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Common Mistakes When Looking for Work in Spain as a Foreigner

Arriving in Spain with the dream of finding a job is a huge step. Many immigrants aspire to a better life, a decent salary, and the chance to support their families. However, during this process, they often make mistakes that not only delay their entry into the labor market but can also close doors for the future.

Job hunting in a new country requires information, patience, and strategy. This guide outlines the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can increase your chances of finding legal and stable work in Spain.

Mistake 1: Not Having Your Documents in Order

One of the biggest errors is trying to find formal employment without an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), without a work permit, or with expired documents.

  • Without these, most companies cannot hire you legally.
  • You’ll end up in informal jobs, without a contract or Social Security contributions, leaving you exposed to labor exploitation.

👉 How to do it right: Before entering the job market, research legalization options (work visas, social or labor arraigo, or arraigo por formación). Always keep your documents up to date.

Mistake 2: Not Researching the Spanish Labor Market

Many immigrants arrive with degrees and experience from their home country but fail to check whether their profession is regulated in Spain.

  • Fields like healthcare, education, and engineering require degree recognition (homologación).
  • Sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, or logistics are more accessible without heavy paperwork.

👉 How to do it right: Research which sectors are hiring immigrants. If your profession is regulated, start the recognition process from your home country or as soon as you arrive in Spain.

Mistake 3: Not Adapting Your CV to the Spanish Style

CVs in Spain are expected to be brief and to the point. Many foreigners submit overly long or unusual formats, leading to rejection before being read.

  • Ideal length: maximum two pages.
  • Must include a photo, experience, education, and clear contact details.

👉 How to do it right: Prepare a CV adapted to the Spanish model and include a short cover letter showing motivation and immediate availability.

Mistake 4: Trusting Fake Job Offers

Out of desperation, some immigrants fall victim to job scams: individuals or “companies” offering contracts in exchange for money or papers.

👉 How to do it right: Search on official job portals like SEPE, InfoJobs, or company websites. Remember: a real contract never requires payment.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the Language

Although Spain is an international and tourist-driven country, Spanish remains essential for most jobs. Arriving without at least basic knowledge of the language severely limits opportunities and leads to frustration.

👉 How to do it right: Invest time in learning Spanish. NGOs, local councils, and immigrant associations often offer free courses. With a basic level, you can start in hospitality or agriculture, and later aim for better-paying jobs.

Mistake 6: Only Searching in Major Cities

Madrid and Barcelona attract thousands of immigrants but also have the highest competition, causing many to go months without finding work.

👉 How to do it right: Expand your search to regions with higher demand and less competition:

  • Andalusia and Murcia: agriculture.
  • Balearic and Canary Islands: tourism.
  • Navarra and the Basque Country: industry.

Mistake 7: Accepting Abusive Conditions Out of Necessity

Without knowledge of the law, some immigrants end up working for less than the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (€1,134 in 2025) or with shifts over 12 hours.

👉 How to do it right: Learn your labor rights. Every contract must include a wage in line with the sector’s agreement, paid holidays, and Social Security contributions.

Benefits of Avoiding These Mistakes

  • Access to stable, legal contracts.
  • Avoid scams and financial loss.
  • Contribute to Social Security and gain access to social benefits.
  • Improve your chances of obtaining long-term residency.
  • Faster integration into the Spanish labor market and society.

Job hunting in Spain as a foreigner isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. The most common mistakes—lacking documents, not knowing the market, poorly prepared CVs, or falling for scams—can all be avoided with preparation.

The difference between failing or advancing often isn’t luck, but the information you have and how you use it. With patience, strategy, and preparation, your effort can turn into that job opportunity you’re looking for in Spain.

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