Working in Madrid

Expats working in Madrid can expect to be immersed in a modern city that lays claim to most of the population in Spain's central region, as well as the majority of economic activity.

 

Recognised by most as the primary business centre on the Iberian Peninsula, the ever expanding metropolis is hands down the most developed hub, and also accounts for nearly 20 percent of the Spanish GDP. Furthermore, as the nation’s capital, the city attracts a fair number of multinationals and direct foreign investment. 

 

Expats will find far more job opportunities in Madrid, than in its Catalan counterpart, Barcelona, but in light of the dismal state of the Spanish economy competition for available positions is cutthroat. Protestors have even taken to the street to show their dismay with high unemployment rates (over 20 percent in 2011) and drastic cuts to social services. 
 

Prior to the 2007 dip though, Madrid was credited with one of the highest figures in job creation in the EU, and it certainly is the best place to look for a job in Spain at the moment.

 

So, expats determined to work in Madrid regardless of the situation should take a moment to paint themselves a better picture of the business environment before jumping off to jet set.
 

 

First off, expats coming from other European Union (EU) countries have the advantage of not needing a work permit to be formally employed in Spain. Furthermore, employers are often encouraged to consider offering job contracts to other European nationals before looking outside the spectrum. Those expats who are non-EU nationals will need to have a job offer or apply to be self-employed in order to legally work in Madrid; and finding a company sponsor can often be hard to come by.

 

It’s a good idea to contact headhunters in Spain to assist you in finding a job, or to regularly browse Infojobs.net, an online listing that expats report is the best available. Networking is also paramount in Madrid, el enchufe – the power of connections is not to be underestimated, and is a principle engrained in the working world. Take advantage of any attempt to interact with decision-makers, and attend job fairs and group events. 

 

Also, keep in mind that though many international companies have major offices in the city and a continuously diversifying economy is attracting people from all walks of life, it's still important to learn at least a little Spanish. International business may be conducted in English, but all other transactions will most likely occur in the local language. Even jobs in the hotel, services and tourism industry require some knowledge of Spanish.

 

While the service sector is the largest producer of wealth in the area, there is also opportunity for expats to find jobs in business and financial services, transport, communications and real estate - all of which are pivotal to Madrid's economic prowess.

 

Expats working in Madrid will find themselves, alongside Barcelona residents, as the recipients of the highest wages in Spain, though the cost of living is also the highest in the nation. It should also be noted that in comparison to other western European countries, salaries are still lower than the average.

 

A normal work week of 40 hours is adhered to, though employees of larger companies often take longer lunch breaks and work late.

 

Expats coming from the US or the UK will also be ecstatic to find that workers have the right to an annual paid vacation period of thirty calendar days.