Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »
Spain is a country of 49.6 million people, and its labour market has been improving for several years. Unemployment has fallen every year – from 13.0% in 2022 to 10.5% in 2025 – but it is still well above the EU average of 6.0%.
Young people have it hardest: 24.9% of people aged 15–24 who want a job do not have one (EU: 15.2%), although this is down from 29.7% in 2022. The employment rate is 72.4% of people aged 20–64, below the EU average of 76.1%.
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Spaniards. What you do need for most jobs is Spanish: cover letters are written in Spanish unless the job ad says otherwise.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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