After you move to Madrid or secure your visa, you might need to search for employment. This guide explains how to find a job in Madrid, step by step.
Is it hard to find a job in Madrid?
Yes, it is really hard. Spain has one of the highest unemployment rates in the European Union. The competition for local positions is very high. In addition, salaries are lower than in northern Europe.
You must prepare a Spanish-style CV and target the right industries to succeed. Expect your search to take two to four months.
Main industries in Madrid
Madrid’s economy is service-based. The largest sectors are tourism, finance, hospitality, and technology.
The city has a growing startup hub. Startups are located in areas like Malasaña and Chamberí.
These startups are the best targets for English speakers. They often hire international candidates for software development, product management, and sales.
Check your right to work
You must have the legal right to work in Spain before you apply for jobs. Employers will ask for proof of work authorization during the application process.
European Union citizens
Citizens of the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland can work in Spain without a visa. You still need to register your address and apply for your identity number.
Non-EU citizens
If you are from outside the EU, you need a visa that permits employment. The most common options are a work visa sponsored by an employer or a student visa. Student visas allow you to work part-time.
You can also apply for the Digital Nomad Visa if you work remotely for foreign clients.
Work visa for Spain Digital Nomad Visa Spain Freelance and autónomo visa for Spain
Work permits for students
If you hold a student visa, you can complete internships (prácticas) without a separate work permit. These internships must be part of your study program. They require a tripartite agreement called a convenio de prácticas.
The agreement is signed by you, your university, and the employer. Student internships are often unpaid or offer a small travel stipend.
Format your CV for Spain
Spanish recruiters expect specific details on your curriculum vitae. You should update your CV format before applying.
Spanish CV conventions
Include these details in your CV:
- Professional photo : It is standard to include a clean, professional headshot in the top corner.
- Personal details : List your full name, email, phone number, and address.
- Nationality and date of birth : Many recruiters expect this information on the document.
- Language levels : Clearly state your level of Spanish and English. Use the CEFR scale if possible.
Prohibited but common CV details
In the past, Spanish candidates listed their marital status (estado civil) and number of children on their CV. This practice is outdated and no longer recommended. You should omit these details to prevent potential hiring discrimination.
However, you should still include your birth date. Many Spanish HR departments use it for demographic records.
Translation advice
Translate your CV into Spanish if you apply to local companies. You can keep your CV in English for international tech companies.
Keep your document short. Do not exceed two pages. List your experience in reverse chronological order.
Search online portals
Most companies in Madrid advertise their open positions online. You must check the main job boards daily.
Best job websites
Use these portals for your search:
- LinkedIn : Excellent for international companies, startups, and English-speaking roles.
- InfoJobs : The largest job board in Spain. It is important for local companies but requires Spanish language skills.
- Tecnoempleo : A specialized portal for software developers, IT professionals, and tech roles.
- Indeed Spain : Good for customer service, language teaching, and general administrative roles.
Specialized job portals for expats
Madrid has a large market for English language teaching. If you want to teach English, check specialized portals. Use websites like LingoBongo and TEFL.com to find teaching roles in academies.
You can also apply for the Auxiliares de Conversación program. This is a government program for language assistants. It provides a monthly stipend of €1,000 and health insurance in exchange for 16 hours of work per week.
Networking and recruitment agencies
Many positions are filled through networking. Attend local expat meetups and professional events in Madrid.
You should also register with recruitment agencies like Adecco or Randstad. These agencies place candidates in temporary and permanent roles.
The interview process
The hiring process in Spain is structured and can take several weeks.
Step 1: Initial screening
An HR representative will call you for a brief phone interview. They will verify your language skills and salary expectations.
Step 2: Manager interview
You will meet the hiring manager in person or online. Prepare to discuss your relevant experience and achievements.
Step 3: Practical test
Many companies require a technical test or case study. This is common in the tech and marketing sectors.
Step 4: Final HR interview
You will discuss the contract details, start date, and benefits. The company will send you a formal offer letter.
Cultural tips for Spanish interviews
Spanish business culture is relatively formal during the hiring phase. Dress professionally for all interviews. Even tech startups expect candidates to wear business casual attire.
Be prepared for small talk (conversación informal) at the start of the interview. Spanish recruiters value personal relationships and team fit.
Prepare references from previous managers. Spanish employers often request reference contacts before making a final offer.
The probation period
Once you start, your contract will include a trial period. This is called the período de prueba.
During this period, either party can end the contract without notice. The probation period is usually two to six months.
The probation period (período de prueba) in Spain
Understanding Spanish job offers
Review the contract terms carefully before you accept a job offer.
Gross salary versus net salary
Spanish companies always quote salaries as a gross annual amount. This is called the salario bruto.
Your take-home pay is the salario neto. Taxes and social security will be deducted from your gross pay.
Salaries in Spain How income tax works in Spain (IRPF)
Social security contributions
Both you and your employer must contribute to the social security system. Your employer pays about 30% of your salary to social security on top of your gross pay.
You pay about 6.35% of your gross salary for social security. This amount is automatically deducted from your monthly payslip (nómina).
12 versus 14 monthly payments
Spanish salaries can be split into 12 or 14 payments per year. The 14-payment system includes two extra payments. These are called pagas extraordinarias.
You receive these extra payments in July and December. The annual salary remains the same in both systems.
Example: Your gross annual salary is €28,000. In a 12-payment system, you receive €2,333 gross per month. In a 14-payment system, you receive €2,000 gross per month, plus an extra €2,000 in July and December.
Paid vacation days
By Spanish law, you have the right to paid vacation. The legal minimum is 30 calendar days per year. This equals 22 working days of paid vacation per year. Collective agreements might offer more days.
Collective bargaining agreements
Every worker in Spain is covered by a collective agreement. This is called a convenio colectivo. These agreements are negotiated between trade unions and employer associations. They define specific rules for each industry.
A convenio colectivo covers details like minimum salaries, overtime pay, and holiday allowances. The collective agreement overrides general labor laws if the terms are more beneficial to the worker. Ask your employer which convenio colectivo applies to your contract.
Contract types
The new Spanish labor law prioritizes permanent contracts. These are called contratos indefinidos.
Temporary contracts are called contratos temporales. They are only legal under specific seasonal conditions.
What does “se ofrece contrato” mean in Spanish job offers?
Questions and answers
Do I need to speak Spanish to find a job in Madrid?
Maybe. If you work in tech startups or international customer support, English is often enough. For local companies, you must speak Spanish.
What is the minimum wage in Spain?
The Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI) is €1,221 per month. This is paid in 14 instalments. It equals €1,424.50 per month if paid in 12 instalments.
Can I look for work on a student visa?
Yes. You can work up to 30 hours per week. The job must not interfere with your studies.
What are the standard working hours in Madrid?
40 hours per week. A typical office schedule is 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. This includes a one-hour lunch break.
Do I need a cover letter in Spain?
Yes. Spanish companies expect a short cover letter. This is called a carta de presentación. Keep it to three paragraphs.
How long does the hiring process take?
Usually four to eight weeks. It can take longer for senior or corporate roles. Keep applying to multiple positions.
