Valencia Trader

Information about working in Spain!

Earning a living

Many British people want to escape to the sunshine coasts of Spain, but the question of how to earn a living there often remains unanswered. Unless you are fortunate enough not to have to find work or if you are of an age where you no longer have to work, an income is desirable, if not essential. Finding employment from a distance is not always easy, nevertheless, it's worthwhile searching the net for job vacancies or possibilities. If you are considering self employment, or a new business venture, then it makes sense to have a business plan. Consider too, the tax and national insurance implications, also residence aspects. One source of information would be the book entitled, Living and Working in Spain by David Hampshire, but as always, do seek professional advice, essential if you are planning on starting a business there.

EU Citizens

If you're a citizen of the EU, with EU passport, then you have the right to work in Spain. Nevertheless, it's worthwhile doing some homework before you set off, or decide to make a new life there. Some professions or occupations are regulated, as some are in the U.K., but professions/occupations that are regulated in the U.K., may not be regulated in Spain and v.v. This may affect you if you wish to carry on with your profession or occupation in Spain.

In order to broaden your chances of finding a job, it's a good idea to have your C.V. and business cards translated. You can find a European style C.V. online. It's basically a form, available in all European languages. Your qualifications should be translated too and you can get a certificate for this purpose, available from training professionals and career advisors.

More sustainable jobs are likely to be found in the cities; jobs in the resorts can be seasonal, maybe OK if you're single, but perhaps not so good for people with families. At the time of writing this page, there appears to be a shortage of qualified IT workers, in certain areas of Spain. There are always lots of jobs teaching English, but for this type of work you generally need TEFL qualifications (see later) and the work isn't that well paid. If you have business experience, then teaching Business English tends to pay more, however the work is often freelance.

If you are offered a job working for an employer, make sure it comes with an employment contract. Working black for cash is illegal and definately not recommended.

If you don't speak Spanish, learn it. There are public courses all over Spain. More information through the Cervantes Institute.

Here are some websites to look at:

A selection of job vacancy databases and websites

http://www.infojobs.net (In Spanish)
http://www.monster.co.uk
http://summerjobs.com (seasonal jobs)
http://www.balearic-jobs.com (jobs in the Balearics)
http://www.firstchoiceholidays.co.uk (British tour operator, recruitment page available when hiring)
http://www.tui.com (Tui group, includes Thomson Holidays, group recruitment page online)
http://www.tefl.com (teach English as a Foreign Language portal)

Online Newspapers

http://www.surinenglish.com Newspaper for the Costa del Sol (In English)
http://www.costablanca-news.com Newspaper for the Costa Blanca (In English)


Other Useful Sites

http://www.mtas.es
http://www.cervantes.es


Information for EU citizens

http://www.citizens.eu.int
http://europa.eu.int/jobs/eures

Information on transparency of qualifications and training

http://www.cedefop.eu.int

Useful Webpages

http://www.cedefop.eu.int/transparency/cv.asp (European C.V.)
http://www.dti.gov.uk/europe/open.pdf (A useful brochure from the DTI)

Ideas for Work

Becoming a Holiday Rep.

You don't have to be young, but you have to be flexible enough to be able to work on a seasonal basis. A typical contract might last from April until October and then you re-apply for winter, which may be in an entirely different location or country. The major UK tour operators pay in sterling, expect to receive somewhere around £500 per month and shared accommodation. There is commission on excursions sold and more paperwork then perhaps you'd like to imagine. Qualifications? A second language is useful and customer service skills. Apply direct to the major tour operators during the season preceding your anticipated departure.

Working in a bar

Be prepared to work very long hours for the minimum wage. Accommodation is sometimes provided. Look at message boards (for more info, see our links page) or local English speaking newspapers, but it's best to be there and at the beginning of the season in which you want to work.

Teaching English

Generally not very well paid, but comparatively short hours. Helps to have a TEFL certificate, degree and be a native speaker of English. Teaching English as a foreign language is a vast industry in Spain and there are opportunities in private language schools, commercial organisations, and in private tutoring. Although it may be possible to obtain a teaching post without a TEFL qualification, the better paid and more secure posts, require a recognised TEFL qualification, experience and sometimes a degree in linguistics. 

Selling Time Share

Usually commission only. Despite the industry's reputation for "ripping people off", there are reputable companies out there. Best choice of employers are on the Costa Del Sol. Languages help, along with "people skills" and some experience. Accommodation is not usually provided and you will need to support yourself until you receive the first commission cheque. If you are good, the rewards can be comparatively high.

Property Sales

Opportunities, particularly on the popular Costas. Salespeople with the ability to speak more than one language have an advantage.