Moving to Spain often means rethinking how you’ll earn a living. From freelancing and remote work to running a small business or finding local employment, there are many routes open to you – but each comes with its own challenges and rewards.
Before you pack your bags, it’s worth exploring how the Spanish job market works, what opportunities really exist for foreigners and how to prepare for the financial realities of life abroad.
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Contents
- Employment in Spain
- Starting a business in Spain
- Bars, restaurants and seasonal businesses
- Freelancing and online work
- Planning ahead and financial advice
- Frequently asked questions
Employment in Spain
If you’re a UK citizen with residency rights or an EU passport holder, you’re entitled to work in Spain. While there are no formal restrictions, competition is fierce. Spain’s unemployment rate is consistently higher than in the UK – in 2025 it stood at around 11.7% compared with the UK’s 4.3%. This means that many jobs, especially entry-level or service roles, are highly competitive.
Speaking Spanish is a huge advantage, not just for customer-facing jobs but also to understand workplace culture and legal requirements. Employers will usually prioritise local candidates who already know the language and system.
Starting a business in Spain
To set up your own business, you’ll need to register as self-employed or set up a company (Image: Jossfoto via Shutterstock)
Many expats dream of running their own business in Spain, whether that’s a small company, a franchise or a property-based venture. Setting up a business here involves navigating tax rules, employment law and sometimes complex regional regulations. You’ll need to register as autónomo (self-employed) or set up a company, which carries additional costs and accounting responsibilities.
| Option | Pros | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a franchise | Recognised brand, support network, proven model | Upfront costs, franchise fees, less independence |
| Starting from scratch | Creative freedom, build your own brand | High risk, must manage tax, staffing, suppliers |
| Property-based (B&B, rentals) | Use your property to generate income, flexible | Seasonal demand, regulations, competition |
Bars, restaurants and seasonal businesses
Running a bar or restaurant in Spain is a common expat ambition – but many underestimate how tough it can be. You’ll face seasonal highs and lows, stiff competition and long hours, often including weekends. Before investing, ask yourself: who are your customers, how will you stand out and how will you handle staffing and suppliers? The Spanish hospitality industry can be rewarding, but it requires resilience, capital, and solid planning.
Freelancing and online work
For many expats, the simplest option is to take their skills online. Freelancing in areas such as writing, editing, design, programming, accounting or consultancy can provide location independence and allow you to work with international clients. As long as you’re registered correctly for tax in Spain, this can be a flexible and practical way to support life abroad.
Remote work has grown sharply since 2020, and Spain’s infrastructure – with widespread broadband coverage and affordable coworking spaces – makes it a good base for digital professionals.
Planning ahead and financial advice
Whatever path you choose, research is essential. Consider demand, local competition and your own language skills before committing. It’s wise to explore potential income streams before leaving the UK, so you know how you’ll manage finances from day one. Tax and social security in Spain can be complex, so getting advice from a reputable financial advisor is strongly recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Spain and get a job?
Yes, if you have the right to work. However, you’ll compete with local candidates and should expect the process to be tougher if you don’t speak fluent Spanish. Many expats find opportunities in tourism, hospitality, real estate or through remote work.
Is 3000 euro a good salary in Spain?
A monthly salary of €3,000 is above average in Spain, where the median is closer to €2,100 gross. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most areas, though costs are higher in Madrid and Barcelona than in smaller towns.
How hard is it to find a job in Spain as a foreigner?
It can be challenging, particularly in regions with high unemployment. Without Spanish language skills, your options are limited. Jobs in international companies or remote freelancing are often more accessible for foreigners.
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