Working in Spain
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
The average annual salary across all sectors in Spain is €28,050, or €2,337.50 per month. This is before tax deductions, and varies greatly depending on industry, job location and level of seniority.
For example, those working in Spain’s engineering sector can expect an annual gross salary of €30,000 - €60,000 per year, depending on experience, area of specialisation, and location. In contrast, salaries in the energy sector can expect to earn anywhere between €34,500 and €110,000 gross salary per year, again depending on many aspects of the role.
General information
Currency
Euro (€)
Official language
Spanish
Conversational languages
Catalan Valencian Galician Basque Araense
Time zone
Winter period: Central European Time (UTC+01:00) Summer period: Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Spain
Living in Spain offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent healthcare, vibrant and diverse cultures, and a generally lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. However, expenses can vary significantly depending on where you live.
- On average, a weekly grocery shop for a small family typically costs between €150-€200
- Monthly childcare costs can range from €100-€300 in public centres to €450-€900 in private nurseries or preschools
- Rental prices vary widely; a 2-3 bedroom apartment in a major city might cost between €900-€1,800 a month, while in smaller towns it can be as low as €500-€800 a month
- Fuel prices hover around €1.48 for a litre of petrol and €1.43 for a litre of diesel
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Valid driver’s licences include those issued by EU/EEA countries, which can be used without restriction as long as they are current. Licences from countries with bilateral agreements, such as Argentina, Colombia, Morocco, and others, can typically be exchanged for a Spanish licence without retaking tests. Once you become a resident, most non-EU licences are only valid for six months, after which you must exchange them (if eligible) or apply for a Spanish licence.
Weather in Spain
Spain has a diverse climate that varies by region, but most areas experience hot summers and mild winters. Southern and eastern coastal areas are typically sunny and dry, with summer temperatures often above 35°C and winter lows of 8-12°C. Central regions, including Madrid, experience very hot summers, sometimes reaching 38°C, and cold winters with lows of around 0-2°C. Northern areas are cooler and wetter, with summer highs of 22-26°C and winter lows of 4-8°C. The Canary Islands enjoy year-round mild temperatures of 18-28°C.
Language and integration support
Spain offers a range of language and integration support services for newcomers, particularly through government programmes, regional authorities, and local municipalities. These include free or subsidised Spanish language courses, legal assistance, cultural orientation, and help accessing healthcare and education. The availability and quality of services vary by region and legal status, with some areas offering more comprehensive support than others.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Spain
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
