Teaching English in SpainBack to Tefl World

Why Teach in Spain?

Spain offers an irresistible combination of sunshine, culture, and professional experience for English teachers. From the Moorish architecture of Andalusia and Catalan art scene of Barcelona to the lively tapas bars of Madrid, Spain captivates with its relaxed rhythm of life.

While afternoons might be reserved for siestas, learning English remains a national priority. A growing number of Spaniards seek language skills to compete in the European labor market, making qualified English teachers highly valued. Unlike some Asian markets, Spain's hiring cycle runs from late winter to early spring, with most teaching contracts beginning in September.

This guide covers everything you need to know: requirements, visas, job options, salaries, cost of living, and insider tips to help you succeed in Spain's TEFL market.

Requirements to Teach English in Spain

Hiring standards vary by school type, but most positions require:

English Proficiency

Schools prefer native speakers, though near-native fluency with a clear accent is also accepted.

Bachelor's Degree

Not always mandatory, but significantly improves your chances and may be required for work visas and higher-paying positions.

TEFL Certification

A 120-hour accredited TEFL certificate strengthens applications and prepares you for classroom success. While the Language & Culture Assistants program doesn't require it, most other positions do.

Clean Background Check

Required for visas and working with children in educational settings.

Health Insurance

Many programs include coverage, but private teachers should purchase their own health insurance.

Basic Spanish

Not compulsory, but learning some Spanish makes daily life and classroom management significantly easier.

Visa and Work Permit Options

Non-EU citizens need legal authorisation to live and work in Spain. Your visa depends on your nationality and job type:

Student Visa (Most Common for Non-EU Teachers)

The primary pathway for U.S., Canadian, and other non-EU teachers. Enroll in a recognised Spanish or Catalan language course to qualify for a student visa allowing up to 20 hours of work per week.

• Important: Must be processed before leaving your home country
• Specific student-visa programs available in Madrid and Barcelona with job-search support
• Allows teaching while studying

Language & Culture Assistants (Auxiliares de Conversación)

Run by Spain's Ministry of Education, this popular program hires approximately 2,500 North Americans annually.

• Work hours: 12–16 hours per week in public schools
• Stipend: €700–€1,000 per month
• Benefits: Appropriate work visa included; private tutoring allowed for extra income
• Application period: Opens in January, closes in early April

Work Visa

Rare for non-EU teachers due to expensive sponsorship requirements. Some international schools and public school programs provide this visa.

EU citizens can work freely but must apply for a residence permit and tax number (NIE).

Working Holiday Visa

Available to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada aged 18–30/35. Allows temporary work and travel.

Important Warning

Avoid teaching on a tourist visa. While this was once common, current regulations make it risky and it's not recommended.

Job Types and Salaries

Language & Culture Assistant (Public Schools)

The most popular route for non-EU teachers through the government's Auxiliares de Conversación program. Assistants support Spanish teachers in primary or secondary schools for 12–16 hours per week. Placements throughout Spain, including small towns. Many assistants supplement income through private tutoring.

Private Schools & Language Academies

Teachers with a TEFL certificate and ideally a teaching license can find positions at private schools and language academies. These jobs often include benefits such as health insurance or housing allowances with more stable, year-long contracts. Most non-EU teachers work at private institutions under a student visa while attending Spanish classes, as schools rarely sponsor visas.

Public Schools (Independent of Assistant Program)

Qualified teachers—often EU citizens or those with work visas—can secure jobs in public schools. Pay varies by region and hours.

Private Tutoring and Freelance Work

High demand for one-on-one English tutoring. Tutors set their own rates and many teachers supplement their income by offering conversation classes in person or online.

Corporate Training and Summer Camps

Business professionals, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, pay well for specialised English training. Corporations hire teachers for evening classes or weekend workshops. Summer camps recruit teachers during school holidays—a fun way to earn extra money while exploring the country.

Cost of Living

Spain is more affordable than many Western European countries, though living costs vary by region. Here are typical monthly expenses:

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• One-bedroom apartment (city center): ~€753
• One-bedroom apartment (suburbs): ~€606
• Three-bedroom apartment (city center): ~€1,223
• Three-bedroom apartment (outside center): ~€914

Utilities & Services

• Utilities (electricity, water, heating, garbage): ~€128/month
• Internet (fiber-optic widely available): ~€32/month
• Mobile phone (calls + >10GB data): ~€20/month

Transportation

• Single ticket: €1.50
• Monthly pass: €34
• Metro and bus networks are efficient in major cities

Food & Dining

• Meal at local restaurant: €12
• Two-course menu del día offers excellent value
• Cooking at home reduces costs significantly

Leisure

• Gym membership: €38/month
• Cinema ticket: ~€8

Overall Budget

• Single person: ~€712/month (excluding rent)
• Family of four: ~€2,512/month (excluding rent)

Money-Saving Tips: Rent outside city centers, cook at home, share accommodation, and supplement income through private tutoring or online teaching.

Where to Teach: Popular Destinations

Madrid

Spain's largest job market with countless language academies, private schools, and corporate clients. Home to world-class museums, royal palaces, and buzzing nightlife. Living costs are higher, but abundant opportunities make up for it.

Barcelona

Catalonia's capital combines beach life with Gaudí architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Catalan is widely spoken alongside Spanish. Note that some student-visa programs may restrict teaching hours in this region.

Valencia

Home of paella and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia balances big-city amenities with a relaxed seaside vibe. Teaching positions often pay slightly less than Madrid or Barcelona but come with lower living costs.

Seville and Andalusia

Sun-soaked Andalusia is famous for flamenco and Moorish architecture. Seville offers a low cost of living and plenty of language academies. Smaller cities like Granada and Córdoba attract teachers seeking cultural immersion and proximity to beaches or mountains.

Murcia and Other Regions

Murcia's university and placement programs make it accessible for novice teachers. Other regions such as Galicia, the Canary Islands, and the Basque Country offer unique cultural experiences with less competition for jobs.

When to Apply

Peak Hiring Season

February through April is when schools secure teachers for the September start. Most positions run from September to June, with July and August dedicated to summer camps or holidays.

Application Timeline

• January: Auxiliares de Conversación applications typically open
• Early April: Auxiliares application deadline
• March 1: Some programs (like CIEE) have specific deadlines
• Apply Early: Gather documents well in advance (diploma, transcripts, TEFL certificate, passport, apostille)

Networking Opportunities

• Attend job fairs like Spainwise
• Search online job boards
• Join expat and teachers' groups on social media for openings and community support

Cultural Tips for Success

Embrace the Siesta

Shops and schools often close in mid-afternoon. Use this time to rest or prepare lessons. Evening classes may run late, sometimes past 8 p.m.

Punctuality vs. Flexibility

Spaniards value social relationships over strict timetables. Be punctual for class, but expect meetings or lessons to start a few minutes late.

Build Personal Relationships

Rapport is essential. Greet colleagues with a handshake or double-kiss (dos besos), learn students' names, and show genuine interest in their culture.

Navigate Spanish Bureaucracy

Bureaucratic procedures can be slow. Practice patience and persistence when applying for visas, registering for an NIE (tax number), or opening a bank account.

Classroom Management

Public schools may have large class sizes with varying discipline levels. Prepare interactive activities and remain adaptable to different learning environments.

Helpful Resources

TEFL Certification

Investing in a quality TEFL certificate improves job prospects significantly. Consider 120-hour online courses or combined TEFL + Spanish courses in Madrid.

Job Boards & Fairs

• Spainwise lists reputable language academies and hosts an annual job fair
• Online TEFL job boards feature openings across Spain

Official Programs

Visit the Spanish Ministry of Education's Profex portal for official Language & Culture Assistants application details.

Cost Planning

Use Numbeo's Spain cost-of-living tool to plan your budget based on your intended city.

Expat Communities

Connect with other teachers via Facebook groups like "Auxiliares de Conversación en España" or the TEFL in Spain subreddit.

Ready for Your Spanish Adventure?

Teaching English in Spain offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle while developing valuable professional skills. While salaries are modest, careful budgeting and supplemental income from tutoring or online teaching make it achievable.

With the right visa, a recognised TEFL certificate, and a sense of adventure, Spain can be a rewarding and unforgettable destination for your TEFL career. Start planning early, brush up on your Spanish, and prepare for tapas, siestas, and the experience of a lifetime.