The complete guide to working in Madrid
Spain is certainly one of the best destinations for expatriates in Europe, with its pleasant climate, year-round sunshine and low cost of living. For these reasons, many Europeans come to Madrid to find their dream job.
Living in Spain and working in Madrid
Thousands of people want to live in Spain. Often synonymous with vacations, it’s important to do your research before leaving everything behind to try your hand at adventure.
Like its European neighbors, Spain is made up of different regions where the weather and culture are very different from the rest of the country.
The climate is also very different, depending on the geographical area. You’ll find colder areas in the north and west, and warmer regions in the south and east.
Andalusia is very hot, and summers can be excessively hot.
“The cost of living in Spain is low”, yes and no, it depends on where you live. If you want to live and work in Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll be surprised at the high cost of rent and property. Some neighborhoods come close to Parisian prices.
How can I work in Madrid?
Working in Madrid is relatively straightforward, and you won’t have to deal with a lot of red tape.
The only essential document is the NIE, which allows you to open a bank account and sign an employment contract with a Spanish company.
For more information on obtaining the NIE, visit our blog. We’ll soon be publishing a detailed article on the steps involved.
Once you’ve got your NIE, all you have to do is find the job of your dreams and settle in Spain. Before you begin your job search, we strongly recommend that you find out about working conditions in Spain and the laws governing Spanish workers.
It’s important to note that social benefits in Spain differ from those in other European countries.
Do you need to speak Spanish to work in Spain?
As we’ve mentioned, working in Madrid or Spain is technically and administratively very straightforward. However, finding a job is another matter, and there are two important points to bear in mind if you want to work in Spain.
Firstly, competition is fierce. Getting a job in a Spanish company with a local contract is virtually mission impossible.
Secondly, and most importantly, it’s crucial to speak the local language. This requirement is not specific to Spain; in any country in the world, you’ll need to master the language to succeed.
During your research, you may hear stories of people working in Spain without speaking a word of Spanish. Although this is possible, it is extremely rare.
Why choose Madrid as a study destination?
Getting around Madrid, the public transport guide
Visiting Madrid in winter: what to see and do?
Things to see and do in Madrid as a family with a baby
Unusual Madrid, the best things to do and see
What to do and visit at the Royal Palace of madrid ?
How to save money on cheap travel to Spain?
Weather in Spain in October: what’s the weather like?
Visit the Prado Museum – The ultimate Guide
The guide to prepare your stay in Madrid
How to find a job in Spain
Now that you know what it takes to work in Spain, let’s talk about the winning way to find a job in Spain. Here are 2 tips to maximize your chances of finding your dream job in Spain.
Tip nº1: Register on Spanish ad sites
Job boards are a great place to start your search for work in Madrid or Spain. This will give you an idea of what’s on offer, the type of company looking for employees, and the salary and qualifications required.
A second important point is to put your CV online in Spanish. You can post your CV in Spanish if you wish. To maximize your chances of finding a job quickly, opt for an optimized CV that will make all the difference.
Once you’ve done that, all you have to do is activate your alerts to receive the offers posted on the page first.
Tip nº2: Network and prospect locally
Networking is very important when you want to work in Madrid. Knowing expatriates who live in Madrid is very useful and will open doors for you.