Spain has been one of the best destinations for expats to live. Its remote work policies, visa opportunities, and tech hub growth also position it as a viable career destination. Finding jobs in Spain for foreigners has become increasingly accessible. Big cities have become magnets for multinational headquarters, while others have emerged as tech and startup hubs in Spain and across Europe. But, where exactly can you find these job opportunities in Spain? Let's look at the cities with the strongest prospects and where to find jobs in Spain as a foreigner.
Best Cities in Spain for Jobs and Expat Employment Opportunities
Madrid — Spain's Business Capital
The capital Madrid is Spain's leading business hub with the largest job opportunities. It is home to many embassies, corporate headquarters, and startups. While the business landscape is diverse, finance, digital marketing, logistics and tech are the prominent industries. In Madrid job opportunities for expats span multiple sectors, with many roles accessible in English. 
Multinational corporations in sectors such as finance and consulting seek English-speaking hires. These jobs in Madrid Spain can be in product, sales, engineering, or corporate functions. Additionally, its startup ecosystem is one of the strongest in Europe, supported by robust infrastructure. Madrid attracts expats working in Spain with its dynamic professional scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It offers big city energy with easy access to nature.
Barcelona — Vibrant Tech & Creative Hub
Barcelona stands out as one of the best cities for tech jobs in Spain, with its large and fast-growing tech scene. Its business scene comprises established international firms as well as vibrant startup and tech innovation centers. Job opportunities in Barcelona Spain are growing across sectors, particularly in digital services, hospitality, biotech, and creative industries. As the city's workforce becomes increasingly international, many roles are actively hired in English. Software engineer, product manager, UX/UI, and digital marketing positions are especially common among Barcelona jobs for English speakers.
Barcelona is widely acknowledged as one of Europe's leading Spanish startup hubs, with a notable tech community. This innovative environment fosters networking events and talent exchanges, making it ideal for career growth. The city also attracts many remote professionals with its Mediterranean lifestyle. While a major urban center, it offers easy access to beaches, rich cultural life, and year-round outdoor activities.
Malaga — Growing Tech Hub
Expat favorite Malaga has been historically tourism-driven, but now it has become a place where tech firms and startups are flocking. With its tech revolution, an increasing number of people are calling Malaga the new Silicon Valley of Europe. This city is seeing growing opportunities in IT and service roles with many corporate relocations. While the hospitality sector remains a large employer, there is significant growth in ICT, corporate functions, and business operations.
English roles can be found in tourism-related positions such as hotel ops and guest services. International firms and relocated startups also actively advertise many Spain IT jobs for English speakers. Malaga's business landscape has been transformed by foreign corporates setting up their regional HQs and tech operations. Its reputation is also strengthening as southern Spain's tech hub. The city also offers a good balance for living and working, renowned as one of the best Spanish cities for remote workers. Many professionals are drawn to its beach lifestyle and strong expat community.
Valencia — Europe's Emerging Tech City
With rising tech startups and improved access to talent pools, Valencia's growth has been accelerating. The city has a varied business landscape, offering opportunities across technology, logistics, agri-tech, and creative and design industries.
Increasing foreign investment and startups have made the job market increasingly English-friendly. Many near-shore service centers and tech companies advertise developer, product and data roles in English. International companies also view Valencia as an affordable talent pool compared to Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia also appeals for its lifestyle, with a lower cost of living, celebrated food culture, and traditional festivals that make it one of the best places in Spain for young professionals and families.
Most In-Demand Jobs and Fastest Growing Industries in Spain
Spain’s employment trends show increasing opportunities for foreigners. Driven by growth in multiple sectors and various options for work permits, expanding industries are creating diverse roles. Here’s a look at the most common jobs in Spain and sectors with growing prospects. 
Technology and ICT (Information & Communication Technology): Software developers, cloud specialists, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and AI/ML engineers are highly sought-after job roles in Spain, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid. The startup ecosystem is thriving, with Barcelona's tech scene, Valencia's innovation districts, and Malaga's tech park.
Renewable Energy: With green projects expanding nationwide, there is a growing demand for engineers and technicians in solar, wind, and energy efficiency. This expanding sector offers strong future career prospects.
Healthcare: Nurses, general practitioners, physiotherapists, and elderly care workers are needed throughout Spain due to demographic trends and rural healthcare gaps, particularly in Andalusia.
Language Teaching and Education: For expats, teaching English is one of the most accessible entry points, often in international schools. Demand for bilingual and language teachers is significant in Madrid, Marbella, and Valencia.
Logistics: Boosted by the growth in e-commerce and transport, many companies hire warehouse coordinators, supply-chain managers, and logistics roles in major hubs like Valencia.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities: As a growing sector, consulting, R&D, and software services are increasingly in demand across Spain's major cities.
Average Salaries in Spain’s Top Cities
The job market in Spain offers salaries that vary by sector, city, and experience level. The minimum wage for 2025 is approximately €1,381 net per month (12 payments), which sets the baseline for entry-level positions.
Spain’s gross average monthly salary is around €2,250 to €2,300. However, this can vary significantly by location and industry. While the cost of living in Spain's largest cities like Barcelona and Madrid is higher, so are the salaries. In Madrid, the average annual gross salary exceeds the national average. Reaching around €42,000 to €45,000, Madrid's average salary translates to roughly €3,500 to €3,750 gross per month.
Barcelona also has higher wages in Spain, especially in tech, finance, and professional services. The typical salary range is between €2,500 to €4,000 gross monthly, depending on the role and industry.
On the other hand, Malaga and Valencia offer more affordable living. Average gross salaries in these cities range from €2,000 to €2,800 monthly, though professional and tech roles can reach higher.
Spain offers professionals a place to build long-term careers, whether through remote work or local employment. The variety across regions allows you to tailor your move to both your career field and lifestyle preferences. With expanding opportunities in tech, healthcare, and beyond, Spain's job market for foreigners makes it a compelling destination for those ready to take the leap.
EUR
