Working in Spain
Working in Spain in the heat of summer isn't like being on holiday. Working in summer on the Costas or Balearic Islands in tourism or hospitality involves long hours and few days off, but you could always have the winter off to recover! Non-seasonal jobs tend to be in cities or in areas where the favourable winter climate attracts tourists all year round.
Many British people want to escape to the sunshine coasts or "costas" of Spain, but the question of how to earn a living there often remains unanswered! Unless fortunate enough not to have to find work or of an age when work is optional, an income is desirable if not essential.
It is possible to start a business in Spain, but this is no longer easy for British passport holders who have no automatic right to work in Spain since Brexit.
EU Citizens
Citizens of the EU, or permanent residents of Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit), have the right to work in Spain.
British Passport Holders not resident in Spain and not subject to the Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit)
British passport holders who are not subject to the Withdrawal Agreement since Brexit will now need a visa to stay for any longer than 90 days in 180 days. Even if it is possible to get a visa, it's worthwhile doing some homework before selling up and deciding to move to Spain! For example, some professions or occupations are regulated, as is the case in the UK, although to a lesser extent than in Spain. However, professions or occupations that are regulated in the UK may not be regulated in Spain and vice versa. This may affect you if you wish to carry on with your profession or occupation in Spain.
Working remotely for an employer outside of Spain or becoming self employed if most of your clients are from outside of Spain is a possibillity as there is a comparatively new visa for Digiital Nomads. Details are on a separate page, headed Brexit and Visas
Teaching English online is a possibility from anywhere in Spain, providing at least 80 percent of your contracts come from outside of Spain (in order to apply for a visa).Did you know?
To live and work in Spain, you'll first need a NIE (Foreigners National ID). Applications can be made at police stations and foreigners offices in Spain or in advance at the Spanish Consulate offices in London or Manchester. And of course British passport holders or others without a EU passport or right to work under the Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit) will need a visa.