Working in Spain
Finding work as an expat in Spain may require a magnifying glass and a barrel of patience. Though an increasing number of young people are moving to the Iberian Peninsula to further forge the path pensioners began 30 years ago, jobs are sparse and competition for even the most menial positions can be heated.
Furthermore, due to the world recession Spain’s economy is currently heavily in debt, and the president has even announced recent measures that cut civil sector wages and freeze civil sector pensions.
Those lucky enough to secure employment prior to arrival will thankfully avoid the crunch of the job hunt, but the many who arrive in the country with little more than “a glass half full” of optimism will quickly discover that finding work can be more difficult than ever anticipated.
If you have a clear command of the Spanish language your job prospect horizon will broaden tremendously and if you happen to know German you’ll find that there are also more opportunities to be filled – especially with real estate agencies, travel companies and tour operators.
Otherwise, those with only the English language behind them should strongly consider taking a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course or something similar in order to take advantage of the huge demand for teaching positions in both private enterprise and language schools.
Though Spain’s economy was robust and experienced recent periods of growth just prior to the world-wide recession, the country’s strict policies protecting workers rights means that many stay in their positions long-term and turnover rates remain low – creating a limited amount of openings.
As an expat, this can certainly work to your advantage once you secure viable employment. Severance pay is extremely high and can run up to six weeks for every year worked. Not to mention, if dismissed from a position you still have 20 days to file for conciliation and recover your job. To be entitled to Spanish rights as an expat you do need to sign a contract for a duration of more than six months.
The recent recession has also affected an already tight professional world. Many of the retirees that have colonised the coastal regions of the country have been forced to abandon their lives of glitz and glamour due to currency depreciation and accumulated debt. As a result, jobs generated by and for this English speaking community have diminished. Even restaurant, bar and other positions in the informal sector are less plentiful than ever before.
Overall, the tourism and construction sectors are Spain’s most important industries and are the best areas to look for employment.
The nation has also historically attracted a large interest from entrepreneurs looking to set up their own business. Though, if you do plan to migrate to the country to do so, it is advised to hire a local gestor to help you negotiate the sticky web of bureaucracy spun from all of Spain’s rules and regulations.
Qualifications obtained in Europe and the UK are widely recognized. Salaries are generally less than in the UK and northern Europe, but the standard of living is higher and the cost of living lower.
Furthemore, typical Spanish working hours include a ‘Siesta’ between 2 pm and 5 pm in the afternoon.
Furthermore, due to the world recession Spain’s economy is currently heavily in debt, and the president has even announced recent measures that cut civil sector wages and freeze civil sector pensions.
Those lucky enough to secure employment prior to arrival will thankfully avoid the crunch of the job hunt, but the many who arrive in the country with little more than “a glass half full” of optimism will quickly discover that finding work can be more difficult than ever anticipated.
If you have a clear command of the Spanish language your job prospect horizon will broaden tremendously and if you happen to know German you’ll find that there are also more opportunities to be filled – especially with real estate agencies, travel companies and tour operators.
Otherwise, those with only the English language behind them should strongly consider taking a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course or something similar in order to take advantage of the huge demand for teaching positions in both private enterprise and language schools.
Though Spain’s economy was robust and experienced recent periods of growth just prior to the world-wide recession, the country’s strict policies protecting workers rights means that many stay in their positions long-term and turnover rates remain low – creating a limited amount of openings.
As an expat, this can certainly work to your advantage once you secure viable employment. Severance pay is extremely high and can run up to six weeks for every year worked. Not to mention, if dismissed from a position you still have 20 days to file for conciliation and recover your job. To be entitled to Spanish rights as an expat you do need to sign a contract for a duration of more than six months.
The recent recession has also affected an already tight professional world. Many of the retirees that have colonised the coastal regions of the country have been forced to abandon their lives of glitz and glamour due to currency depreciation and accumulated debt. As a result, jobs generated by and for this English speaking community have diminished. Even restaurant, bar and other positions in the informal sector are less plentiful than ever before.
Overall, the tourism and construction sectors are Spain’s most important industries and are the best areas to look for employment.
The nation has also historically attracted a large interest from entrepreneurs looking to set up their own business. Though, if you do plan to migrate to the country to do so, it is advised to hire a local gestor to help you negotiate the sticky web of bureaucracy spun from all of Spain’s rules and regulations.
Qualifications obtained in Europe and the UK are widely recognized. Salaries are generally less than in the UK and northern Europe, but the standard of living is higher and the cost of living lower.
Furthemore, typical Spanish working hours include a ‘Siesta’ between 2 pm and 5 pm in the afternoon.
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