🧑💼 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:
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How to get job offers legally
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What visas employers can sponsor
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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:
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A job offer and sponsored work permit (cuenta ajena)
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A Digital Nomad Visa (remote work for non-Spanish clients)
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Or a self-employed visa (freelancers/entrepreneurs)
🔍 Where to Search for Jobs in Spain
🖥️ Top Job Platforms
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InfoJobs.net – most used in Spain
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LinkedIn Spain – especially for tech, startups, and remote jobs
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Glassdoor.es – company reviews + offers
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Tecnoempleo.com – IT & tech jobs
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SEPE – public job listings
📋 Industries With High Demand for Foreign Talent
✅ Technology
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Software development, cloud, cybersecurity
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Foreign IT workers are often eligible for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa
✅ Tourism & Hospitality
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Hotels, restaurants, customer service
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Knowledge of English + Spanish is helpful
✅ Healthcare
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Nurses, doctors, caregivers (with credential recognition)
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May require additional certifications
✅ Education
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English teachers, bilingual school staff
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Some sponsored teaching programs available
✅ Remote Work
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Use the Digital Nomad Visa to work remotely from Spain
💼 Tips for Getting Hired as a Foreigner
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Tailor your CV to Spanish standards (short, clear, avoid overly creative designs)
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Write your cover letter in Spanish and English
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Get a NIE number early — some employers request it
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Apply to companies that sponsor work permits (see Article 5)
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Use networking events, LinkedIn, and local startup meetups
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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:
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Cuenta Ajena Work Visa → standard employment
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Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP) → for senior/tech roles
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ICT Visa → if you’re being transferred from abroad
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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
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Few companies willing to sponsor non-EU workers
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Language barrier (many jobs require Spanish)
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Long visa processing times
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Complex legal paperwork and documentation
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps
We:
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Identify which visas you’re eligible for based on your experience
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Assist in modifying your current visa (e.g. student → work)
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Work with your Spanish employer to submit legal sponsorship
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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.