Menu Close

Country card | Spain

  • Language proficiency: Spain is a linguistically diverse country. Learning Spanish is essential to access the job market and communicate effectively. Additionally, understanding regional co-official languages like Catalan, Galician, Basque or Valencian is highly valued in some areas and helps with cultural integration.
  • Work permits: International students who complete higher education in Spain can apply for a residence permit to seek employment or start a business. The process is regulated at the national level through the Spanish Immigration Portal. Some regions also offer personalised support services.
  • Networking: Building a professional network is key. Attending job fairs, sector-specific events or university activities is a great way to connect with companies. Platforms like LinkedIn and events such as JOBBarcelona or Madrid’s Employment Forum can be useful resources.
  • Internships: University internships, both curricular and extracurricular, allow students to apply knowledge and gain professional experience. Most universities collaborate with companies from various sectors, facilitating gradual entry into the labour market.

Legal procedures. Essential steps for foreign citizens to live and work in Spain

  • For non-EU citizens: Information about residence, work permits and required documentation (e.g., visa, NIE/TIE).
  • For EU citizens: Registration Certificate of Registration for EU Citizens, a mandatory procedure to reside and work in Spain.
  • LinkedIn Jobs: Professional platform where companies post job offers directly.
  • InfoJobs: Spain’s largest job portal, used by companies across the country.
  • Indeed (aggregator): Collects job offers from multiple sources, including company websites.
  • Glassdoor (aggregator): Combines job listings with company reviews from various platforms.
  • JobTeaser: Targeted at students and recent graduates with early-career opportunities.
  • Empléate: Job portal from the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) featuring national job offers.

Graduate starting salaries in Spain vary by academic field, region, and type of company. The Labour Market Insertion Survey by the INE (Spanish Statistical Institute) provides national data on employability and salary levels. Additionally, CRUE Universidades Españolas regularly publishes reports on graduates’ career paths and expectations.Regionally, some autonomous communities like Catalonia produce more detailed analyses. For example, IDESCAT (Statistical Institute of Catalonia (IDESCAT)) and AQU Catalunya provide insights into labour integration and salaries in the region. Find out more here: in Catalan / in English.

Spain has a diversified economy, with strong opportunities in:

  • Technology & Digital: Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia lead in innovation, AI, cybersecurity and gaming.
  • Energy & Green Transition: Companies like Iberdrola, Naturgy and Repsol promote renewable energy across Spain.
  • Health & Biotechnology: Catalonia and Madrid are home to top centres in digital health and pharma.
  • Industry & Automotive: Spain is a major European producer, with plants in Catalonia, Valencia and the Basque Country.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: Andalusia, Catalonia, the Balearic and Canary Islands are top national and international destinations.
  • Logistics & Transport: Ports like Barcelona, Valencia or Algeciras connect Spain to the global market.

For more labour market insights in Spain and Catalonia:

Economy and employment opportunities in Spain

Spain has a dynamic, diversified economy with strategic sectors such as technology, automotive, tourism, health, energy, and logistics. It is one of Europe’s top foreign investment destinations and has modern infrastructure, a wide university network, and a strong innovation ecosystem. The country is also internationally oriented and offers professional opportunities at both national and regional levels.

Catalonia is one of Spain’s most innovative regions. It leads sectors like automotive (SEAT, Nissan), biotech (Grifols, Almirall), and digital industries, especially in Barcelona’s 22@ district. It also stands out in renewable energy and tourism with a global reach.

Other regions like Madrid, Andalusia, the Basque Country and Valencia also play key roles in Spain’s economy, excelling in finance, aerospace, clean energy, international trade and tourism. Spain offers a rich and diverse landscape of opportunities for young professionals.

Ramon Llull University offers students and graduates career services including job counselling, guidance, and a job board with internship and employment opportunities.

Career Services and job Banks