Moving to Spain and working in Spain
If you are moving to Spain with the intention of finding work once you arrive, be wary. The Spanish unemployment rate is relatively high and it can be difficult for foreigners to obtain employment.
To find work is one of the least cited reasons for moving to Spain. Most emigrants look to set up home in Spain once they have retired or have a job waiting for them.
Boom in property - Spain´s economic dependence
Spanish economic growth is closely linked to the one market - property. Spain has enjoyed a boom over the past decade and as a result unskilled work is relatively easy to come by in the construction industry.
However, for safety reasons, you should be able to speak Spanish to a level where you can take instructions. The easiest way to find work is to ask wherever you see the building of new property. Spain is not a country where vacancies are traditionally advertised.
The catering industry - first port of call for Brits moving to Spain
Temporary and seasonal work is available in bars and shops in tourist areas for non-Spanish speakers but ensure you apply before Easter. Your chances of finding long-term employment increase greatly if you are able to speak Spanish well.
As with posts in the catering industry, you should enquire on-site as many jobs are never advertised.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
If you are planning on moving to Spain but do not have a trade/qualification then one avenue you might wish to explore is English teaching. Work can usually be found in one of the many language schools but better jobs will tend to go to someone with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or equivalent qualification.
Not working in Spain
Those who contribute to the Spanish social security system are entitled to unemployment benefit on a pro rata basis according to what they have paid in. If you become unemployed once living in Spain, you should contact your local Oficina de Empleo (job centre) or INSS office who will give you advice about claiming benefits.
How to find out more about working in Spain
You will be able to view details of vacancies throughout the UK at your nearest Jobcebtre Plus office. This information is supplied by the EURES network, an organization which supports free movement of workers within Europe. In Spain, EURES can be contacted through the Oficinas de Empleo (Job Centre).
The prospects for foreigners hoping to move to, and work in, Spain are not great. However, jobs are available in the big industries of tourism and property.
