Before you start applying for jobs in Spain, it’s important to understand the landscape. Spain is already a magnet for Europeans who move south to enjoy better weather, lower living costs, and the rich cultural life. Many of these job seekers hold European Union (EU) passports, meaning they can work freely in Spain without any special paperwork. As a Canadian, you’ll need to approach things a bit differently and we are here to help you!
While you’ll be competing with Europeans—many of whom are multilingual—you have a key advantage: native English fluency. This makes a big difference, especially if you’re looking for jobs in Spain for English speakers. And thanks to the Youth Mobility Visa, there’s a pathway designed especially for jobs in Spain for Canadian citizens.
So yes, the market can be competitive—but if you prepare, bring the right attitude, and possibly get TEFL/TESOL certified, your chances of finding job opportunities in Spain are strong.
Your Spain Youth Mobility (Working Holiday) Visa gives you an open work permit for 12 months. That means you can legally work and travel across the country — from the islands of Ibiza, Lanzarote, to the vibrant cities of Sevilla and Bilbao!
Many Canadians take advantage of this time to explore the diverse regions of Spain. It may seem small compared to Canada, but you’ll be amazed at how each “Comunidad Autónoma” (autonomous community) offers something unique.
To start working, be ready to show: Your stamped Working Holiday visa, Social Security Number (Número de Seguridad Social), NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and if needed, your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). These documents are essential when applying for jobs in Spain for Canadian citizens.
Jobs in Spain for English speakers are available, but competition can be high. Spain has one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe, so it’s important to be persistent and well-prepared.
Popular job opportunities in Spain for Canadians include:
Canadians often start with flexible roles, like teaching English or freelancing, and then branch out. Jobs in Spain for Canadian citizens are available year-round, but seasonal work is especially popular.
Key industries that typically hire international workers include:
Freelance work is also a growing option for Canadians, especially in digital fields. Just make sure you understand local tax obligations if you’re self-employed.
Short-term and flexible job options include event work (festivals, concerts, sports events), English tutoring (great for side income), and online freelance work. Some Canadians also work in farming or with wineries for a hands-on rural experience. Jobs in Spain for Canadian citizens aren’t limited to big cities!
When it comes to jobs in Spain for English speakers, location matters. The further you go from major cities or tourist hotspots, the harder it can be to find work unless you speak Spanish. That said, smaller towns also have less competition and you will learn Spanish sooner!
Learning Spanish will open up more job and connection opportunities in Spain. It’s not mandatory for all roles, but it does help in the long run. Plus, you’ll enjoy your experience more when you can communicate with locals!
Interested to learn more about our Spain Working Holiday Visa Programs?
Get in touch and one of our travel coordinators will get back to you to help start planning your Spain Working Holiday Adventure, obtaining your Spain Work Visa and finding a job in Spain!!
Tailor your resume to the Spanish format. Add a photo, your nationality, and even your date of birth. Our team at Stepabroad can help you adapt your resume.
Check out job boards online like:
Staffing agencies like Adecco have local offices in Spain and are experienced in helping international candidates. Another great way to find opportunities is through networking — join expat groups on Facebook, attend local meetups, and connect with other Canadians; word-of-mouth often leads to great job leads.
At Stepabroad, we also support Canadians by working directly with employers in the English teaching field, especially summer camps, and can help connect you with real jobs in Spain.
Applying for jobs in Spain may feel different than in Canada. Employers often expect a professional photo on your CV, personal details like your marital status and address, and cover letters written in Spanish if possible. It also helps to clearly explain the Youth Mobility Visa for Canadians, as many employers aren’t familiar with it.
A typical work week might be Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but many sectors (like hospitality and retail) have longer hours and include weekends. Some shops still close for a midday, not really for the well-known “siesta”, but because they are open until very late at night, so they need to have a lunch break. Remember that in Spain, people eat lunch from 1.30pm- 3:00pm. You might work split shifts in restaurants or late hours in clubs and bars, where business are open until very late at night. Keep in mind that during the summer, the temperatures can be pretty high throughout the day, so people tend to go out late at night when the temperature is less intense.
Vacations are generous — if you’re full-time, you could get around 22 working days plus National Holidays. If you work in a full time job, for some industries, you will get holidays during summer, but if you work in Hospitality and Retail, summer is not the best time to request time off. We recommend you to work during high season, make some money, so then you can travel around Spain or Europe in lower season (cheaper flights!).
At the same time, adjusting to life and work in Spain comes with its own challenges. Language barriers can be a challenge, so try to learn some Spanish before you arrive. Using tools like Duolingo or taking a beginner course shows employers you’re making an effort. You’ll also face job search challenges, as you’re competing with EU citizens who don’t need a visa — that’s why having your documents ready and a clear explanation of your visa is essential.
Finding jobs in Spain as a Canadian may take effort, but it’s absolutely possible. With some planning, flexibility, and the right resources, you can find job opportunities in Spain that fit your interests and career goals.
At Stepabroad, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for jobs in Spain for English speakers, short-term gigs, or something more long-term, we’ll help you make it happen.
We understand that navigating the Spanish job market — especially in a different language and culture — can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’re not just here to send you job listings. We offer personalized guidance on how to confidently speak with Spanish employers about your work rights under the Youth Mobility Visa, and help you prepare for what to expect in interviews and job applications.
We also walk you through the sometimes confusing bureaucratic steps — like how to handle appointments at immigration offices, registering for your Social Security Number, or getting your NIE o Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number) and TIE or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigner ID Card).
Our goal is to make the process smoother, less stressful, and ultimately, more successful. So, whether you’re dreaming of teaching English in Sevilla or working in hospitality in Santiago de Compostela, we’ve got your back — from your first application to your first day on the job. Let’s get you on that plane!
1-12 months
C$599
Ready to work and travel in Spain? Our Send-Off Package will help you make the big move. Your personal adviser will guide you through every step of the process, from visa support to the ‘life admin’ of setting up in Spain, ensuring you arrive fully prepared to start your Working Holiday.
2 weeks
C$1,699
Our Kick-Start Spain Program gives you the opportunity to experience living in Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia! We’ll set you up with two weeks of Spanish language lessons and fun organized social events; a ‘Becoming Local 101’ crash course, if you will.
1-36 months
C$499
No, it's not Spain. But it makes the perfect combo for one epic European Working Holiday adventure! We can organize your UK Working Holiday Visa while you are in Spain so that you can move to the UK as soon as your time in Spain ends.
It is not an absolute necessity, although it will definitely make a difference!
If you are aiming for English-speaking jobs such as an English teacher or a bartender at a busy touristic area in the coast for example, you can find work speaking a little Spanish. However, the more Spanish you speak, the more job options you are going to have, and the more fun you are going to have with your authentic Working Holiday experience in Spain!
Yes, Canadians with a Working Holiday Visa can work full-time in Spain, which is considered 40 hours/week. There are no limitations for Canadians to work anywhere in Spain, so you can work in Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, Mallorca, Sevilla… you name it!
Yes, you will need a Spanish bank account to receive pay from your workplace and pay for utilities for your home. Not to worry – Stepabroad will give you recommendations on various top bank accounts to open!
The Spain Working Holiday visa stamp in your passport, along with a Social Security Number (Seguridad Social) is what is required to start work with a Spanish employer.
We provide instructions on how to obtain the Seguridad Social. Depending on the employer, they may also request to see a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero o TIE (Foreigner ID Card). We will walk you through the rather complicated registration documents upon arrival in detail!