If you arrive in Spain, along the coast, looking for work, be prepared for seasonal work. Between May and September the coastal workforce swells with many opportunities in bars, clubs and restaurants. The coastal areas of Spain are currently enjoying a continued boom in the construction industry which offers many positions for everything from bricklayers to planners. New hotels, houses and apartments are springing up at an alarming rate.

There are also job opportunities for bi-lingual teachers of English at all levels. Have a look at our section on schools for a few ideas.

Another popular area to work in is working in service for wealthy families in Spain, especially if you have experience in house-keeping, cooking, maintenance or driving. The local Spanish and English press often carry classified advertisements. The internet is also a good source of information. Be aware though that the wages can be very low and the hours can be very long. There are many foreigners arriving in Spain, looking for this type of work and needs dictate that they will settle for very little. Some wealthy people will take advantage of this so while this kind of job may look appealing, be wary.

Spain has a thriving economy and offers a multitude of job opportunities for all nationalities. The Costa del Sol in southern Spain offers a wide variety of jobs, although many of them are seasonal. If you are looking for work in the catering or bar trade then this is a good place to start.

Other relevant sections:
Working in Spain - A full guide to the laws and regulations
Interviews with residents - True accounts of English speaking people who have made the move to Spain
Work Experience in Spain - Learn while you work

To work in Spain you must have an NIE Nº. Download the form from this page.