled professionals from abroad, Spain offers promising opportunities in sectors such as finance, IT, healthcare, and tourism. In areas like healthcare, engineering, and management, fluency in Spanish is essential. However, in international companies or tourist-heavy regions, good English skills might suffice. Most job opportunities are concentrated in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga. It is rare for skilled job positions to offer accommodation.

Finance and IT Sectors

Jobs in the finance and IT sectors are among the most in demand. IT specialists can expect salaries ranging from €2,500 to €4,000 gross per month, while those in finance can earn between €2,000 and €3,500. Most positions require higher education and at least a few years of experience.

Healthcare Sector

Nurses' salaries range from €1,800 to €2,500 gross per month, while doctors can earn over €4,000. A recognized medical license and good Spanish language skills are essential, as the work involves direct communication with patients.

Tourism Sector

The tourism sector offers skilled positions for professionals such as hotel managers, travel organizers, and event planners. Hotel managers earn between €2,000 and €3,000 gross per month. This field often provides additional benefits like free accommodation, and in many cases, good English skills are sufficient for employment.

Unskilled Work in Spain

Spain offers numerous opportunities for foreigners looking for unskilled work while earning a living. This can be a great starting point for those without work experience or higher education. Foreigners are commonly employed in the following sectors: hospitality, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. While the minimum wage in Spain is around €1,166.67 gross per month, it is possible to earn more in these industries.

Hospitality Sector

In tourist regions of Spain, there is a high demand for waiters, kitchen assistants, cleaners, and receptionists. Salaries in these roles range from €1,200 to €2,000 gross per month. In larger cities like Barcelona or Madrid, higher salaries are offered due to increased living costs. At least basic English is required in this sector, but knowing Spanish significantly improves employment prospects.

Construction Sector

In construction roles, such as general laborers or material handlers, salaries typically range from €1,500 to €3,000 per month. Wages often depend on working hours, overtime, and working conditions, as some jobs may involve certain risks.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector offers seasonal work in fruit and vegetable harvesting, sorting, and packing. Popular regions include Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, and Extremadura. The average wage for these jobs is €8–12 gross per hour.

Manufacturing Sector

Factory workers, packers, and assemblers are in high demand. The average salary for these roles ranges from €1,300 to €2,500 gross per month. Factories often operate in shifts, either mornings or evenings, so workers need to adapt to flexible schedules.

Living Costs and Taxes

Living costs in Spain are generally higher than in Lithuania. Meals in restaurants typically cost €10–20, depending on the location. Single bus tickets cost about €1.40–€1.60, though cities like Barcelona may charge over €2. Monthly housing expenses in Spain range from €800 to €1,200, depending on the city, while in Lithuania, they are around €400–€800. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central Madrid can cost about €1,200 per month. Income tax in Spain depends on several factors. If a Spanish work contract is signed for less than one year, only a 2% income tax is applied. For longer contracts, tax rates range from 19% to 47%, depending on income. If the worker is not considered a Spanish tax resident, an income tax rate of 19% applies for EU citizens and 24% for non-EU citizens.

Seasonal Work in Spain

The most popular seasonal work in Spain, often chosen by Lithuanians and other foreigners, involves harvesting fruits such as strawberries, oranges, grapes, and olives. These jobs typically include fruit picking, sorting, and packing, with most opportunities located in Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, and Extremadura. Employers almost always provide free or low-cost accommodation, meals, and transport. At least basic English is recommended for easier communication with supervisors and colleagues. A standard seasonal workweek is usually 35–40 hours and pays €8–12 gross per hour. Seasonal work in Spain can be physically demanding due to long hours in high outdoor temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Spain

Advantages:

1. Cultural experience: Living in Spain offers a rich cultural experience and a relaxed lifestyle.

2. Diverse job market: Opportunities exist across various sectors, especially for multilingual individuals.

3. Healthcare system: Spain boasts a high-quality public healthcare system.

4. Work-life balance: Spanish work culture often emphasizes a balanced lifestyle with generous holidays.

5. EU residency benefits: EU citizens find it easy to work in Spain due to minimal visa requirements.

Disadvantages:

1. Language barrier: Knowledge of Spanish is often necessary for many jobs.

2. High unemployment rate: Some regions still face high unemployment, which may limit job opportunities.

3. Bureaucracy: Obtaining work permits and residency documents can be complex.

4. Lower wages in some sectors: While some industries pay well, others offer lower wages compared to other European countries.

5. Living costs: Major cities are relatively expensive compared to smaller towns in Spain.

Although Spain still has a high unemployment rate compared to other European countries, the situation improves yearly, offering more opportunities for foreigners. Despite Spain’s attractive job prospects and cultural benefits, it is essential to research sector-specific requirements and consider living costs before relocating. To ensure a successful experience working in Spain, it is advisable to search for job openings in advance or consult recruitment agencies.