Jobs in Spain: 2026 Guide for Foreign Workers

Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for people looking to work abroad. With its warm climate, famous culture, and large tourism and agricultural sectors, the demand for staff is high. However, getting a standard work visa can be slow and difficult due to high local unemployment rates. At MEUSEPF, we help foreign workers skip the long queues by focusing on seasonal work, which offers a much faster and more realistic path into the European job market.

If you are looking for jobs in Spain, this guide explains the 2026 rules, what you can earn, and how to start your application today.

The Spanish Seasonal Job Calendar

Spain relies heavily on foreign workers to fill roles during peak times of the year. Because these jobs are temporary, the Spanish government often makes it easier for foreigners to get visas compared to permanent office roles. Here is when the most jobs are available:

• Spring (March – June): High demand for fruit picking (strawberries in Huelva) and preparing coastal resorts for the summer season.
• Summer (June – September): Peak tourism season. Thousands of jobs open up in hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs across the Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and Catalonia.
• Autumn (September – November): The grape harvest (La Vendimia) and olive picking require a massive influx of agricultural workers.
• Winter (December – February): Ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees hire staff, while citrus harvests continue in Valencia.

Visa Rules for Foreign Workers in 2026

To work in Spain as a non-EU citizen, you need a valid permit. In 2026, the most common route for those without a university degree is the Seasonal Work Visa (Autorización de estancia y trabajo de duración determinada).

Key Visa Details:

• Eligibility: You must have a job offer from a Spanish employer. For agricultural roles, many workers come through the GECCO program, which manages circular migration from countries like Morocco, Senegal, and Honduras Source: Spanish Ministry of Migration.
• Processing Time: Usually 1 to 3 months. This is much faster than the 6-12 months often required for permanent residency visas.
• Approval Rates: Seasonal visas have higher approval rates because they address specific labor shortages that Spanish citizens are not filling.

If you find the Spanish process too complex, MEUSEPF specializes in connecting you with employers who already have the paperwork ready to go. You can learn more about this in our Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Europe guide.

Salary and Cost of Living in Spain (2026 Estimates)

The Spanish government sets a Minimum Wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional or SMI). For 2026, the estimated SMI is approximately €1,200 per month based on recent annual increases Source: La Moncloa.

Note: Salaries are estimates based on 2025 data adjusted for 2026 inflation and policy trends.

Why Seasonal Work is Your Best Option

Many people search for "jobs in Spain" hoping for a permanent office job. However, the Spanish labor market is very protective of local workers for those roles. Seasonal Work Europe is different. Employers in farming and hospitality are desperate for reliable help and are much more likely to provide Visa Sponsorship.

Using a platform like MEUSEPF helps you avoid scams. We vet employers to ensure they follow Spanish labor laws, provide fair pay, and offer safe housing. This is a much safer path than trying to find a job on social media groups where fraud is common.

For those interested in outdoor work, our guide on Farm Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Europe provides a step-by-step look at the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Spanish work visa cost?

The visa fee itself is usually around €60 to €80, but you may also have to pay for document translations and background checks. Many seasonal employers through MEUSEPF cover or reimburse these costs to attract workers.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

For agricultural jobs, basic Spanish is helpful but not always required. For tourism jobs, you usually need good English and at least basic Spanish to help customers.

Is accommodation provided?

In most seasonal agricultural contracts, the employer is legally required to provide "adequate" housing. In tourism, it varies, but many resorts offer staff dormitories at a discounted rate.

How fast can I start?

If you use the 2026 Guide to Fast Visa Sponsorship, you can often go from application to starting your job in Spain within 8 to 12 weeks.