What You Need to Teach English in Spain
To teach English in Spain, you’ll usually need a recognised TEFL qualification and, in many cases, a university degree. Requirements vary by employer and role. There are clear routes in for first-time teachers, especially if you’re in Spain and ready for interviews.
- TEFL certificate
A 120-hour TEFL or TESOL qualification is the norm across Spain’s private academies / language schools. Some employers – particularly exam-heavy schools – may prefer CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL, but a solid 120-hour TEFL from a reputable provider is widely accepted. Spain’s market skews toward young learners and exam classes, so a short add-on in Young Learners or Cambridge exam preparation can be an advantage.
- Degree
A degree is often preferred in Spain and is expected by some official language-assistant schemes. However, most private language schools will hire teachers without a degree if you can show a strong TEFL and confident classroom skills. International schools typically require a degree plus a teaching licence.
- Experience
Prior experience helps, but many entry-level academy positions and assistant roles are open to newly qualified teachers each September. Many schools in Spain will ask for, and look closely at, your demo lesson, often placing more emphasis on this than on a long CV.
- Language skills
You don’t need Spanish to teach English, and most employers won’t require it. Basic Spanish makes daily life easier, and it helps when liaising with parents or arranging off-site lessons. Regional languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician) are part of daily life in some areas, but they’re not required for English teaching.
- Nationality & right to work
EU passport holders are straightforward for schools to hire. Non-EU teachers get hired too – commonly via official language-assistant placements or while studying on a student visa. Being in Spain in late August/early September, with a Spanish version of your CV and local phone number, often makes the difference.
- Age
Many assistant schemes accept roughly 18–59/60. The upper limit for working holiday visa routes (see below) is 30/35.
How to Choose the Right TEFL Course in Spain
Before you start teaching, you’ll need a TEFL qualification, and choosing the right course will help you feel classroom-ready and make your application stand out to Spanish employers.
What to prioritise
- Recognised accreditation
Pick a course with accreditation recognised and accepted by employers in Spain and abroad. For more on accreditation, see TEFL accreditation: what it is and why is it important?.
- Teaching practice
Look for a course that includes observed teaching practice with real students, not just mock lessons with peers. Feedback from experienced trainers makes a big difference, and can help when it comes to preparing and delivering a demo lesson to employers.
- Spain-relevant content
If your course covers teaching Young Learners and Teens, Cambridge exam preparation, and Business English, it will align well with the timetables and priorities of most Spanish language academies. If not, consider taking short add-on courses in these areas.
- Job support
It helps to have guidance on CVs (a Spanish version is useful too), interview/demo coaching, and advice on how to contact language academies (academias de inglés). For more about CVs and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
Online or in person?
Both are accepted in Spain. An online course can work if it’s rigorous, and especially if it includes teaching practice. Training in Spain has clear advantages though: you can start to build a network and take advantage of the training centre’s contacts and expertise, and you’ll be available for in-person interviews, trial lessons and short-notice cover – especially useful in August/September when academies finalise timetables. That visibility, plus a Spanish CV and local number, more often than not leads to a first offer faster than applying from abroad.
Many teachers who take our Spain CELTA courses at School of TEFL have jobs lined up soon after completing the course.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 questions to ask when choosing a TEFL course.
From Training to Teaching in Spain: Getting Your First Job
Your route from course completion to first teaching contract depends on your passport, visa options, and preferred schedule. Here are the main routes, with emphasis on the official ones, plus notes on alternatives you can research if useful.
A) Official Language Assistant Programs (public/supported pathways)
These are the most common legal entry points for non-EU citizens and a reliable option for EU citizens seeking classroom exposure in Spain’s public system. Assistants support local teachers (you’re not the sole teacher of record), typically for about 14–16 contact hours/week during the school year.
- NALCAP (Auxiliares de Conversación).
Nationwide placements in public schools; hours and stipends are set by region. Typical pattern: about 14–16 hours/week, monthly stipend of €800–€1,000, October-May/June.
- British Council English Language Assistants (UK applicants)
Operates with Spain’s Ministry/regional authorities; similar weekly hours to NALCAP; the British Council provides timelines and support.
- Fulbright ETA (US applicants)
Competitive assistantships with a cost-of-living stipend, travel, health benefits, and structured professional development.
Tip: There are third-party agencies that will place assistants for a fee. If you choose to use these, compare their contracts carefully with the official programmes – check what’s included (visa guidance, hours, holidays, training, health cover) before you commit.
B) Private Language Academies (after-school & evening schedules)
There are thousands of academias in Spain which hire year-round. Expect mixed ages (kids/teens/adults), evening peaks, and occasional Saturday mornings. Content ranges from exam preparation to general English, conversation, and Business English for clients who need English at work.
Lessons run in the academies, in the learner’s workplace or home, and occasionally in a teacher’s home, so plan for travel time if you accept off-site classes.
A common way in is to secure a contract with an established academy first for steady hours and references, then build a roster of private students (1:1 or 2:1) to fill gaps and supplement income.
C) International Schools (licensed teachers)
Better salaries and benefits, but competitive. Schools typically seek licensed teachers with strong experience; many recruit early in the calendar year for September starts.
D) Private Tutoring & Online Teaching
Private lessons (individuals or small groups) are a major earnings booster, especially in larger cities and exam seasons. Rates of around €15–€25+/hour are common and can go higher in niche areas (exam preparation and corporate clients). 1:1 and 2:1 formats are especially common. For online teaching, ensure your visa permits it and that you respect any hour caps tied to your status.
Job-hunt tactics that work in Spain:
Walk into language academies with your CV, follow up by WhatsApp/email, and have a concise Spanish CV ready (a photo is common but optional). A short cover letter (carta de presentación) also helps.
For the latest jobs advertised for Spain, please see our TEFL jobs in Spain page.
Visas & Work Permits: What You Need to Work Legally in Spain
Visa options in Spain are determined by your nationality (EU/EEA/Swiss vs non-EU).
If you hold an EU/EEA/Swiss passport
You can live and work in Spain without a work visa. You’ll still need to register as a resident and get a tax identification number (NIE), but there are no restrictions on the type of teaching job you can take.
Tip: Book your residency (empadronamiento) and NIE appointments as soon as you arrive – in some cities, waits can be several weeks, and many employers will want your NIE before you start work.
If you are a non-EU citizen
- Language assistant visa (official programmes)
For roles in NALCAP or other official assistant schemes. You’ll usually apply for a long-stay national visa linked to your placement. This works much like a study/trainee visa, with set weekly hours and benefits decided by the regional authority. Always check your Spanish consulate’s current requirements and deadlines.
- Student visa
For those enrolling in Spanish language or other studies while working part-time. Spain updated its student-work rules in 2025, so confirm the permitted weekly hours and required documents with your consulate or school before applying.
- Working Holiday visa
Open to certain nationalities, with age limits and maximum stay periods. Conditions vary depending on your country’s agreement with Spain.
- Employer-sponsored work visa
Less common for language academies, but sometimes possible for international schools willing to sponsor experienced, licensed teachers.
- Digital Nomad residence
For remote workers whose clients or employers are mostly outside Spain. Can be applied for from abroad or within Spain. Requirements and lengths of stay are set by Spanish consulates and national guidelines.
Tip: For assistant roles, follow your consulate’s official visa instructions exactly. If you plan to work while studying, a student visa is usually the simplest option. For experienced, licensed teachers, employer sponsorship is possible, but rare for language academies.
Note: Visa regulations can change at short notice. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Teaching Jobs in Spain: Where You’ll Work and What You’ll Earn
Across Spain you’ll see a familiar mix of class types: exam preparation, general English and conversation, plus in-company lessons in sectors from hospitality to finance. Classes may be on-site in academies, at client workplaces, in learner homes, or occasionally in a teacher’s own home.
What you’ll earn (by role type)
- Official language assistants (public system)
Around 14–16 contact hours/week; monthly salary typically €800–€1,000 depending on region and post.
- Private language academies (fuller timetables)
Common full-time range around €1,200–€1,500+ per month, or hourly roles in the €15–€20+ range, depending on city, level, and experience.
- International schools (licensed teachers)
Often €1,500–€2,000+ monthly for qualified teachers, varying by school and experience.
- Private tutoring
€15–€25+/hour is typical in larger cities; higher for exam preparation or in-company classes.
Tip: Pay rates in Madrid and Barcelona are often higher to match the cost of living. In mid-sized cities like Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, and Murcia, wages are usually lower – but so are everyday expenses.
When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Spain
The Spanish school year typically runs from early/mid-September to mid-June, with regional calendars that vary slightly.
For official assistant programmes, NALCAP usually opens applications in late January and continues into spring, so applying early helps. The British Council ELA publishes an annual lifecycle you can follow step-by-step, while Fulbright runs on its own US timeline.
Private academies hire in peaks during late August-early September as timetables are finalised, but many also recruit year-round when classes expand or teachers move on. You’ll also see seasonal bumps: summer camps and intensive exam courses create June-August openings, and many schools add extra classes in January after the holidays.
Tip: Start your visa process at least three months before you plan to arrive. Long-stay visas can take several weeks to approve, and Spain’s student-work rules – updated in 2025 – may change again, so always follow your consulate’s latest checklist.
Living Costs & How Much You Can Save in Spain
Spain is still more affordable than much of Western Europe – but your choice of city will have a big impact.
- Housing (monthly)
Shared rooms in larger cities typically range from €400–€600/month, while one-bedroom apartments can go from €800 up to €1,200+, depending on city and location. In smaller towns or mid-sized cities, costs drop significantly, with shared rooms at around €250 and one-bedroom apartments from €450.
- Groceries & eating out
A regular coffee or small beer typically costs €1.50–€3, and tapas run from €3–€4 in neighbourhood eateries. Tourist zones are higher.
- Transport
A monthly city transport pass usually costs between €60–€100, with youth/student discounts in some regions.
- Utilities (shared)
Electricity, water, heating and internet typically total €100–€150/month for a shared flat.
- Start‑up costs
Budget for 1–2 months’ deposit (plus agency fees in some cities), temporary accommodation, SIM/phone plan, and transport cards. Many landlords ask for proof of employment before signing.
Based on data from the following publicly available sources (Remember that actual costs may vary):
Savings potential
Assistant roles (14–16 hours/week) typically cover living costs with little left over for extras. Academy teachers with full schedules (20+ hours/week) plus tutoring can save modestly. International school contracts provide the most headroom for savings and travel.
Where You Can Live and Teach in Spain
Spain’s regions vary widely in job volume, housing costs, and lifestyle. Here’s what to expect in some of the most common teaching bases:
- Madrid
The largest TEFL job market with strong transport links and a constant flow of openings. Housing is competitive and among the highest in Spain – many teachers opt for flat-shares in outer districts on fast metro/commuter lines. Savings depend on securing full timetables and tutoring.
- Barcelona (Catalonia)
International and creative, with beach access and mountains nearby. Large academy ecosystem and in-company classes; some schools value knowledge of Catalan. The rental market is tight – plan visits in person and avoid paying before viewings. Costs are close to Madrid, with small variations by district.
- Valencia
A good balance of cost and lifestyle, with park-lined streets, cycling infrastructure, and a growing TEFL scene. Housing is more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, making savings more achievable with steady hours and tutoring.
- Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Málaga, Córdoba, Cádiz)
Rich cultural traditions, strong food culture, and generally lower daily costs in many towns. Seasonal rhythms affect demand. Málaga city is pricier than inland areas; fuller timetables improve savings potential.
- Zaragoza & Murcia
Lower rents and utilities, plus smaller but stable job markets. Good choices if you want to prioritise low costs and immersion, provided you’re proactive in approaching academies and local networks.
- The Canary Islands
A lifestyle destination with a mild climate year-round. The job market is smaller, so flexibility helps – many teachers combine academy work with private or online students.
Tip: In higher-cost cities like Madrid and Barcelona, looking in outer districts on fast transport lines and sharing a flat are the quickest ways to cut costs without adding long commutes.
Cultural Tips for Teaching English in Spain
- Timing & daily rhythm
Expect early starts, a long afternoon break (often 1–3 hours), and later finishes – evening academy classes may run until 9pm or later. Many administrative offices open only in the morning.
- Calendars
Each region sets its own school holidays in addition to national ones, and towns often have their own fiestas. December and Easter week can be stop-start.
- Scheduling & punctuality
It’s common for lessons and meetings to start a few minutes late, but this isn’t a green light to arrive late yourself – being ready to start on time is still expected and appreciated.
- Communication at school
Spanish colleagues often prefer face-to-face chats rather than long email chains. Joining colleagues for a coffee between lessons is often a good opportunity to share materials and resolve small issues.
- Dress code
Smart-casual is common, but styles can be more relaxed in coastal towns and hotter regions. In formal settings (e.g. private schools in Madrid), you may be expected to dress more conservatively despite the heat.
- Safety
Spain is generally safe, but in tourist-heavy areas like Barcelona’s Las Ramblas or Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, pickpocketing is common. Take the same precautions you would in any city.
Career Growth & Opportunities in Spain
For many teachers, Spain is a great place to get started, and if you put the work in, it can also be somewhere to build a rewarding longer-term career. The key is to stay flexible, take on a mix of work at first, and get to know how the job market works here.
Getting your first foothold
Most teachers start in private language schools (academias de inglés). It’s where you’ll learn fast – handling mixed-level groups, planning on the fly, and keeping young learners and teens engaged, often in late-afternoon and evening slots. In your first year, it’s normal to combine part-time academy work with private lessons, in-company classes, online teaching, or seasonal roles like summer camps and intensive exam courses.
Common ways teachers specialise
- Business English
Strong demand in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, especially for in-house company classes. Rates are often higher, and schedules are more predictable (early mornings and lunch hours).
- Exam preparation
Cambridge English dominates, and proven results make you more in-demand and able to charge more. Higher-level exam preparation is a fast route to filling your timetable.
- Young Learners & Teens
A big share of work in Spain involves these age groups. If you enjoy it and earn the trust of parents and coordinators, you’ll have steady contracts and extra hours before exam periods.
- Bilingual/CLIL support
In bilingual programmes, assistants and academy teachers help deliver subjects through English – great experience if you want to move into CLIL roles later (teaching maths, science, etc., in English).
- ESP niches
Tourism, hospitality, tech, and finance all create demand for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) – another way into better-paid corporate work.
Further qualifications
After a couple of years, many teachers go for the DELTA or a Master’s in TESOL – ideal if you’re aiming for academic coordinator/DoS posts, teacher training, or more formal settings. Shorter training can also pay off: young learner specialisations, CLIL certificates, examiner training, or mentoring/observation roles within your school.
International schools and universities
The bigger cities – Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia – have international schools offering full-time contracts, paid holidays, and higher salaries. These are competitive and usually need a degree, a teaching licence (e.g. PGCE), and solid experience. IB or IGCSE experience helps. University posts are rare and often need a Master’s or PhD, with contracts that may be hourly or fixed-term.
Going freelance
Many teachers eventually move into full-time private work – tutoring, corporate clients, or online teaching. It can be more flexible and, once you’re established, more profitable than academy contracts. If you want to invoice companies, you’ll need to register as autónomo (self-employed). Spain is a word-of-mouth market: a couple of good exam results or happy parents can lead to a steady stream of referrals. Have a short info sheet in Spanish with your photo, qualifications, and contact details, or a QR code to your online profile, so it’s easy for people to pass your details on.
For more on career growth opportunities, see How to make a career out of TEFL
Ready to Get Started?
Getting started as an English teacher in Spain can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming at first. Pick the route that suits you, secure a recognised TEFL qualification, and understand how the Spanish job market works to make your first steps much smoother.
When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
In addition to the cost of living sources, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official portal for visa types, requirements, and consulate contact details. Includes guidance for work, study, and long-stay visas.
- Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training
General information on Spain’s public education system, regional structures, and bilingual programmes.
- British Council – English Language Assistants in Spain
Details on eligibility, placement locations, working hours, and stipends for assistants from the UK.
- NALCAP – North American Language and Culture Assistants Program
Official site for US and Canadian applicants, with application timelines, regional placement info, and salary details.
- Fulbright Spain
Program overview for US citizens, including English Teaching Assistantship opportunities and eligibility criteria.
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in Spain since 2005.
