Finding jobs in Barcelona

Working in sunny Barcelona is an exciting prospect, although finding jobs in Barcelona, similar to elsewhere in Spain, has been more difficult since the economic crisis. Finding work in Barcelona is not impossible but it can require time and patience. Although, as Barcelona is one of the largest international cities in the world, finding a job in Barcelona as an expat can be easier than in other parts of Spain.

Unemployment figures are also improving and there is a variety of English-speaking jobs in Barcelona and jobs for expats, particularly highly skilled workers. In the last quarter of 2016, Spain’s unemployment hit a seven-year low, although still represented one of the highest levels of unemployment in the EU.

Beyond finding employment, expats working in Barcelona should also consider how they’ll manage their finances across borders. Whether you’re sending part of your EUR salary back home, supporting family abroad, or simply managing expenses in multiple currencies, understanding your options for international money transfers can help you keep more of what you earn.

If you don’t speak Spanish, you may be limited to hotel jobs in Barcelona, or to bars and restaurants (waitressing, dishwashing, food delivery). You can apply for a job in telesales, as an English teacher in Spain, or as an au pair if you have a good command of English. If you have a good working knowledge of Spanish or Catalan, then the job opportunities in Barcelona will be significantly more diverse.

Below you’ll find several ways you can look for a job in Barcelona, plus information on:

Job vacancies in Barcelona

While the unemployment rate in Spain is improving, the situation differs from region to region. Barcelona has an unemployment rate of around 18%. As Spain recovers from the financial crisis, the good news is there are jobs to be found, especially for highly-skilled workers, as well as some English-speaking jobs in Barcelona for expats.

Catalonia’s unemployment rises when you look at youth unemployment. University graduates in particular are still having trouble finding steady and well-paying jobs in Barcelona. This doesn’t bode well for foreigners; they might find it less likely for employers in Barcelona to hire a foreigner if they can hire a local.

The protective labor laws in Spain, which some say contributed to the country’s economic crisis, are still causing problems today. A lot of companies in Barcelona are reluctant to offer new employees permanent contracts; as a result, about 50% of labor contracts are temporary. Even for part-time jobs in Barcelona, this isn’t inspiring news, although there is also the option of self-employment in Spain.

Combined with lower salaries in Spain, however, high unemployment has also contributed to skilled workers looking for jobs elsewhere in the EU. This has opened up job opportunities in Barcelona for highly skilled workers coming from abroad.

Though, if you are looking for work in Barcelona, you first need to consider your language skills. If you have some Spanish skills, you have a significantly wider range of jobs to apply for. In Barcelona, Catalán is also spoken; foreigners who have some Catalán skills along with Spanish will have better chances of landing a top-paying job. If you have poor Spanish skills and zero Catalán, don’t worry. There are still many English-speaking jobs in Barcelona catering to the city’s extensive foreign community.

Who can work in Barcelona?

EU/EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss citizens are allowed to work in Barcelona without requiring a Spanish work permit. People coming from any other country, however, typically need a Spanish visa, as well as an NIE. You also have to register with the Agencia Tributaria, the Spanish tax office.

To get a work visa for Barcelona, a company or employer must officially hire you first. They then arrange a work permit on your behalf through the Dirección Provincial de Trabajo, Seguridad Social y Asuntos Sociales. Once you have a work permit, then you can take the next step and apply for a Spanish work permit. Read more in our guide to Spanish work visas.

Once you’ve secured your work documentation, you may need to handle various payments and transfers as part of the setup process. Some administrative fees or document costs might require international payments, so it’s worth considering your options for transferring money to and from Spain early in the process.

Jobs in Barcelona for expats

Around 15% of Barcelona‘s population is foreign – and rising in recent years. Barcelona also accounts for the largest population in Catalonia (around 75% live in Barcelona alone).

Foreigners represent around 20% of the unemployed population, but also account for around 20% of new job contracts in Barcelona.

While the agriculture and construction sectors are still recovering, there has been an employment increase in these sectors, as well as in services and industry. In general, the sectors that generate the most employment are industry and services. Barcelona’s industry sector is notable for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, car manufacturing and agri-food, while activities in the services sector relating to tourism, trade, logistics, new technologies and transport also show a tendency towards growth. Foreigners with expert or management skills in such areas can find a decent range of jobs in Barcelona, and may also have less trouble getting a permit approved when local workers can’t fill the position.

Some of the larger companies have jobs in IT, social media marketing or other computer and communication areas in English, so it pays to check which companies have non-Spanish audiences. There are also numerous international companies based in Barcelona.

As Barcelona is quite an international city, some expats also establish startup companies or become sole freelancers in Spain (autónomos). Native English freelance writers, editors, and translators are in demand, although you will need a Spanish work permit and be registered to pay self-employment taxes in Spain. With enough good clients and experience, you can make a decent living considering the cost of living in Spain.

English-speaking jobs in Barcelona

If your Spanish and Catalán skills are lacking, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find work in Barcelona. In fact, there are plenty of English-speaking jobs in Barcelona, which can still help develop your language skills, your social network, and insight into how Barcelona works in general.

If you’re qualified to teach in Barcelona, you can search local universities, international schools in Barcelona, and language schools in Barcelona.

An easy job for expats is to teach English. In Barcelona, there are many British English language teachers but not as many American ones; sometimes employers have accent preferences. Getting an ‘English as a second language’ teaching certification (ESL) boosts your chances of being hired. You can also consider taking on private students.

If you have experience in childcare, you can consider working in Barcelona as a canguro (nanny), which can include a place to live. Often you only need to work certain hours of the day; if the children attend school, you have time to pursue other things, such as taking Spanish and Catalán language courses in Barcelona. You will find many parents looking specifically for canguros that are native English speakers.

There are also a number of jobs in Barcelona only for native English speakers, for example, English-speaking customer service representatives. It might involve working at a call center. The hours of many call centers allow for time to take language classes, as well.

In some cases, being a native English speaker can give you an advantage. Barcelona is hugely popular for tourists, so there’s no shortage of bars, restaurants, hotels, and hostels looking for English speakers. Hotel jobs in Barcelona are popular among foreigners. Knowledge of other languages is a plus in the hospitality industry. Even if it’s not the role you hoped for, it’s a starting point.

Where to find jobs in Barcelona

Your best opportunity to find jobs in Barcelona is online and through your contacts, but there are also local newspapers that advertise jobs, plus plenty of networking groups and temping agencies you can join. The government also provides information (in Spanish) on working conditions and tips for job-hunting, as well as a national job search tool.

Expatica Jobs

For jobs in Barcelona for expats and English speakers, check Expatica’s job search which covers a range of industries.

Online job sites in Barcelona

Below is a list of some of the main online job websites, including some that specialize in jobs in Barcelona for English-speakers and expats.

• Au Pair International – au pair jobs
• Barcelona Xpat
• Craigslist
• Educajob – job offers related to the education sector, including English teachers
• European Language Jobs
• Free Classifieds
• Glassdoor
• GSMA
• infojobs.com
• Learn4Good
• LingoBongo – for English teaching positions
• The Local
• Monster
• Simply Angelic
• Talent Search People
• ThinkSpain

Newspapers with jobs in Barcelona

If you speak Spanish, look for jobs in the classified ads of the local newspaper, La Vanguardia. La Vanguardia has a well-respected jobs section.

You can also check Metropolitan Barcelona, which is a free English-language magazine with a jobs section aimed towards expats. This is a good source to find English-speaking jobs or jobs for expats in Barcelona.

Networking

Although it may take more time and effort, building a network of contacts can lead to better jobs in Barcelona. You can look for expats and business groups on social media networks or local networking groups in your field of work. Find a list of groups and clubs in Barcelona. Some examples of expat groups include Barcelona expats.

Recruitment agencies in Barcelona

If you have qualifications, temping agencies in Barcelona may be able to help you find part-time or full-time work. You’ll need to visit in person for a brief interview and fill out a form. In addition, you may need to do an aptitude test, and will need to bring a copy of your CV.

Search the government’s online tool for all registered empresas de trabajo temporal (companies for temporary work, or ETT) or check the Yellow Pages to find a list of agencies located in Barcelona. Some agencies only speak Spanish but still have jobs for expats in Barcelona, while there are other agencies that specialize in English-speaking jobs in Barcelona.

Temping agencies

• Antal International (technology)
• Approach People
• Hosco (hospitality)
• Irving Scott
• Manpower Catalunya
• Page Personnel
• Placement Finders (graduates)
• Randstad Work Solutions
• Simply Private Staff (household recruitment)

Direct contact

If you are interested in a particular company, do not hesitate to contact them, either by phone, email or in person. With your CV, good qualifications and positive attitude, you might have a chance to find a job in Barcelona this way too.

Applying for jobs in Barcelona

When applying to jobs in Spain, you should write both the CV and cover letter in the language of the job listing. Whether you write it in English or Spanish, the format should remain the same; read how to prepare a Spanish CV. It’s also worth using an online service such as Resume.io to produce a professional resume easily.

If you get to the interview stage, dress appropriately regardless of the type of job. Ignore the lore about Spaniards arriving whenever they please and get to the interview 10 minutes before it starts. Let the interviewer offer their hand for you to shake, and also wait for them to signal for you to sit down.

Though an interviewer may speak English, it is best to check first which language to speak in. Make sure to address your interviewer with the formal usted rather than tú, unless they say you may use tú. Try to show your friendly and personable side, but don’t get too comfortable with slang, joking and informal language. Lastly, do not ask about pay; it is not appropriate to ask in an interview. Read more in our guide to Spanish job applications and interview tips.

Managing your finances as an expat worker in Barcelona

Working abroad comes with unique financial challenges that go beyond simply earning a salary. As an expat in Barcelona, you’ll need to navigate currency exchange, international transfers, and managing money across borders—all while making sure you’re not losing a chunk of your hard-earned income to fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Getting paid in Barcelona

Most employers in Barcelona will pay your salary in euros (EUR) to a Spanish bank account. While you’ll need to open a local account for this purpose, many expats find themselves juggling multiple financial obligations across different countries and currencies.

You might receive your salary in EUR but need to pay rent back home, support family members, service debts, or simply save money in your home currency. This is where having a multi-currency account can be helpful. Wise is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 to issue electronic money, and offers a multi-currency account that lets you hold, manage, and convert money in over 40 currencies, including EUR. This means you can receive your Barcelona salary and hold it alongside other currencies you need—all in one place.

Sending money home from Spain

One of the most common financial needs for expats is sending money back to their home country. Whether you’re supporting family, paying bills, or building savings, international transfers will likely become a regular part of your financial routine.

The traditional option is to use banks in Spain for these transfers. However, banks often add a markup to the exchange rate—the difference between the rate they give you and the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google or financial news sites). This markup is sometimes called a hidden fee because it’s not always clearly displayed. On top of this, banks may also charge transfer fees.

Wise works differently. It always uses the mid-market exchange rate—with no markup—and charges a small, transparent fee that you see upfront before you confirm any transfer. For many currency routes, this approach could help you save money compared to some banks. For example, if you’re regularly sending money from EUR to USD, GBP, or other major currencies, the savings could add up over time.

It’s worth comparing different options to see which service offers the best value for your specific transfer needs. You can check Wise’s fees and exchange rates at wise.com to see how they compare to your current bank.

Spending and managing multiple currencies

Beyond transferring money home, daily life as an expat often involves managing finances across multiple currencies. You might be earning in EUR, spending in EUR for daily expenses in Barcelona, but also need to keep money available in your home currency for trips back home or online purchases from retailers in your home country.

A multi-currency account can simplify this juggling act. With a Wise Account, you can hold balances in 40+ currencies simultaneously and convert between them at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you need to. You can order a Wise debit card with your account to spend in EUR around Barcelona or in other currencies when you travel—the card automatically converts your money at the mid-market exchange rate.

This flexibility can be particularly useful if you’re paid monthly in EUR but have expenses that come up in other currencies throughout the month. Instead of making multiple conversions and paying fees each time, you can convert currency when the rate is favorable and hold balances ready for when you need them.

Keep in mind that while Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, fees do apply for conversions and some other services—these are always shown clearly before you complete any transaction. Wise is regulated as a payment institution, and you can find full details about fees and services on their website.

Make the most of your Barcelona opportunity

Finding a job in Barcelona as an expat requires patience, persistence, and the right approach—but the opportunities are there, especially for English speakers and skilled professionals. From understanding work permit requirements to navigating the application process and building your professional network, each step brings you closer to establishing your career in this vibrant Mediterranean city.

Once you’re settled into your new role, managing your finances efficiently will help you make the most of your Barcelona experience. Whether you’re sending money home to support family, paying bills in multiple countries, or simply trying to stretch your EUR salary as far as possible, choosing the right financial tools can save you money and reduce the complexity of managing life across borders. Tools like Wise can help you handle international transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, potentially saving you money compared to some banks.

Ready to take control of your international finances? Learn more about how Wise can help at wise.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do jobs in Barcelona typically pay?

Salaries in Barcelona vary significantly depending on your industry, experience level, and role. Entry-level positions in hospitality or English teaching might pay between €1,000-€1,500 per month, while skilled professionals in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, or finance can earn €2,500-€5,000+ per month.

Keep in mind that while salaries in Spain are generally lower than in northern European countries or North America, the cost of living in Barcelona is also relatively moderate compared to cities like London or Paris. It’s worth researching salary ranges specific to your field and experience level to set realistic expectations.

Do I need to speak Spanish to work in Barcelona?

Not necessarily, though it depends on the type of job you’re seeking. Barcelona has a thriving international community and many English-speaking job opportunities, particularly in tourism, hospitality, English teaching, customer service for international companies, and tech startups.

However, learning Spanish (and ideally some Catalan) will significantly expand your job prospects and help you integrate into local life. Many employers prefer or require Spanish language skills, especially for roles that involve interaction with local clients or customers. Even for English-speaking positions, demonstrating that you’re learning Spanish shows commitment and can give you an edge over other candidates.

What’s the best way to send money home from my Barcelona salary?

There are several options for sending money internationally from Barcelona, including banks, money transfer operators, and online services. Banks in Spain can handle international transfers, but they often include a markup on the exchange rate plus additional fees, which can make transfers expensive. Many expats compare different services to find the most cost-effective option.

Wise, a payment institution, uses the mid-market exchange rate (the same rate you see on Google) and charges a transparent fee shown upfront. Depending on the currency route and amount, using Wise could save you money compared to some banks. It’s worth comparing the total cost—including both fees and the exchange rate markup—across different providers to find the best option for your specific needs.

How can I avoid high fees when converting EUR to other currencies?

The key to avoiding high fees is understanding that there are often two costs in currency conversion: the explicit fee and the hidden markup on the exchange rate. Many banks advertise “zero fees” or “no commission” but then mark up the exchange rate, meaning you get less of the currency you’re buying than you would at the true mid-market exchange rate.

To minimize costs, look for services that use the mid-market exchange rate and charge a transparent, upfront fee. Wise, for example, always uses the mid-market exchange rate—the same one you see on Google or financial news sites—and clearly displays all fees before you complete a transfer. By comparing the total amount your recipient will receive (not just the fees), you can identify which service truly offers the best value. For regular transfers, even small differences in the exchange rate can add up to significant savings over time.