Working in Spain
Working in Spain as an expat — finding jobs, becoming autónomo (self-employed), starting a business, salaries, taxes and the realities of the Spanish job market.
Working in Spain can mean three very different things: employed by a Spanish company, autónomo (self-employed) or running a Spanish company. Each has its own visa, tax and social-security rules.
Finding a job
Spanish salaries are lower than UK / US / NL averages, but cost of living is too. English-speaking opportunities cluster in tourism, tech, real estate, education and customer service. LinkedIn, InfoJobs and local Facebook groups are the most active channels.
Becoming autónomo
The most common route for freelancers and remote workers.
- •Register with Hacienda (tax office) and Social Security
- •Monthly social-security fee from €87 in year 1, scaling to ~€300
- •Quarterly VAT (Modelo 303) and IRPF (Modelo 130) returns
- •Annual income-tax return
Starting a Spanish company (SL)
An SL needs €3,000 share capital, a notary deed and a corporate tax number (CIF). Plan 4–6 weeks. Corporate tax is 25% (15% for the first two profitable years for new SLs).
Working remotely for a foreign employer
Doable, but legally you must either be on the Digital Nomad Visa, on an EU passport, or have your employer set up a Spanish payroll.
Working in Spain — FAQs
Need help moving to Spain?
Our local team helps with visas, NIE, healthcare, housing and more. One friendly point of contact for your whole relocation.