Spain has a very high unemployment rate as high as 20% so prospective employers can be choosy with potential vacancies, also one has to take into account the social security the boss has to pay and offering you a contract. It is with little wonder that a large number of the population is working illegally i.e. black work. If moving to Spain it is important to note that you are not going to earn as much money as you were in your previous job, you will be working much harder with longer hours for less in exchange for the beach and sunshine. You can typically expect to earn 75% of what you are earning now, and the cost of living is perhaps 5% lower than at home.

Please note if you are looking for a job in the public sector such as teaching or policing, even with the right qualifications these jobs are only available to Spanish nationals. In other words if you are a foreigner there is no need to apply. Doctors and nurses of other nationalities are welcome.

Another major barrier to finding jobs in Spain apart from the language barrier is the local language barrier, if seeking a job in Barcelona Catalan is the language of the day, in Benidorm it is Valenciano, In Bibao Basque, in Marbella Andalucian etc.

Don’t be disheartened there are jobs in the English speaking sector, where the expats live, on the costas such as Torrevieja, Torrmolinos, Marbella, Javea, Moraira, Benidorm, Villamartin, La Zenia, Calpe, Mojacar etc. i.e. in restaurants, bars, supermarkets, builders plumbers, electricians. Most expats don´t have the command of the Spanish Language and prefer to use someone that they can trust, be understood and understand.

Vacancies in the building trade such as plumbers, electricians, painters, tillers etc can steadily earn between 100-200 Euros per day. As Spain has had a building explosion over the last decade seeking a job in these fields with the necessary paperwork are the easiest and best paying jobs to find.

Another favourite job for the expat is in the beauty industry. There are a large number of English hairdressers and nail technicians looking for qualified staff to work in their salons. Also in the fitness industries the local gyms are always looking for qualified yoga and Pilates instructors.

The typical working day in Spain doesn’t commence until 10 in the morning and doesn´t typically finish until 8 in the evening, but don’t worry there is a 3 hour siesta in the afternoon to escape the midday heat. Another favourite line of work for jobseekers is everything to do with the tourist trade, from villa maintenance villa cleaning, to estate agent, to gardening service, pool service and then of course there is a large variety of jobs in the catering industry. Villa work ie cleaning and jobs in the catering industry count mainly as seasonal work. The season typically starts in April or Easter whichever comes first and end at the end of October

Job seekers have many means at their disposal to find jobs, the newspapers, internet, word of mouth and of course taking the plunge and go the self-employed route. That of course is a very different kettle of fish compared to the U.K: as there is the social security and Gestor which has to be paid every month which is in excess of 300 Euros monthly as well as IVA of 16% which is payable from the 1^st Euro that you earn. You have to have licences for everything you do so being able to deal with the bureaucrats is essential. Good luck with your move to Spain and we hope this information on Spain has been useful.