How to Find a Job in Spain as a Foreigner – Legal Tips & Visa Options

🧑‍💼 Want to Work in Spain as a Foreigner?

Spain has a growing demand for international talent — especially in tech, education, healthcare, and hospitality.

But finding a job as a non-EU citizen requires more than just sending out CVs. You need to understand:

  • How to get job offers legally

  • What visas employers can sponsor

  • Where and how to apply effectively


🌍 Who Can Work in Spain?

Nationality Can Work Freely?
🇪🇺 EU/EEA/Swiss citizens ✅ Yes
🌎 Non-EU citizens ❌ Only with work visa or permit

If you’re from outside the EU, you must secure a legal right to work, usually through:

  • A job offer and sponsored work permit (cuenta ajena)

  • A Digital Nomad Visa (remote work for non-Spanish clients)

  • Or a self-employed visa (freelancers/entrepreneurs)


🔍 Where to Search for Jobs in Spain

🖥️ Top Job Platforms


📋 Industries With High Demand for Foreign Talent

Technology

  • Software development, cloud, cybersecurity

  • Foreign IT workers are often eligible for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Tourism & Hospitality

  • Hotels, restaurants, customer service

  • Knowledge of English + Spanish is helpful

Healthcare

  • Nurses, doctors, caregivers (with credential recognition)

  • May require additional certifications

Education

  • English teachers, bilingual school staff

  • Some sponsored teaching programs available

Remote Work

  • Use the Digital Nomad Visa to work remotely from Spain


💼 Tips for Getting Hired as a Foreigner

  1. Tailor your CV to Spanish standards (short, clear, avoid overly creative designs)

  2. Write your cover letter in Spanish and English

  3. Get a NIE number early — some employers request it

  4. Apply to companies that sponsor work permits (see Article 5)

  5. Use networking events, LinkedIn, and local startup meetups

  6. If already in Spain on a different visa, explore modification options


📑 Legal Pathways After Getting a Job Offer

Once hired, your employer can help you apply for:

  • Cuenta Ajena Work Visa → standard employment

  • Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP) → for senior/tech roles

  • ICT Visa → if you’re being transferred from abroad

  • Intern Visa → if it’s a formal internship

📌 You cannot legally start working before your work and residence authorization is granted.


🚫 Common Challenges for Non-EU Job Seekers

  • Few companies willing to sponsor non-EU workers

  • Language barrier (many jobs require Spanish)

  • Long visa processing times

  • Complex legal paperwork and documentation


👨‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps

We:

  • Identify which visas you’re eligible for based on your experience

  • Assist in modifying your current visa (e.g. student → work)

  • Work with your Spanish employer to submit legal sponsorship

  • Manage NIE registration, residence permits, and job-related contracts


📞 Ready to Launch Your Career in Spain?

📅 Book a consultation to assess your job options in Spain and get legal support every step of the way — from offer to residency.

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