McAfee Secure sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams

Most Searched Country Reports

Teach English in Spain - ESL Teaching Jobs, Hiring Season, Work Visas, Summer Job Opportunities

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate; one-two years experience
Typical Length of Contract: Nine months to one year
Peak Hiring Season: September, November
Teaching Hours per Week: 20-27
Monthly Salary: 300-1,800 EUR
Exchange Rate: As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 0.74 EUR
1.00 EUR = 1.34 CAD
Income Tax: 0-42%
Cost of Living per Month: Cost of a Big Mac = 3.31 EUR
Accommodations Provided: Sometimes stipend included
Airfare Provided: Usually not included
Return Airfare Provided: Not included
Health Care Provided: Usually not included
Paid Holidays: Usually paid
Visa: Difficult for non-EU citizens; employer must be willing to sponsor a work visa.
Types of Teaching Jobs: Private lessons, Live-In positions
Canadian Embassy Address: Calle Nunex de Balboa, 35, 28001 Madrid
Phone: 34 91 423 3250
Fax: 34 91 423 3251
Canadian Consulates: Two consulates located in Barcelona and Malaga

Why Teach in Spain

Whether an ESL teacher’s interests lie in culture, history, climate, or cuisine, Spain will have what they are looking for. Surrounded by ocean, Spain is one of the wealthiest nations in the European Union. Working as an ESL teacher in Spain will allow an opportunity to experience Spaniards and their culture. Finding work as an ESL teacher in Spain is not an easy task without a European Union passport; however, citizens of other nations can find employment if they don’t mind a challenge

Most ESL teachers do not decide to teach English in Spain for the paycheque. Like many nations in Western Europe, salaries are not as high as other ESL markets around the world; Spain is a popular choice for those more concerned with having a good time. ESL teachers can expect their monthly salary to range between €800 and €2,000. The cost of living in Spain is €700 to €1,500 per month. So, with careful budgeting, teachers can still have some extra money, though it is best to save up enough money to cover living expenses for a couple of months before arriving in Spain. Money is not the reason why Spain is on many ESL teachers’ wish list; it is the country’s vibrancy and richness of culture.

What to Know About Teaching English in Spain

Housing

Like most locations, finding an apartment in Spain can be a difficult task. It is almost unheard of to find an employer willing to pay for housing; however, schools can still be a great resource when looking. Finding an apartment in a central area of a large Spanish city will be expensive, yet it will relieve any worries concerning transportation.

Many Spanish apartments are older. Things like air conditioning, heating, elevators, Internet and other modern conveniences may be lacking in a Spanish apartment.

Expected Apartment Costs

A studio apartment in a good location will probably cost €350 to €700 per month. Rent can increase depending on the city an English teacher is working in, the furniture included with the property, and the size and condition of the apartment. Apartments can climb up to €2,000 per month for a large three-bedroom apartment in a central location.

Airfare

With the amount of people interested in teaching English in Spain, it is highly unlikely that most will find a position that will pay for the flight to Spain. There are not many large airline flights that take customers directly from America to Spain and the few that are offered are often very pricy. Most flights will travel to a major airport on the Atlantic side of Europe and transfer to a flight heading to Spain. Teaching in a smaller city or rural area of Spain will require additional charges and planning for land travel.

Health Benefits

The Spanish people are covered by a universal healthcare system called the Sistema Sanitario Público. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are many Spaniards who prefer to use the private clinics located throughout the country. User fees are paid out-of-pocket or through private health insurance.

EU citizens are covered under the Spanish healthcare system, while teachers from outside nations, such as Canada and the United States, will need to pay for any medical expenses out of their own pocket. With the risk of high medical expenses, it is recommended that English teachers from outside the EU buy private health insurance. Even if covered under the Sistema Sanitario Público, English teachers will still need to pay for visiting a dentist and prescription costs. It is in the best interest of most to discuss the Spanish healthcare system with any future employer and current/past English teachers at a Spanish school. Plan to purchase private insurance and keep some money in case of a medical emergency.

Retirement Age

The retirement age in Spain is 65 years old. It is not uncommon for citizens to be offered an early retirement for a lesser monthly payment. Older ESL teachers should be aware that some Spanish schools may prefer younger teachers.

Technology and Advancement

Urban areas of Spain are on par with most European nations when it comes to technology. For the most part, cell phone service, high-speed Internet, and paid television services are all available within urban regions of Spain. Certain rural areas in Spain are lacking some electronic conveniences that North Americans live with everyday. Electrical outlets are different than North American outlets. Be prepared to get Type C adaptors for electronics that are brought to Spain.

Transportation in Spain

Transportation

The transportation system in Spain allows commuters the ability to travel around the country with ease. With a total distance of 14,781 km, the railway system can take its riders to most areas of Spain for varying prices. Most of the railway business is operated by the state-owned company RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles).

In addition to the railway service, Spanish drivers have access to an estimated 346,858 total km of roadway to drive on. In urban areas, commuters can ride buses, light rail, or hail a taxi to take them around town.

Due to its location on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain has always been a marine traffic hotspot. Spain has ports and harbors in many of its urban areas.

Public Transportation

  • Taxi

    Most cabs in Spain do not have meters in their vehicles. Rates for getting around in a cab are decided by city officials and cabs are required to display a sign showing all of these fixed rates. This system allows Spain to have some of the cheapest taxi prices in the world.

    When a taxi is available, the driver will display a green sign or shine a green light on the car’s roof. Many restaurants and bars encourage their patrons to ask a staff member to call a cab on their behalf to ensure that customers arrive home safely.

    Beware of taxi drivers charging extra fees for things like having excess baggage, traveling at night, and other unusual charges. Tourists and other Spain foreigners are often targeted by drivers for extra money.

  • Train and Subway

    Larger Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia all have subway systems. English teachers should not have any issues getting around town on the Spanish subway system; the subway in Spain is very similar to its North American counterpart. Color-coded maps can be found in transit stations.

    The railway system in Spain is one of the most important elements of Spain’s transit system. Most urban dwellers have access to light rail systems that can transport large amounts of people throughout the city. Railroads cover most of the nation and commuters can travel throughout the Spanish countryside on the train. In addition to covering most of the country, the Spanish railway also links across the borders of France, Portugal and Morocco, via an undersea tunnel, in the next few years

  • Bus

    Most cities in Spain have public bus transit. There are lanes on the street designated for buses, which makes traveling through the very busy Spanish streets much more efficient. In order to fit more commuters, the buses usually do not have many seats, so riders may have to stand on the way to work. Spending €1.10 to ride the city bus in Spain is fairly standard.

Other Modes of Transportation

Other modes of transportation that are available for ESL teachers include:

  • Bicycle

    With more people around the world being more concerned about the environment and rising fuel prices, the option of riding a bike to get around seems appealing to many. Riding a bike through the streets of cities like Madrid and Barcelona is an excellent way to learn about a Spanish city. Many bicycle enthusiasts travel to Spain to ride their bike through the various regions of Spain.

    Some Spanish bicycling laws include:

    • No riding bicycles on freeways
    • Riders must wear a helmet anytime they bike outside a town
    • During the night, riders must have a light and reflectors on their bicycle and wear reflective clothing
    • Cyclists must offer the right-of-way to any motor vehicle

  • Motor Vehicles

    Applying for a driver’s license in Spain is not a simple process. All non-EU citizens must go through a fairly lengthy application in order to get a Spanish driver’s license.

    American drivers will have a harder time applying for a driver’s license than English teachers from other countries. Each American state negotiates driver licensing arrangements with foreign nations. For some states, citizens are allowed to use their state-issued license for up to a year, while English teachers from other states may not be allowed to drive at all. It is recommended that Americans interested in driving in Spain contact their local driver's licensing office.

    Canadians are asked that they have their provincial driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (the IDP can be purchased at provincial transportation offices).  Having both of these cards allows you to drive in Spain for one year and an additional six months once you can prove you have a Spanish residence of your own.

    Once an IDP (International Driving Permit) has expired, English teachers will need a Spanish driver’s license. In order to receive a driving license English teachers must take a driving course, a vision and medical test, a written exam, and an in-car test (a driving instructor’s car must be used for the test). The licensing process is known for being both lengthy and expensive; therefore, using public transit, walking, or bicycling may be the best option for most people. Not all difficulties are resolved upon receiving a Spanish license as it is nearly impossible to find a parking space in any Spanish city

Banking in Spain

ESL teachers setting up a bank account in Spain will find that banking in Spain is similar to Canada, with the exception of the hours the bank is open until. Bank branches are only open from 9:00am to 2:00pm on weekdays and they are open on Saturdays until 1:00pm. The shorter business hours are not an issue for many ESL teachers due to the fact that features such as online banking and 24-hour ATM access are available at most banks.

Setting up an account at a Spanish bank is a relatively easy experience. ESL teachers will need to provide a valid passport and valid contact information to be issued a Spanish bank account.

Most Spanish banks offer two types of accounts for their customers. The first and most common bank account is a regular bank which is used for daily transactions, paying bills, and deposits. These accounts usually come with personalized checks and a credit card (debit card). The other, less common type of account is known as a savings bank. A savings bank works like any other bank account, except that the bank invests their profits from the account into projects that benefit the local community. Banks will automatically assume foreign customers want a regular bank account and they may not even offer the option of setting up a savings bank.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in Spain

The peak hiring times for people interested in teaching English in Spain are usually just before or during September. Spanish schools operate on a similar schedule as their North American counterparts and most students have the summer off.

Finding a teaching job in the summer is probably harder than any other time of the year. With school being out for the season, summer camps may be an English teacher’s best summertime employment option.

Public and Private School System

The Spanish education system is provided by a hybrid of public and private schools. It is estimated that 30 percent of Spanish children attend private schools, while the others go through the public school system. Children are required to attend school from ages six to 14. Once students reach the age of 14, they are able to continue their education (depending on how good their marks are), or can receive a certificate and leave school.

The curriculum at a Spanish school is taught in the Spanish language, which can make it challenging for ESL teachers to find work. There are more jobs teaching English in private schools than there are in public schools.

Private Tutoring

Some ESL teachers find teaching private English lessons to be a better path than teaching in-school. ESL teachers often find that they can make more money teaching in a one-on-one setting than compared to a classroom environment. A large part of teaching private lessons is marketing to find prospective students. It is best to hang up posters around town, talk to other teachers, and use the Internet to advertise. It is recommended that an ESL teacher in Spain charge €20 an hour. ESL teachers under contract with an English school should verify with the supervisor that they are allowed to teach privately. This is usually outlined in an ESL teacher’s contract and breaking this rule could lead to dismissal and removal of any Spanish visas.

Live-In Positions

Another option for some English teachers in Spain is to take a live-in ESL teacher position. There are some families in Spain looking for a private English tutor to come live in their home and give one-on-one English instruction to their children outside regular school hours. Some of these positions are paid and some are volunteer jobs; both can be great ways to begin a teaching experience in Spain.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Spain

At one time, Spanish schools were full of Canadian and American English teachers. Now, with the amount of paperwork and red tape it takes to get work visas, these numbers have gone down quite significantly. However, there are plenty of resources to help in the search for an ESL job in Spain. For teachers still living in North America, the best place to search is the Internet. Using the Internet offers the ability to translate listings in Spanish to English and there are plenty of sites that offer job postings for ESL teacher positions.

In addition to checking out job search web sites ESL teachers can look for work in some of Spain's many newspapers. The following online publications are written in Spanish, but can easily be translated to English with Google Translate.

Largest Chain Schools in Spain

Large International Schools for Teaching English in Spain

Many find communicating with large international schools to be an excellent avenue toward finding a job. These schools offer Spanish children a chance to have an English curriculum with elements of Spanish culture mixed in. Like most countries, Spain offers these schools for teaching English to their younger population.

Here are some examples of international schools for teaching English. Remember these schools receive a lot of applications, so when contacting them, be sure to stand out from the crowd.

  • The American School of Barcelona

    Since 1962 this non-profit school has been teaching Spanish children from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12. The American School of Barcelona centres their lessons around the American public school curriculum with some local Spanish culture added.

    Most of the school's staff is American and they do employ ESL teachers under contracts. The school is located in Esplugues, a small town on the outskirts of Barcelona.
    http://www.a-s-b.com/

  • International College Spain

    The International College Spain is an English school for children from the ages of three to 18. Lessons are primarily taught in English with Spanish and French taught as second languages. The student population at the International College Spain is very diverse, with students coming from all around the world. The teaching staff is almost equally diverse, with teachers coming from 17 different nations including the United States.
    www.icsmadrid.com/

  • The Music Factory

    For English teachers who have an interest in arts and music, The Music Factory may be worth researching. Located on the Costa del Sol Spain, The Music Factory offers a curriculum centered on music, dance, and drama. The school offers instruction to mostly English-speaking children and adults. All of the staff at the school have a background in the arts.
    http://www.themusicfactory.biz

Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in Spain

With so many people applying for positions in popular peak hiring months such as September and January, people ignore the summer season. Most schools in Spain operate on a similar schedule to North American institutes; therefore, many Spanish students do have a summer vacation. Numerous private schools teach throughout the summer months and this is a high turn over time for ESL teachers in Spain. Some schools offer additional programming in the summer months to attract students who normally use the summer as a break; this is another good way to get into an English school in Spain.

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Spain

The Internet is a great source of information for any type of research, including working as an English teacher in Spain. The best way to find information is to read about the experiences others have had teaching in Spain.

Please note that these are merely examples of the resources available and they may not suit individual teaching needs.

Preparing to Teach English in Spain

One thing the Spanish are noted for are their siestas. Like a lot of regions with hot climates, many Spaniards take a two to four hour lunch break. In the past, this time was meant for workers to have time to eat lunch and have a nap before returning to work. In modern Spain, workers rarely spend their siesta napping. Instead, people are more likely to walk around town and shop. Another reason for the siesta is to provide workers a chance to rest up for the busy Spanish nightlife scene, or to recover from the previous night's events.

Since joining the European Union, many large companies and government branches are eliminating the siesta in order to have the same business schedule as other European nations.

General Etiquette

  • Like in North America, when first meeting someone expect to shake their hand. Many men will use both of their hands during a greeting and place their left hand on the other person's right forearm.
  • Follow the other person's lead to determine what kind of greeting to extend.
  • Kissing on the cheek is not an uncommon greeting for women in Spain. Remember to always kiss the right cheek first.
  • It is normal for people to greet those around them and strike up conversations with strangers. So don't be surprised to hear a lot of people saying 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. Not replying is considered to be very rude.
  • When waiting, many Spaniards simply stand around without forming a line. People are polite and simply keep track of when their turn arrives .
  • The Spanish are well-known for being close talkers, meaning they often have little room between their face and the face of the person they are speaking to.
  • There are not many public restrooms in Spain. It is considered rude to simply use a business's washroom without purchasing anything.

Business Etiquette

  • When it comes to business, people in Spain like to look the part. There is little or no room for sloppy dressing. Don't be fooled: even if the dress code is outlined as casual, dress professionally.
  • In business settings it is not uncommon for men to have the word 'Don' inserted before their first name and for women to be referred to as 'Dona'. In Spanish and Italian culture this is a way to show respect.
  • Past impressions play a huge part in business relationships. Spaniards tend to prefer to do business with people they already know. For this reason, building long-term business relations is a very important element to having success in Spanish business.
  • Being interrupted during a business discussion is not an insult; in fact, it is actually the opposite. Speaking out of turn lets the person know that their idea is interesting and has caught their attention. It is still recommended that expats wait until the other person has finished speaking before offering input.

Eating Etiquette

  • If possible, never deny someone a business meeting held over lunch. The Spanish take their food seriously and some of the most important business meetings happen while eating.
  • Keep hands on the table at all times. It is considered rude to place hands under the table while dining.
  • When dining with Spaniards, be sure to keep schedules open. Meals in Spain are long events meant to not only fill the stomach but they also serve as an outlet for conversation. It is not uncommon for meals to last for hours.

Crime

Spaniards are known as being friendly people; however just as anywhere else, crime can happen; especially in urban areas. Practicing common safety precautions such as not carrying a lot of cash, wearing a money belt, walking in areas with streetlights and friends, taking cabs, and other precautions should keep ESL teachers safe. A common crime committed against ESL teachers is passport theft, so be aware of where passports are at all times. Overall, Spain is a safe place to live and teach, but as with any country, ESL teachers in Spain should avoid placing themselves in potentially harmful situations.

Terrorism

In today's world, terrorism is something that needs to be researched before travelling anywhere. Spain has made international headlines for recent terrorist attacks. Both American and Canadian governments offer overwhelming support that Spain is a safe place to travel and for people not to be overly concerned, but English teachers should still beware of past events, such as the bombing of commuter trains in Madrid in 2004.

Language in Spain

Being the official language of 21 nations and of an estimated 400 million people around the world, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages. This Romance language has been consistently evolving since its beginnings after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Anyone thinking about teaching English in Spain should consider learning Spanish. With Spanish being such a widely used language, its lessons are fairly easy to find in most areas of the North America. Here are some examples of common and useful Spanish phrases:

  • Gracias
    Thank You
  • Hello, my name is ________
    Hola, me llamo _______
  • How much is it?
    ¿Cuánto es él?
  • Where is …?
    ¿Dónde está…?
  • Where are we on the map?
    ¿Dónde estamos aquí en el mapa?
  • Where is the washroom?
    ¿Donde está el baño?
  • I'm looking for ____
    Busco _____
  • Where can I catch a taxi (bus)?
    ¿Dónde puedo coger un taxi (un autobús)?
  • I don't understand Spanish very well
    No entiendo bien el español.
  • Excuse me
    Disculpe

Eating in Spain

Spanish Cuisine

One of the great things about being an ESL teacher in Spain is the food. Spain is known for its abundance of water and this geographical trademark is strongly showcased in the nation's rich cuisine, as many Spanish dishes contain seafood. With much of Spain's culture being centered on its food, teachers can expect many long meals enjoying foods like gazpacho, calamares, jamón serrano, and many more tasty treats. From Madrid to the Canary Islands, each region of Spain adds their own spin on Spanish cuisine and offers dishes truly unique to their region, often built upon their local food resources.

The Spaniards do not devote much effort into breakfast as they do for other meals eaten throughout the course of the day. A typical Spanish breakfast consists of fresh rolls and jam served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Travellers to Spain should be aware that Spaniards are known for liking their coffee strong.

The real eating begins during lunch when the siesta begins. Most dishes in Spain are not shy on olive oil and garlic. When the siesta time arrives, the streets are filled with fragrances circulating from nearby restaurants and tapas. The siesta also allows for workers to return home for lunch and to relax before working again in the afternoon. When a Spaniard goes to a bar, there is often food set up at the bar similar to a buffet. Sometimes the dishes are simple and sometimes patrons can eat multi-course meals called 'tapas'.

With Spain being such a warm place, water is the most consumed item throughout the country.

Some of Spain's more popular dishes include:

  • Calamares
    Fried squid
  • Shellfish
  • Gazpacho
    Cold tomato soup
  • Jamón Serrano
    Ham that has been cured
  • Tortilla de patatas
    Potato omelette
  • Arroz Con Leche
    Rice pudding

Types of Coffee in Spain

  • Café con leche - Litreally translated to 'coffee with milk', this drink is half coffee and half hot milk.
  • Café solo - This is the cup of choice for North Americans who enjoy their caffeine. There is no milk in this drink, only 100 percent Spanish brewed coffee.
  • Café cortado - The Café cortado is a popular drink amongst Spaniards, which consists of hot coffee with a shot of milk.

Food Costs

The cost of food can play a role in the budget of many ESL teachers and teaching in Spain is no different. Many regions of Spain offer unique foods, costs, and cooking styles. When going out to a restaurant to eat, teachers will probably spend €12 for a good meal and an additional €1.50 for a drink. A lot of grocery shopping is still done at small family-owned corner stores or the market. Major urban areas do have supermarkets and stores that offer American food.

Below are some examples of typical Spanish food prices.

  • 1L of milk
    €1
  • Chicken
    €2.60
  • 1 kg bag of potatoes
    €0.70
  • Frozen Pizza
    €3.50

Climate in Spain

For a country of its size, Spain has a diverse climate that can be broken up into three types: Continental Mediterranean, Mediterranean, and Oceanic.

Continental Mediterranean Climate

Covering most of Spain including Madrid, the Continental Mediterranean climate features colder winters and warmer summers. Temperatures in the summer months can climb to over 30°C, with frost usually appearing in the winter time.

Mediterranean Climate

Covering most of Spain's southern and eastern coasts, the Mediterranean climate produces hot, dry summer months and cold, wet winter months. This weather climate can also be found in a large portion of California, including San Francisco.

Oceanic Climate

Located in the northern region of the Spain near the Bay of Biscay and the city of Bilbao is where the Oceanic climate can be found. The main characteristic of this climate type is temperatures which do not vary as much from summer to winter. This climate zone covers most of Western Europe, including the United Kingdom.

Natural Disasters in Spain

In recent history, mainland Spain has not been known for having any large issues with natural disasters. Spain does have small earthquakes once every few years, but historical records indicate that there have been larger ones in the past. The Canary Islands were hit hard by Tropical Storm Delta in 2005. The islands suffered greatly from the storm; seven lives were lost and the storm left an estimated €312 million in damages at the time.

Holidays in Spain

In addition to celebrating nine national holidays, English teachers in Spain get to enjoy at least two more regional holidays depending on where they live.

National Holidays in Spain

  • January 1st - New Year's Day (Anon Nuevo in Spanish) - Celebration to mark the first day of the year.
  • Two days before Easter - Good Friday (Viernes Santo) - Like in North America, Good Friday is a religious holiday which is part of Easter.
  • May 1st - Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) - Labour Day is a holiday to mark the achievement of Spanish workers.
  • August 15th - Assumption of Mary (Asunción) - A religious holiday based on the Roman Catholic faith.
  • October 12th - Hispanic Day/Columbus Day (Día de la Hispanidad) - A holiday marking the day Columbus arrived at the Americas.
  • November 1st - All Saints Day - A day when the Spanish remember loved ones and ancestors whom have passed away.
  • December 6th - Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) - Marking the anniversary of the Spanish Constitution's signing.
  • December 8th - Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) - A region-based Spanish holiday.
  • December 25th - Christmas Day - (Navidad) - Similar to Christmas in North America.

Regional Holidays in Spain

Each local government in Spain is able to offer a maximum of 14 paid holidays to their workforce. Nine of these holidays are the national holidays (listed above), while at least two more are regional holidays. The amount of time devoted to regional holidays varies depending the Spanish city.

  • January 6th - Epiphany (Día de Reyes) - Celebrated in all regions of Spain.
  • March 19th - Father's Day (San José) - Celebrated in Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, Murcia, and Valencia.
  • Day before Good Friday - Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) - Celebrated in all regions except Canary Islands, Catalonia and Valencia.
  • Day following Easter Sunday - Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua) - Celebrated in Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarra, and Valencia.
  • April 23rd - St. George's Day (San Jorge) - Celebrated in Aragon, Catalonia, Castile, and León.
  • June 24th - St. Joan's Day (Sant Joan) - Celebrated in Catalonia
  • July 25th - St. James Day (Santiago Apostol) - Celebrated in Galicia
  • September 8th - Covadonga and Guadalupe Day (Día de Asturias y Extremadura) - Celebrated in Asturias and Extremadura
  • December 26th - St. Stephen's Day (San Esteban) - Celebrated in Balearic Islands and Catalonia

Tips for ESL Teachers in Spain

  • Learn as much Spanish as possible before moving to Spain and write out some Spanish cheat sheets or commonly used phrases.
  • Save up some money before leaving, for travel, rent, and other living expenses. Talk to an advisor about how personal finances can be managed while away.
  • Remember, adapters will have to be purchased for any electronic device brought to Spain. If it's not really needed, leave it at home.

Teaching Requirements for Canadians in Spain

Americans and Canadians may find the experience of getting through the necessary red tape to work in Spain quite time consuming. Since 2006, citizens of the European Union have been allowed to work in Spain with little paperwork. For those ESL teachers from outside the EU, teaching English in Spain is a much harder task, as they will need to get a Spanish work permit and a visa.

Work Permit

The first thing needed to start working in Spain is a Spanish work permit. A work permit is actually a lot different than a visa. The work permit is a government-issued document which gives Spanish companies permission to hire a citizen from outside the EU. The Delegación Provincial del Ministerio, de Trabajo (Ministry of Labour) will base their decision on the candidates experience and by determining if the position applied for could be equally filled by a Spaniard or an EU citizen. The company must prove that there are no suitable candidates from Spain and the European Union to fill the job as well as the applicant can. It is common for citizens of Latin American nations to get extra consideration during this application process.

It is suggested that future English teachers in Spain contact a lawyer if possible and get some help with the work permit application process.

There are different types of Spanish work permits depending on what the applicant's needs are. They are broken into two main groups: permits for people moving to Spain to work at a job (like ESL teachers), and foreigners moving to Spain to be self-employed (perhaps a full-time English tutor).

Employees

  • Type A Spanish Work Permit - These permits are for people interested in working mostly seasonal or contract work. The maximum time spent in Spain with this permit is nine months.
  • Type B Initial Work Permit - Issued to people interested in working in one particular field or in one defined area. These permits will allot its user a one-year stay in Spain.
  • Type B Renewed Work Permit - When a Type B permit ends, the foreign resident can apply for an extension called a Type B Renewed Work Permit. The extension can last up to two years.
  • Type C Work Permit - Once a Type B permit has expired, the foreigner could be eligible for a Type C Work Permit. This extension allows the person to work in any profession throughout Spain.

Self-Employed

  • Type D Initial Work Permit - The foreign worker must work in one profession for a maximum of one year. The permit can have a geographical limitation that only allows the person to work in one area.
  • Type D Renewed Work Permit - In most cases, this extension of a Type D Initial Work Permit allows the worker to do any job they want. It is possible that the person may have restrictions concerning what kind of work they do and where they can live. This permit lasts for a maximum of two years.
  • Type E Permit - Once the Type D Renewed Work Permit expires, the person has the option of applying for a Type E Permit. This permit allows its holder the opportunity to work any job they desire in any location. This permit can last up to three years.

How to get a Spanish Visa?

After receiving a work permit, ESL teachers are one step closer to teaching English in Spain. However, they will still need to get a Spanish visa. ESL teachers need to decide what Spanish visa is the most suitable. There are basically three types of visas in Spain: a transit visa, a temporary stay visa, and a residence visa.

  • Transit Visa - This Spanish visa is meant for people who are just passing through. The Transit Visa is given to foreigners passing through the ports and airports of Spain. When holding this visa, travellers can spend up to five days in Spanish territory.
  • Temporary Stay Visa - This visa is meant for people interested in staying for more than a vacation in Spain. This visa will last for up to three months. The temporary stay visa comes in three different forms: visas for groups having a short stay, diplomatic or prominent person visas, and visas for studying in a Spanish school.
  • Residence Visa - Most teachers coming to Spain to teach English are interested in gaining a Spanish Residence Visa. This visa expires after one year and can be renewed for an additional two years. If the person still wants to remain in Spain after a total of three years, they can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa. Having a Permanent Residence Visa means that its holders can renew the visa an endless amount of times. Residents must renew this visa every five years.

Items to Submit with Work Visa Application

  • An application signed by the future employer.
  • Seven professional passport-size photos.
  • A photocopy of both a valid passport and the actual passport.
  • Official notice of a job being offered, it must be signed and stamped by the employer.
  • An original copy of an official company fiscal identity document.
  • Original official company social security inscription and documents TC-1 and TC-2 (provided by the ESL school).
  • Certified originals from the Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social and the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria that state the company the applicant will be working for have paid all their taxes and social security payments.
  • Official certification that the job was opened to Spaniards to apply for, that the position was advertised in the official Provincial Unemployment Office, and no citizen of Spain or the EU was suitable.
  • A description of what the company does and why a Canadian is the best fit for the job.
  • Originals and photocopies of degree transcripts/certifications and credentials, along with the official seal of convalidation of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture in Madrid.
  • Certificate of health and a criminal background check.

Final Steps for Getting a Work Visa in Spain

After filling out the Spanish Work Visa application, ESL teachers should travel to the closest Spanish Consulate office (look at the list below) and make an appointment. All of the applicant's paperwork will be processed during this appointment. Make sure that all documentation is available for the appointment. After completing this process, there will a few months of waiting before an applicant is informed of the status of their application. If the work visa is approved, it will need to be picked up in person at the Spanish consulate's office that the ESL teacher originally applied at.

Embassy and Consulate Information for Spain

Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain

The Embassy of Canada in Madrid
Núñez de Balboa, 35
28001 Madrid, Spain
City: Madrid
Phone: 34 914 233 250
Fax: 34 914 233 251
Email: mdrid-cs@international.gc.ca
Website: www.espana.gc.ca/

Consulate of Canada - Trade Office in Barcelona
Plaça de Catalunya, 9, 1º, 2ª
08002 Barcelona, Spain
City:Barcelona
Phone: 34 934 127 236
Fax: 34 933 170 541
Email: bclna@international.gc.ca
Website: www.espana.gc.ca/

Consulate of Canada in Malaga
The Consulate of Canada, Malaga
Edificio Horizonte, Plaza de la
Malagueta, 2, 1st Floor
Malaga, Spain
29016
City:Malaga
Phone: 34 952 223 346
Fax: 34 952 229 533
Email: cancon@microcad.es
Office Hours:Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

American Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain

American Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain
American Embassy in Madrid
Consular Section
c/ Serrano, 75
28006, Madrid
29016
City: Madrid
Phone: 34 91 587 2200
Fax: 34 91 587 2303
Email: amemb@embusa.es
Website: http://madrid.usembassy.gov/

American Consulate in Barcelona
Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23
08034 Barcelona
España
City: Barcelona
Phone: 34 93 280 22 27
Fax: 34 93 280 61 75
Email: Consularbarcel@state.gov
Website: http://barcelona.usconsulate.gov/

American Consulate in Palma de Mallorca
US Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca
Porto Pi, 8, 9D
07015 - Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain
City: Palma de Mallorca
Phone: 971 40 37 07
Fax: 971 40 39 71
Email: pmagency@telefonica.net

Australian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain

Australian Embassy
Embassy of Australia in the Kingdom of Spain
Torre Espacio
Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, Power 24
28046 Madrid
City: Madrid
Phone: 34 91 353 6600
Fax: 34 91 353 6692
Email: madrid.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.spain.embassy.gov.au/

British Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain
British Embassy & Consulate General
Torre Espacio
Paseo de la Castellana 259D
28046 Madrid
City: Madrid
Phone: 34 91 714 6300
Fax: 34 91 714 6301
Website: http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/

British Consulate in Alicante
Plaza de Calvo Sotelo, 1, 2º
Apdo. de Correos 564
03001 Alicante
City:Alicante
Phone: 34 96 521 6022
Fax: 34 96 514 0528
Email: Alicante.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate-General in Bilbao
Alameda de Urquijo, 2, 8º
48008 Bilbao
By appointment only
City:Bilbao
Phone: 34 94 415 77 22
Fax: 34 94 41676 32
Email: Bilbao.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate-General in Barcelona
Edificio Torre de Barcelona
Avenida Diagonal, 477, 13º
08036 Barcelona
Phone: 34 93 366 6200
Fax: 34 93 366 6221
Email: Barcelona.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Vice-Consulate in Ibiza
Avenida Isidoro Macabich, 45-1º
Apartado 307
07800 Ibiza
City:Ibiza
Phone: 34 971 30 18 16
Fax: 34 971 30 19 72
Email: Ibiza.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Málaga
Edificio Eurocom, Bloque Sur
Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto 2-2°
29006 Málaga
City:Málaga
Phone: 34 95 235 23 00
Fax: 34 95 235 92 11
Email: Malaga.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Palma de Mallorca
Convent dels Caputxins Nº4
Edificio Orisba B, 4D
07002 Palma de Mallorca
City:Mallorca
Phone: 34 971 71 24 45
Fax: 34 971 71 75 20
Email: Palma.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Tenerife
Consulado Británico
Plaza Weyler, 8, 1º
38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
City:Tenerife
Phone: 34 922 28 68 63, 28 66 53
Fax: 34 922 28 99 03
Email: Tenerife.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
Consulado Británico
Edificio Cataluña
C/ Luís Morote, 6, 3º
35007 Las Palmas
Phone: 34 928 26 25 08/34 928 26 26 58
Fax: 34 928 26 77 74
Email: LasPalmas.Consulate@fco.gov.uk

Irish Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain
Irish Embassy in Madrid
Embassy of Ireland
Ireland House
Paseo de la Castellana 46-4
28046 Madrid
City:Madrid
Phone: 34 91 436 4093
Fax: 34 91 435 1677
Website: www.embassyofireland.es

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Alicante
Honourary Consul of Ireland
Ctra. De Madrid, Km 4,
Mercalicante, Apartado de Correros
5146, 03007
City:Alicante
Phone: 34 965 107 485
Fax: 34 965 113 51
Email: consulado@eurobanan.com
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:45 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Barcelona
Honourary Consul of Ireland
Gran Via Carlos III,
94 08028 Barcelona
City:Barcelona
Phone: 34 93 491 5021
Fax: 34 93 490 09 86
Email: cons.irl@webcat.es
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in La Coruña
Honorary Consul of Ireland
Anton Martin Shipping S.L.
C/Alta del Puerto
Edificio "Los Sauces"
El Ferrol 15401
City:La Coruña
Phone: 34 981 351 480
Fax: 34 981 357 983
Email: tomasanton@antonmartin.com
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Las Palmas
Honorary Consul General of Ireland
León y Castillo 195-1ºdcha
35004 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
City:Gran Canaria
Phone: 34 928 29 77 28
Fax: 34 928 29 77 28
Email: consuladoirlanda@step.es
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Lanzarote
Honourary Vice Consul of Ireland,
C/Ginés de Castro Alvarez 12, 3B,
35500 Arrecife Lanzarote
City:Lanzarote
Phone: 34 928 815 262
Fax: 34 928 802 200
Email: ireland@lanzarote-viceconsulate.com
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Malaga
Honourary Consul of Ireland
Galerias Santa Monica Avenida Los Boliches, 15
29640 Fuengirola, Malaga
City:Malaga
Phone: 34 952 475 108
Fax: 34 952 466 783
Email: bufete@josemiguel.e.felefonica.net
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Palma de Mallorca
Honourary Consul of Ireland San Miguel,
68 A-7º/8º 07002 Palma de Mallorca
City:Mallorca
Phone: 34 971 719 244
Fax: 34 971 718 229
Email: nicole@marrero-henning.com
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Sevilla
Honourary Consul of Ireland,
Avda. de Jerez, 46,
Expolocal Local, 8,
Sevilla 41012
City:Sevilla
Phone: 34 954 690 689
Fax: 34 954 689 112
Email: irishconsulate@telefonica.net
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Irish Honourary Consulate General in Tenerife
Honourary Consul General of Ireland,
Elias Ramos Gonzalez 10,
Edif. Tahodio Portón A-44a, Residential Anaga,
380012
City: Tenerife
Phone: 34 954 690 689
Fax: 34 954 689 112
Email: irishconsulate@telefonica.net
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

New Zealand's Embassy and Consulates Offices in Spain
New Zealand Embassy in Spain
New Zealand Embassy
Pinar 7, 3rd floor
28006, Madrid
City:Madrid
Phone: 34 915 230 226
Fax: 34 915 230 171
Email: embnuevazelanda@telefonica.net
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/spain

New Zealand Honourary Consulate in Barcelona
Travesera de Gracia, 64
08006 Barcelona
City:Barcelona
Phone: 34 932 090 399
Fax: 34 932 020 890

Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Spain

Spanish Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada

Embassy of Spain in Ottawa
74, Stanley Avenue
Ottawa
Ontario, K1M 1P4
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 613 747 2252
Fax: 1 613 744 1143
Email: emb.ottawa@mae.es
Website: http://www.maec.es/en/

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Spanish consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Spain.

Embassy the Republic of Korea in the United States of America

Spanish Embassy in Washington DC
2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
City: Washington, D.C.
Phone: 1 202 452 0100 and 1 202 728 23403
Fax: 1 202 833 5670
Email: emb.washington@maec.es

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Spanish consulates in the US can be found at: http://www.maec.es/SUBWEBS/EMBAJADAS/WASHINGTON/EN/MENUPPAL/CONSULARES/Paginas/Consular%20Services.aspx

* Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
** Information is updated regularly, so check back for more details about teaching English in Spain
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.16.

Check out our informative country reports offering detailed information about teaching English in the following countries:

Japan  |  Korea  |  Spain  |  France  |  China  |  Italy  |  Mexico  |  Germany  |  Russia  |  India

Want more information?

Mon - Fri 8:30AM - 10:00PM EST
Sat, Sun 8:30AM - 5:30PM EST

Find Near You...

Course Locations & Dates
Free Information Session

See all locations

Recruiting Qualified ESL Teacher

We Guard Your Privacy

Oxford Seminars pledges to keep your personal information private and protected

Close