How do you find a job in Spain?

For many Poles, Spain is not only a country of sunshine and holiday landscapes, but also a place for a new start - in life and professionally. More and more compatriots are deciding to emigrate here. Some arrive with a ready-made job offer, others only start looking for employment upon arrival. So it is worth knowing what the Spanish labor market looks like, what documents are required and in which industries it is easiest to find a job.

Service sector and beyond

Most employment opportunities can be found in the service sector - primarily in tourism and catering, which are the backbone of the economy of many regions, especially the coast. Poles also work in elderly care, construction, renovation, and seasonally in agriculture, on vegetable and fruit plantations.

Increasingly, employment is also being offered by customer service centers (so-called call centers), especially to those with Polish and English language skills. In this case, experience in office work and computer skills will be an added advantage.

Documents and paperwork

Before you start working in Spain, you need to take care of some basic formalities. The most important of these are:

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - identification number for foreigners,
• Número de Seguridad Social - necessary for social and health insurance coverage,
• bank account at a Spanish financial institution.

Without these documents, legal employment will not be possible. Therefore, it is worth going to the relevant office or using the help of Gestoria - an office that helps with administrative matters.

Language is the key

Although many Spanish employers understand English (but it's still rare), knowing Spanish significantly improves your chances of getting hired. Even basic communication allows you to perform better at an interview, understand your responsibilities or communicate with your team.

Those who don't already know Spanish can take advantage of local language courses or online applications such as Duolingo or Babbel. Many towns also have immigrant associations that organize free classes.

Where to look for offers?

Job listings can be found on numerous job portals, including InfoJobs, Indeed and Milanuncios. Small ads on www.polska-costa.com or Facebook groups that bring together the Polish community in Spain are also playing an increasingly important role. It is there that advertisements for jobs “on recommendation” often appear - in a bar, hotel, caring or construction.

It's also a good idea to visit potential places of employment in person and leave your resume - preferably written in Spanish. Direct contact with the owner or manager is still very important, especially in small towns and family-owned businesses.

Patience pays off

Although beginnings can be difficult, many Poles have found their place and a rewarding job in Spain. However, this requires perseverance, flexibility and a willingness to learn - not only the language, but also the realities of the market. The best investment in professional success often turns out to be a willingness to learn new skills and an openness to different forms of employment.