5 best cities to work in Spain in 2025
The cultural vibe, pleasant climate and excellent professional opportunities make Spain an ideal destination for Brazilians seeking international experiences. In 2025, some Spanish cities stand out especially for offering favorable conditions for international students who wish to work during their exchange.
Advantages of studying and working in Spain
Spain offers a perfect setting for those who wish to combine studies with international professional experience. The program Study and Work in Spain allows students to work up to 30 hours a week during the course and up to 40 hours a week during holidays, with an average salary of approximately 10 euros per hour. This flexibility provides not only financial autonomy but also valuable professional experience in a European market.
In addition, the country offers a welcoming environment for Brazilians, with a language that is relatively easy to learn and a culture with many similarities to ours. Spanish is a language spoken by more than 500 million people around the world, which makes proficiency in this language a significant differential in the global labor market. Spanish universities are internationally recognized for their quality, offering degrees valued around the world.
Madrid: the economic center with ample opportunities
Madrid, as the capital and economic center of Spain, leads the ranking of the best cities to work in the country in 2025. With over 146,000 vacancies reported in 2024 (an increase of 4.3% compared to 2023), the city offers a dynamic environment with opportunities in various sectors for international students.
The main areas with opportunities for international students in Madrid include:
- Technology and innovation: Startups and established companies are constantly looking for talent, even for part-time positions
- Finance and Business Services: Large banks and multinational companies offer internships and junior positions
- Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions hire Portuguese and English speakers
- upbringing: High demand for language tutors, especially for teaching Portuguese and English
- Retail trade: Stores in shopping malls and in the city center frequently hire international students
Barcelona: innovation and tourism in harmony
Barcelona stands out as a hub of technological innovation and a global tourist destination, creating a unique environment for international students who wish to work while studying. The Catalan city combines Mediterranean charm with a vibrant startup scene and international companies, attracting talent from around the world.
The job market in Barcelona is particularly receptive to international students, especially in sectors such as tourism, technology, and design. With the possibility of working up to 30 hours a week, students can find opportunities in hotels, restaurants, technology companies, and design agencies. The city is also a hub for digital entrepreneurship, opening doors for those who wish to gain experience in innovative startups. Despite the higher cost of living (score of 54.17, according to recent studies), salaries tend to be proportionately higher, allowing for a good quality of life.
Valencia, Malaga and Seville: quality of life and emerging opportunities
In addition to Madrid and Barcelona, other Spanish cities offer excellent opportunities for international students with a more affordable cost of living. These cities are becoming increasingly popular among Brazilians seeking a balanced experience between work, study and quality of life.
Learn about the characteristics and opportunities of these emerging cities:
- Valencia: With a 46.24% lower cost of living than in Madrid, Valencia offers opportunities mainly in technology, energy and tourism. The Mediterranean city combines a relaxed atmosphere with modern infrastructure, making it ideal for those seeking balance. With nine quality universities, it attracts an increasing number of international students.
- Malaga: Rapidly becoming a technological hub on the Costa del Sol, Malaga offers opportunities in IT, transportation, and tourism. The low cost of housing and the quality of life by the sea make this city a smart choice for students who want to maximize their earnings with the 30 hours of work per week allowed.
- Seville: Capital of Andalusia, Seville is famous for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism sector. Extremely popular among Erasmus students, the city offers abundant opportunities in hospitality, cultural tourism, and services. With 11 universities and an average cost of living (score of 51.43), it provides a rich student experience at an affordable price.
Requirements and conditions for working as an international student
To work legally in Spain as an international student in 2025, you must be enrolled in a course recognized by the Spanish government and hold a valid student visa. Students from countries outside the European Union, such as Brazil, can work up to 30 hours a week during the academic term and full time during academic holidays, in accordance with the regulations implemented in 2023 and maintained in 2025. It is important to note that while knowledge of Spanish is a significant advantage, there are opportunities for English speakers, especially in tourist cities such as Barcelona and Malaga, and for Portuguese speakers in companies with connections to Brazil or Portugal.
How to maximize your chances in the Spanish job market
The Spanish labor market, especially in the five cities highlighted, offers diverse opportunities for international students, but it is important to adopt specific strategies to increase your chances of success. Preparing yourself properly before you even arrive in the country can make all the difference in your professional journey.
Spanish employers value not only technical skills, but also interpersonal competencies and cultural adaptability. Investing in Spanish language learning is essential, even if you are looking for vacancies in international environments.
Cost of living and financial planning
When planning your study and work experience in Spain, it's essential to consider the cost of living in each city to make financially sustainable choices. Madrid and Barcelona, although they offer more employment opportunities, have higher costs, while Valencia, Malaga and Seville offer cheaper alternatives that allow better use of earnings from part-time work.
Rent represents the largest monthly expense, varying significantly between cities. In Madrid and Barcelona, a one-bedroom apartment can cost between €700-1,200 in central areas, while in Valencia or Malaga the prices are between €500-800. Other monthly expenses include food (€200-300), public transport (€40-60), health insurance (starting at €50), and leisure (€200-300). With the limit of 30 hours of work per week and an average compensation of €10 per hour, students can earn approximately €1,200 per month, which covers basic expenses in the most affordable cities, but may require more careful financial planning in Madrid and Barcelona.
Comparison between cities: which one is best for you in 2025?
Each of the five main Spanish cities has distinct characteristics that can meet different international student profiles. The ideal choice depends on your personal, professional, and budgetary priorities. See how they compare on the main criteria:
Job opportunities:
- Madrid: Leader in number and diversity of vacancies (★★★★★)
- Barcelona: Large volume of opportunities in innovative sectors (★★★★★)
- Valencia: Growing market, especially in technology (★★★★☆)
- Malaga: Emerging IT hub with good candidate/vacancy ratio (★★★★☆)
- Seville: Strong in the tourism and seasonal sector (★★★☆☆)
Cost of living (from the most affordable to the most expensive):
- Malaga: Affordable housing and excellent quality of life
- Valencia: Low cost with modern infrastructure
- Seville: Moderate prices, especially outside the center
- Madrid: High cost, but with proportionately higher salaries
- Barcelona: The most expensive of the five, especially in housing
Environment for students:
- Madrid: 17 universities, diverse international community
- Barcelona: 12 universities, strong presence of foreign students
- Seville: 11 universities, very popular in the Erasmus program
- Valencia: 9 universities, growing international student community
- Malaga: Fewer universities, but popular for exchange
Sectors with the highest demand for international students:
- Madrid: Finance, Technology, Education, and Commerce
- Barcelona: Tourism, design, startups and technology
- Valencia: Technology, Renewable Energy, and Tourism
- Malaga: IT, Tourism and Transportation
- Seville: Cultural tourism, hospitality and services
Work-study-quality-of-life balance:
- Valencia offers the best balance between affordable cost, job opportunities and quality of life
- Malaga It is ideal for those who value seaside lifestyle with a moderate cost
- Madrid and Barcelona are perfect for those who prioritize careers and cosmopolitan life
- Seville stands out for its rich cultural experience and a more relaxed pace of life
Be Easy
A Be Easy transforms your dream of studying and working in Spain into reality, with customized programs that combine an intensive Spanish course and permission to work up to 30 hours a week. Our experienced staff offers full support, from choosing the ideal city to visa assistance, accommodation, and professional guidance. Contact us today for advice and discover how our Study and Work in Spain program can open doors to your international future!
