Where can I find a job as an American in Spain?
One of the best ways to find work is to talk to people and make connections. Basically, "networking". It's about meeting people who might know about job openings or who can introduce you to others who do. You can start by reaching out to friends, attending events related to your field, or joining groups on social media. LinkedIn is a great place to start.
Alternatively, you can use rwl services online to create a strong resume tailored to the Spanish job market. Whatever your interests, background, or level of experience, high-paying jobs in Spain are within reach; you just need to know how to search for them online.
Another great way to find jobs is through the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. This organization helps businesses and can be a valuable resource for job seekers. They often have information about job openings and can give you advice on how to apply for these positions.
When you're looking for work in Spain as an American, you'll need an important document called the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Spain gives this number to all non-EU foreigners, and you'll need it for almost everything related to work. You'll need it to sign a work contract, open a bank account, and get paid. So, apply for this number before or as soon as you start your job hunt in Spain.
If you move to Spain on a work visa, you’ll also need a foreigner identity card (TIE), which you apply for in person within one month of arriving.
Note: You can’t work in Spain as a visitor. Americans can enter Spain without a visa for short trips, but any paid work, even a short job, needs a residence permit that includes the right to work.
How to get a work visa in Spain
If you're wondering how to get a job in Spain, one of the first things you'll need is a Spanish work visa. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to get your Spanish work visa and get moving:
1. Get a job offer
Before you can apply for a work visa, you need a job offer from a company in Spain. This means you have to look for a job and get hired first.
2. Employer applies for a work permit
Once you have a job offer, your new employer in Spain must apply for a work permit on your behalf. They do this in Spain, at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where you will work. Unless the job is on Spain’s quarterly list of hard-to-fill occupations (Catálogo de Ocupaciones de Difícil Cobertura), the employer must show that it could not find a suitable candidate from Spain or the EU.
The list is short and changes by province, so most American applicants go through the labour market test. Highly qualified professionals hired by larger companies can use a faster route processed by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).
3. Collect documents
While your employer works on the work permit, you can start gathering the other documents you'll need. These usually include your job contract, proof of the skills or education required for the job, a passport, photos, and a clean criminal record. You will need to translate all official documents (like birth certificates, degrees, or legal papers).
To do this, you'll need the services of a Sworn Translator in Spain. These translators are officially recognized and authorized to provide legally valid translations. Knowing which translation companies in Spain offer sworn translation services can be crucial, especially before you apply for your visa.
US public documents, such as an FBI background check or a birth certificate, usually also need an apostille before Spain will accept them, because the US and Spain are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.
4. Apply for a visa
After your employer gets the work permit, you can apply for your work visa. Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the United States that covers your home state, and apply within one month of your employer being notified that the permit was approved. The Washington consulate lists a $190 visa fee for US citizens. They'll ask you to fill out forms and submit all the documents you've collected, including the work permit.
5. Wait for approval
After you apply, there will be some waiting. The consulate will review your documents and decide whether to grant the visa. The consulate aims to decide within one month, but the full process, including the employer’s work permit, usually takes several months.
6. Get your visa and travel to Spain
If the Spanish consulate approves your application, you will receive your work visa. This visa is a sticker or stamp placed in your passport. With this visa, you can travel to Spain and start your new job. Once you arrive, register with social security and apply for your TIE within one month. Your first work permit is valid for one year, and renewals are granted for four years.
Other routes to consider;
Digital nomad visa: If you work remotely for a company based outside Spain, you may qualify for Spain’s digital nomad visa, which requires you to have an income of about €2,762 a month.
Some top recruiters in Spain
In the course of your journey, we know that you will need to be aware of those who can connect you to your dream job, or at least a job, while you search for your dream job. What better way to find out than with a curated list of some of the top recruiters in Spain? It is perfect because they're local, skilled, and just a click away.
Recruiter | About them |
Adecco | Adecco is a big name in job recruitment worldwide, and in Spain, they're just as popular. They help people find all kinds of jobs, from temporary work to full-time positions in many different industries. |
Michael Page | This agency specializes in finding jobs for people in higher-level positions. If you're looking for a job in management or a senior role in a company, Michael Page is a great place to start. |
InfoJobs | Infojobs is one of Spain's most popular job boards, with millions of registered job seekers. The platform caters to all industries and professions. |
TecnoEmpleo | One of the largest employment portals specialising in IT and Telecommunications in Spain. |
Infoempleo | Infoempleo is one of Spain's reference employment portals. The perfect meeting point between candidates and companies. They have more than 30 years of experience in employment and training. It currently has more than 6 million registered users |
Trabajos | This is one of the best sites to find blue-collar jobs if you want to take a break from sitting behind a desk. |
Top jobs for Americans in Spain
Here's a simple guide to the best jobs for Americans in Spain. Each job is ranked, and you can see how much you might earn, what the job is like, if it can lead to other opportunities, and the good and bad parts of each job.
Job Title | Salary Range (per year) | What You Do in the Job | Good Parts | Not-So-Good Parts |
Software Developer | €30,000 - €50,000 | Make and fix computer programs. | Cool work environment. | Lots of people want this job. |
English Teacher | €20,000 - €35,000 | Teach English in schools or other places. | Meet people from different cultures. | Might need special language certificates. |
Marketing Specialist | €25,000 - €40,000 | Help businesses sell things or services. | You get to be creative. | This sector is overly saturated. |
Sworn Translator | €30,000 - €45,000 | Translate important documents officially. | Working with diverse clients can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. | You need to pass tests, and have certifications to do this. |
IT Consultant | €35,000 - €55,000 | Advise about computer stuff to businesses. | You can work on a contract basis, which can offer more flexibility than traditional 9-to-5 jobs. | You need to be very knowledgeable. |
Tourism Manager | €28,000 - €40,000 | Manage things related to travel and tourists. | Meet people from all over. | Work can change with seasons. |
Healthcare Professional | €40,000 - €70,000 | Work in hospitals or clinics. | Work fulfilment and stability. | You might need to get new certifications in Spain. |
Engineer | €35,000 - €60,000 | Work in different kinds of engineering. | You get paid well. | You need specific school degrees.
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Other things to consider when moving to Spain for work
Based on what we have shared in this article, here are additional points to consider before moving to Spain. We have highlighted them below for your perusal!
Learning Spanish.
Understanding Spanish Culture.
Get a better idea of the cost of living in the area where you'll live in Spain as an American, to avoid surprises.
Find a place to live that suits your needs and budget.
Understand Healthcare in Spain and get a comprehensive plan for yourself.
Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spain is known for valuing a balance between work and personal life. This might include longer lunch breaks and a greater emphasis on family time.
