Many people want to know how to find a job in Spain. Spain is not just a popular destination for retired people, it is also becoming increasingly popular with the younger generation, workers who want a better quality of life for their families.

It is easy for EU nationals, like British people, to move to Spain and work in Spain because all they need is a valid passport. US citizens, and other non-EU nationals who want to live and work in Spain, will need to get the relevant visa and permit to legally work in Spain.

To get an Employee Visa from the Spanish Consulate in your home country, you will need to provide proof of employment such as a job offer. Even if you do not require a visa, it is advisable to find employment or to have self-employment organised before moving to Spain. Use the internet to search or visit Spain.

Here are some tips on how to find a job in Spain:

1. Resume/CV – Get your resume or CV sorted out. Think about what skills you have to offer. Mention if you have computer skills and some command of Spanish.
2. Qualifications – Gather any certificates, diplomas etc. and if you are worried about whether they will be recognized in Spain, talk to your Spanish Consulate. If you are in the UK, you can seek advice from the Department for Education and Skills. You can also get your qualifications certified (homologisacion) by the Spanish Ministry for Sport, Education and Culture but they charge a fee and it can take over a year to sort out.
3. Search for jobs online – Use websites such as www.empleo.com, www.eurojobs.com, www.monster.es, www.trabajo.es etc. There are many others and there are also specialist job search sites for certain occupations.
4. Check the classifieds – Many Spanish newspapers have websites listing job vacancies. El Pais classifieds can be found at www.clasificados.el.pais.com
5. There are also English newspapers in expat areas which advertise jobs.
6. Job Seeker magazines and newspapers – For example, El Mercado de Trabajo.
7. Job Centre – You can find offices for the National Employment Institute (INEM) in many areas. They list local job vacancies and may be able to give you advice on how to find a job in Spain - www.inem.es .
8. Agencies – There are employment agencies that you can register with but the positions available tend to be temporary positions: www.adecco.com, www.select.es .
9. Learn Spanish – So many more jobs will be open to you if you have some knowledge of Spanish.

You may be lucky. It may be that you can continue earning a salary in your home country by working via the internet.

Other common occupations of people moving to Spain include:

1. Seasonal work – Work in the tourist industry.
2. Teaching – With a TEFL certificate you may be able to find work in language schools teaching English. Some Spanish companies employ English teachers to teach their employees English so it may be worth contacting major employers in your area. You could also contact schools in your area to offer tutoring to children.
3. Trades – If you move to an expat area and you have a trade such as plumbing, you may find it easy to find work. Many people like to employ tradespeople who can speak their own language.
4. Freelancing – Some people have skills such as software programming, web design, editing etc. which they can use to make an income over the internet.
5. Own business – Many people either buy an existing business or set up their own business in Spain. Make sure that you research everything carefully.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you are able to make an income and that you research and plan everything carefully.