Alicante is a beautiful coastal city located on the southeastern coast of Spain. Its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and low cost of living have made it a popular destination for British expats. If you’re thinking of moving to Alicante and looking for job opportunities, you’re in luck. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 jobs in Alicante for British expats.
- English Teacher: One of the most popular jobs for British expats in Alicante is teaching English. There is a high demand for English teachers, especially in private language schools, and many British expats find work in this field.
- Tourism Industry: Alicante is a popular tourist destination, and there are many job opportunities in the tourism industry, including hotel management, tour guides, and travel agents. British expats with experience in the industry may find it easy to secure employment.
- Real Estate: The real estate market in Alicante is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in sales, marketing, and property management.
- Customer Service: Many companies in Alicante require customer service representatives who speak English fluently. British expats with good communication skills can find work in this field.
- Accounting and Finance: There is a growing demand for accountants and financial analysts in Alicante, and British expats with relevant experience and qualifications may find it easy to secure employment.
- Information Technology: The IT industry is booming in Alicante, and there are many job opportunities for British expats with experience in software development, web design, and IT support.
- Healthcare: Alicante has a well-developed healthcare system, and there are many job opportunities for British expats with medical qualifications and experience, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
- Business Development: Many companies in Alicante are looking to expand their businesses, and there are job opportunities for British expats with experience in business development, sales, and marketing.
- Translation and Interpretation: With a large number of English-speaking expats and tourists in Alicante, there is a high demand for translation and interpretation services. British expats with language skills can find work in this field.
- Freelance Work: Finally, many British expats in Alicante choose to work as freelancers, offering their services in areas such as writing, photography, graphic design, and translation.
If you’re a British expat looking for a job in Alicante, there are plenty of options available to you. From teaching English and working in the tourism industry to real estate and IT, there are many job opportunities for expats with the right qualifications and experience. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Alicante, do your research, update your CV, and start looking for your dream job.
Wages for Expats in Spain
The wages for British expats working in Spain can vary widely depending on the type of job and industry. Some expats may be able to find work in high-paying industries such as finance or tech, while others may work in lower-paying industries such as hospitality or retail.
In general, the average wage for expats in Spain is lower than in the UK, with salaries often being a fraction of what one might earn in London or other major cities. According to Eurostat, the average hourly wage in Spain is around €14 per hour, or approximately £11.50 at current exchange rates. However, this can vary depending on the region, with salaries in the larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona typically being higher than in more rural areas.
The typical wage in the tourist industry in Alicante can vary widely depending on the specific job and experience of the worker. Some jobs in the tourist industry may pay minimum wage, while others may pay significantly more.
According to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the average gross wage in the accommodation and food service sector in the province of Alicante was €1,086 per month in 2020. This is equivalent to approximately £926 at current exchange rates. However, this is an average and the actual wage for individual workers can vary depending on factors such as their position, experience, and the size of the employer.
In general, entry-level positions such as housekeeping, wait staff, and customer service roles may pay minimum wage, which is currently €7.14 per hour in Spain. However, supervisory or management roles in the tourist industry may pay significantly more. For example, a restaurant manager in Alicante may earn between €20,000 and €30,000 per year, depending on their experience and the size of the establishment.
It’s important to note that the cost of living in Alicante is generally lower than in other major Spanish cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona. This means that the wages paid in the tourist industry in Alicante may be lower than in other regions, but the cost of living may also be lower.
What are the Requirements for British Expats to Work in Spain post-Brexit?
Brexit has brought many changes for British expats living and working in the European Union, including Spain. Since the UK is no longer a member of the EU, British expats must now meet new requirements to work in Spain.
Here we take a look at the requirements to work in Spain post-Brexit
- NIE: British expats must obtain residency in Spain to work legally. This means registering with the local authorities and obtaining a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). British expats must also have a valid passport and a work contract.
- Work Contract: To work in Spain, British expats must have a work contract. The work contract must be in Spanish and should include information about the job, the salary, and the length of the contract. The contract should also state that the employer is registered with the Spanish Social Security system.
- Health Insurance: British expats must have health insurance to work in Spain. This can be either private health insurance or coverage through the Spanish Social Security system. British expats must have proof of their health insurance when they apply for residency.
- Taxation: British expats who work in Spain must pay taxes in Spain. They must also file a tax return each year. British expats who work in Spain for less than six months a year may be exempt from paying taxes in Spain.
- Language Skills: British expats who work in Spain should have a basic knowledge of Spanish. This is important for communication in the workplace and for interacting with the local community.
- Professional Qualifications: Depending on the profession, British expats may need to have their professional qualifications recognized in Spain. This is particularly important for professions such as medicine, law, and education.
- Criminal Record Check: British expats who work with children or vulnerable adults may be required to have a criminal record check. The check must be from the country of origin and translated into Spanish.
Brexit has brought many changes for British expats who wish to work in Spain. NIE, a work contract, health insurance, taxation, language skills, professional qualifications, and a criminal record check are all requirements that British expats must meet. It’s important for British expats to research and understand these requirements before moving to Spain. With the right preparation and documentation, working in Spain post-Brexit is still possible.
