With its year-round sunshine, relaxed pace of life and affordable cost of living, Andalucia has long been a dream destination for Brits and Americans alike.
But while the idea of swapping London drizzle or New York hustle for tapas and terraces sounds idyllic, many prospective residents worry about work opportunities.
Andalucia’s economy is dominated by tourism, agriculture and construction, which means English-speaking expats can find work, but it often comes with caveats.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you’re planning to make the move.
Tourism and hospitality
It’s no surprise that Andalucía’s strongest job market for foreigners is in tourism. From the Costa del Sol to Granada and Sevilla, hotels, bars, travel agencies and tour operators rely heavily on English-speaking staff.
Roles such as receptionists, bar staff, and customer service agents are in high demand, particularly during the summer months.
However, pay tends to be modest, averaging between €1,200 and €1,600 per month for full-time work.
Fluency in Spanish gives candidates a significant advantage, as many employers expect staff to handle both Spanish and international clientele.
If you don’t know Spanish, you may still find work in a bar or pub in heavily British areas like Fuengirola, Sabinillas, Torremolinos or parts of Mijas.
Real estate and property management
Given the region’s booming housing market and the flood of foreign buyers, estate agencies are constantly seeking bilingual agents – although there are many who speak English only and sell millions of euros worth of homes each year.
Brits and Americans with sales experience often thrive here, particularly in coastal hotspots such as Marbella, Estepona and Nerja.
Positions in property sales, rentals, and holiday management can be lucrative, however bear in mind that they are mostly commission-based.
If you want to work as an estate agent, it is advisable to arrive with enough funds to get you through at least your first year.
Even if you do make a few sales, commissions can take months to land into your bank account, and you will need to pay your rent, bills and car rental etc.
Teaching English
Teaching remains one of the most stable and accessible routes into employment. Qualified teachers with a TEFL or CELTA certificate can find work in language academies or as private tutors.
Hourly rates vary from €15 to €25, depending on experience and location. Sevilla, Malaga and Cordoba have thriving English language markets, while rural towns may offer fewer opportunities but lower living costs.
However, the work can be unstable and some academies are notorious for paying their teachers late.
Remote and digital work
Since the introduction of Spain’s digital nomad visa, remote working has exploded. Many expats now bring their careers with them, working for UK or US companies from their Andalucian terrace.
Tech professionals, designers, writers, marketers and consultants are increasingly setting up base in cities like Malaga – recently dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of southern Europe’ thanks to its growing tech hub.
There are also a growing number of tech companies in the province who need workers.
Entrepreneurship and self-employment
Some expats choose to create their own opportunities by starting small businesses, from cafes and boutique hotels to wellness retreats and online ventures.
While bureaucracy can be daunting, Andalucia’s autónomo (self-employed) regime offers reduced rates for new entrepreneurs in their first years of business.
Knowing some Spanish and having a local gestor (accountant) is invaluable.
But it is also advisable to come with enough savings to get you through your first year, as there are a lot of extra fees and costs associated with being self-employed.
Tradespeople
People who are skilled in a trade have an advantage over many.
There will always be a demand for English-speaking gardeners, plumbers, electricians and decorators etc – with the added bonus of cash-in-hand jobs.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
