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How to Find a Job in Spain - Without Speaking Spanish

Updated: Jan 27



"Can you find a job in Spain without speaking Spanish?"


This question comes up all the time when I tell my friends and relatives that I’m living (and working) in sunny ol’ Spain.


So in the spirit of new year (manifesting 2025 is gonna be the year when you finally step into the Spanish sun!🌞), I want to answer this honestly for anyone who dreams of living in Spain but feeling a bit overwhelmed by their lack of Spanish skills. If that is you, this may be the sign that you are waiting for to finally take that leap of faith and chase your Spanish dreams.


To answer this question directly: YES! It’s absolutely possible to find a job in Spain without being fluent in Spanish. However, I want to stress that learning Spanish is incredibly important—not only for enhancing your career opportunities but also for enriching your overall experience of living in this beautiful country.


In this post, I’ll share insights based on my own journey and the experiences of my international friends who’ve also found place in Spain - even without (initially) speaking the language.

Nota Bene: To work in Spain, you must have the appropriate visa, such as a Spanish residence visa, or, ideally, hold a Spanish or EU passport, which allows you to work legally. Even as a student (with a Spanish student visa), you are permitted to work for limited hours ie: for internships.


Let’s explore how you can succeed even as a beginner in Spanish and why investing the effort to learn the language will bring long-term benefits! Vamos!


1. Multilingual Skills Can Be Your Superpower


If you’re fluent in English or other in-demand languages like German, French, Mandarin, Japanese, or Nordic languages, you already have a major advantage. Many international companies in Spain prioritize hiring multilingual professionals to connect with their global clients and teams. And while most local companies tend to offer lower salaries, international companies often pay more for language skills. This is the reason why I got higher salary on my first internship than people who were native Spanish speakers - to my surprise. To put it out there, knowing other languages is a key asset in the Spanish job market.


2. Target English-Friendly Industries


To maximize your chances of finding an English-speaking jobs, focus on industries where English is already the working language. These include jobs in:


  • Tech: Start-ups and established companies alike often use English as their main language. A lot of tech companies also hire people that speak Dutch, German, French, Italian, and English. If you are fluent in English plus one (or two?) of these languages, it will be easier to land a job for you!


  • Tourism: Spain is a global tourist hub, and English-speaking talent is always in demand. In my first internship, I worked in a travel company that was selling Sagrada Familia tickets and the reason why I was the top-pick was because I was fluent in English, not to mention that I had already worked in a travel management company when I was working in Dubai!


  • Customer Service: Many companies cater to international clients and need English-speaking professionals. In my second internship (that turned into a contrato indefinido!!!), I was hired as the English-speaking Sales & Customer Service Executive! I worked there for 3.5 years and it was only on my second year in that company (back when I was preparing for my DELE exams to get a Spanish citizenship) that I enrolled in a Spanish language course!


  • Education: English teachers and teaching assistants are highly sought after in Spain. Whether you’re working in a private academy, international school, or as part of the Auxiliares de Conversación program, being a native or fluent English speaker is a huge advantage. Many positions don’t require teaching experience, but having a TEFL certificate or similar qualification can boost your chances.


3. Leverage Your Network


In Spain, networking is often the secret to finding hidden job opportunities. Many positions are never publicly advertised and are instead filled through recommendations. As mentioned on my previous post, I was able to help my Masters classmate turned brother for life (hello, saad!) land a job in the company that I was working in! Plus my other workmate also recruited 2 of his flatmates to work with us and one of them even recruited her wife to work with us too! We had fun working altogether for a year or so ❤️


But if you don’t know anyone personally who can find a job for you, you can try other ways like:


  • Attend industry events - these are great for meeting potential employers/colleagues

  • Join expat groups - they can connect you to valuable resources and contacts (maybe even to their own coampanies)

  • Use LinkedIn - build a strong profile and engage with professionals in your field! Don’t be scared to add and send a message first! I used this to find 4/5 jobs in Spain lol.


Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, a strong referral can make all the difference.


4. Highlight What Makes You Unique


Lastly, when applying for jobs, focus on what sets you apart. Whether it’s your technical expertise, cultural knowledge, or international perspective, emphasize how your background makes you an asset.

Employers are looking for candidates who bring unique value, so don’t be afraid to shine a light on your strengths.


So, can you find a job in Spain without speaking Spanish? Absolutely! With the right strategy, determination, luck, and creativity, you can land a great position even without being fluent in the language.


However, I still agree that learning Spanish will significantly enhance your experience and elevate your:


  • Career Growth - many local companies and clients prefer employees who can communicate in Spanish, especially for long-term roles.


  • Cultural Connection - speaking the language helps you build stronger relationships with colleagues, neighbours, and friends.


  • Everyday Life - from grocery shopping to going to restaurants to navigating government processes, to going to clinics and hospitals, learning the Spanish language is essential for a smoother, more enjoyable life in Spain.


Spain is full of opportunities for those willing to take the leap, so don’t let the language barrier hold you back. Come here and make it happen!


Salud!

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