Working in Spain: jobs, careers, and work permits for Dutch and Belgian citizens
Working in Spain: jobs, careers, and work permits for Dutch and Belgian citizens
Are you a Dutch or Belgian citizen dreaming of working under the Spanish sun? Spain is a popular destination for expats seeking not only better weather and lifestyle but also career opportunities in a growing international job market. From navigating work permits and tax systems to understanding Spanish work culture, this guide walks you through every step of starting a professional life in Spain.
Do you need a work permit?
As a citizen of the European Union, you do not need a work permit or visa to live and work in Spain. You’re free to apply for jobs, sign contracts, and start working immediately. However, several administrative steps are essential to legalize your stay and employment:
Apply for an NIE number (número de identificación de extranjero)
Register at your local town hall (empadronamiento)
Obtain a social security number (número de seguridad social)
Register with the tax office if you’re self-employed (autónomo)
How to apply for jobs in Spain as a Dutch or Belgian citizen
Many Dutch and Belgian expats find work through:
International job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and local Spanish sites like InfoJobs and Milanuncios
Recruitment agencies focused on expats
Direct applications to international companies based in Spain
Job listings on EmigrateWise, where verified employers post open positions suited for Dutch- and Flemish-speaking applicants
Tips for applying:
Write your CV and cover letter in English or Spanish, depending on the company
Include a professional photo on your CV (common in Spain)
Expect a slightly slower hiring process compared to the Netherlands or Belgium
Follow up after submitting an application—Spanish recruiters appreciate proactivity
Understanding Spanish work culture
The Spanish workplace differs in various ways from what you’re used to in the Netherlands or Belgium. Here are some key cultural distinctions:
| Aspect | Spain | Netherlands/Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours | Often 9:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00 (with break) | Typically 9:00–17:00 or 8:30–16:30 |
| Lunch breaks | 1.5 to 2 hours, often outside or at home | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Hierarchy | More hierarchical, formal communication | Flatter structure, more direct |
| Social interaction | Coffee breaks and personal rapport valued | More task-focused |
| Dress code | Formal in offices, casual in startups | Mostly casual unless client-facing |
Pros of working in Spain
More relaxed pace of life
Pleasant weather and vibrant outdoor culture
Lower cost of living in many areas
Strong international communities in major cities
Cons
Lower average salaries
More bureaucracy
Longer workdays due to siesta periods
High youth unemployment in some sectors
Income tax and social security
If you work in Spain and reside there for more than 183 days a year, you are considered a tax resident.
Income tax (IRPF)
Progressive tax system with rates between 19% and 47%
Your specific rate depends on income and region
Income tax is automatically deducted from your salary by your employer
Social security
Employees contribute around 6.35% of their gross salary
Employers contribute about 29.9%
Contributions grant access to public healthcare, pensions, and other benefits
If you’re self-employed (autónomo), you’ll pay a flat monthly fee, starting from €80/month for the first year and increasing gradually over time.
In-demand sectors for expats
Dutch- and Flemish-speaking candidates are frequently hired in the following areas:
Customer service and technical support (especially for e-commerce and travel companies)
Tourism and hospitality
Education (especially English or Dutch language teaching)
Remote digital roles such as online marketing, IT, and design
Real estate and relocation services in expat-heavy regions
Most popular cities for Dutch and Belgian job seekers
Spain’s job market for Dutch and Belgian expats is concentrated in a few key regions. Here’s a breakdown of what roles are most in demand by city:
Barcelona
A major tech and business hub with a large international expat community.
In-demand roles:
Dutch-speaking customer support agents
Sales and business development for startups
Digital marketing and content creation
HR and recruitment roles at multilingual firms
Hospitality and hotel front desk jobs
Remote IT and digital services
Madrid
Spain’s capital with a more corporate and formal work environment.
In-demand roles:
Office-based customer service (finance, insurance)
Legal and compliance support staff
IT helpdesk and cybersecurity
Administrative roles in international businesses
English and Dutch language instructors
Valencia
An affordable coastal city gaining traction with digital nomads and young professionals.
In-demand roles:
Tourism and hospitality staff
Dutch-speaking remote customer service
Digital freelancers (marketing, design, development)
Real estate and relocation services
Málaga and Costa del Sol
This region has a large Dutch-speaking community and many businesses serving expats.
In-demand roles:
Real estate and property sales
Tourism and hotel jobs
Dutch-speaking call center roles
Admin support at expat-focused law firms and notaries
Freelancers and self-employed service providers
Alicante and Torrevieja
Popular among retirees from the Netherlands and Belgium, with many local businesses catering to them.
In-demand roles:
Translators and interpreters
Customer service for healthcare or telecom
Jobs in local clinics, legal offices, or Dutch supermarkets
Real estate assistants
Canary Islands
Tenerife and Gran Canaria have year-round tourism and attract many seasonal workers.
In-demand roles:
Travel and tour representatives
Hotel and entertainment staff
Airport support and rental car service
Dutch-speaking helpdesk agents
How EmigrateWise can help you
At EmigrateWise, we’re here to make your transition to working in Spain easier. We offer:
Job listings tailored to Dutch and Belgian expats
Guides for applying for your NIE, registering with authorities, and finding housing
A platform to connect with vetted local professionals and legal experts
Real experiences and advice from people who’ve already made the move
Final tips before you go
Learn basic Spanish – it makes everyday life much smoother
Bring official documents like diplomas, birth certificates, and ID copies
Open a local bank account
Consider private health insurance until you’re fully registered
If unsure, test your move with a short-term position or internship
Need help?
If you’re unsure how to register for your NIE, find housing, or land your first job in Spain, click Find Help on EmigrateWise. You’ll be connected to trusted professionals who can guide you step by step.
On average, between €2,500 and €5,000 including relocation, registration, insurance and basic setup costs.
Not necessarily. In tourist areas and international workplaces, English or Dutch may be enough, but basic Spanish will improve your experience.
We connect you with screened experts who understand both your home country and Spain, so you can avoid mistakes and move with confidence. Next to that, we connect you to people who provide housing and jobs. Everything you need to for your journey.
Only temporarily. Once you register as a resident in Spain, you are usually required to join the Spanish healthcare system or get private insurance.
Yes. You must officially deregister to avoid issues with taxes, healthcare and benefits. EmigrateWise helps you with this step.
You can continue to receive your pension, but the tax implications may change. We’ll help you understand how to avoid double taxation. Below, you can find tax advisors who can assist with possible implications thay may occur.
In some cases, yes—especially within the EU. We’ll guide you through the coordination between Dutch/Belgian and Spanish systems.
We generally recommend renting first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local markets. EmigrateWise can connect you with verified rental agents.
You’ll need a NIE number and some form of ID. Some banks may ask for proof of address or income. We’ll show you how and where to open one easily.
Yes, but if you become a resident, you may be required to exchange it for a Spanish license within 6 months to 2 years, depending on local rules.
Popular areas include the Costa Blanca, Valencia, Málaga and Barcelona. These regions offer active expat communities and Dutch-speaking services.
You’ll need your municipal registration (empadronamiento) and NIE, plus proof of vaccinations and previous school reports.
You may pay income tax, property tax, and possibly capital gains tax if you sell property. EmigrateWise offers help with local tax advisors.
Services that can help your Spain journey
Disclaimer
At EmigrateWise, we do our best to keep the information on this page as accurate, complete, and up to date as possible. However, emigration rules and procedures can change frequently and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Despite our efforts, errors or outdated information may still occur. Ifyou notice any mistakes or missing details, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Together, we can help ensure the information stays as reliable as possible for everyone. Thank you for your contribution!
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