Working in European countries for non-EU citizens

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 »

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Spain

If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a residence and work permit. The main routes:

Graduates of Spanish universities (bachelor’s level or higher) who held a student stay permit can get a residence permit to look for a job or start a business for 24 months (not extendable). You may not work with this permit itself – once you find a job, you need a work permit.
EU Blue Card – for highly qualified jobs paying at least €41,356.36 gross a year (threshold updated in June 2026). A lower threshold of €33,085.09 applies to shortage occupations in the two highest occupation groups and to people who got their qualification in the last three years.
Employer-sponsored work permit – the employer applies for you. Jobs on the Catalogue of Hard-to-Fill Occupations make it easier to get this first permit.

All conditions and information sheets are on the Ministry of Inclusion’s migration portal.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

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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