Working in Spain

Expat Testimonials – Working in Spain

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There are essentially two types of expat workers in Spain. Those who come over the busy tourist summer period to work in bars and restaurant, and those who reside here and prefer to seek out ‘official’ jobs. In general you’ll find Spain, especially in southern areas like Andalucia, to have a much more laid back approach to work (some would say too laid back!).

The working day tends to begin around 10am, is followed by a siesta or long lunch between 2pm and 4pm (when the day is at its hottest) and then you may continue working until 8pm. However, restaurants are all open very late (past midnight) and shops and shopping centres are all open until about 10pm. It means that there is plenty of time to socialise after work, and also to go to the post office or bank before your working day begins, as they all open around 8.30am.

Dress codes at work are usually far more relaxed, with ties and formal suits not normally required, especially in very warm areas like the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, though you will find more formality in Madrid. It could be said that this mañana attitude is changing, as Spain tries to keep up its working hours in order to feed the economy, but others say it is this laid back feeling which attracts visitors to the country in the first place and that it would be a mistake to change it too much.