Guide to Working in Spain

The most important requirement for anyone seeking employment is the ability to speak good Spanish. The dominance of regional languages and dialects causes problems for foreigners and Spaniards from other parts of Spain . But if seeking professional employment, learning the language, Castillano or a regional variation, is the only option.

Speaking only English restricts job opportunities to servicing the English speaking community. English may be the language of international business but in dealing with Spanish people, or fitting into a multilingual work environment, the ability to converse in Spanish is essential.

Equal Opportunity

Members of EU countries will be treated equally with Spanish nationals. Despite no employment restrictions and a theoretical policy that any EU national can take up work wherever they wish, Spanish applicants for any job may be viewed more favourably.

A multinational company

Working in Spain for a UK company or for one whose name is recognisable worldwide can offer security. However, a team of Spanish nationals runs most of the Spanish branches of multinational companies and most of the work is conducted in their language. There is a need to fit in.

Spanish companies

They may have a bias towards their own nationals when offering work. However, a native English speaker may be considered an asset but if possessing little knowledge of Spanish the choice of job will remain limited.

British entertainers working on short-term contracts often report a lack of motivation and a certain authoritarian style while working for Spanish employers. It is of course supply and demand in the labour market that counts but other people too question the less than democratic skills and employment practices. 'Unquestionably sharp' is a phrase adequately describing the employment style of some Spanish companies.

Take care

It can be easy to get carried away by the seemingly casual lifestyle, the laid-back approach and amicable business methods, but remember it is profit and customer service that counts. Don't assume that working for an English-speaking northern European gives added security. Spain is full of ex-pats who for one reason or another have decided to make a living through running a bar or a shop, or property dealing. Often the business is very fragile.