Have you ever dreamed of living and working abroad but haven’t quite decided where to go yet? Maybe Spain is the perfect place for you!
Whether you’re planning to start a new job, enjoy the sun, or simply experience a more relaxed lifestyle, choosing the right city is key. Spain has a wide variety of destinations — from dynamic metropolises to coastal gems — each offering its own unique vibe, culture, and opportunities.
To help you decide, we’ve listed the Top 10 cities in Spain to live and work. After reading this, we’re pretty sure your doubts about moving to Spain will disappear! ☀️🇪🇸
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Living and Working in Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. If you want to experience true Catalan culture, a cava bar is the best place to start. At Can Paixano, for example, you can have breakfast with the locals for just a few euros before heading to one of the city’s biggest attractions: La Sagrada Família — Gaudí’s still-unfinished masterpiece and a must-see for anyone in Barcelona.
The city’s architecture is a mix of styles: dark Gothic facades blend seamlessly with Modernista creations and the contemporary designs of Jean Nouvel or Herzog & de Meuron. You can explore all these architectural wonders in a single day, and then end it by watching the sunset from one of Barcelona’s seven beaches.
For dinner, nothing beats a cozy tapas bar — the perfect way to enjoy good food, good company, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Barcelona offers a relaxed pace of life, months of sunshine, amazing food, and a unique cultural scene. It’s no wonder that living and working in Barcelona is on so many people’s bucket lists!
Madrid
In recent years, Madrid has completely reinvented itself. The city’s world-famous museums — Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza — have all expanded and become even more impressive. At the same time, the city center has been transformed with charming new boutiques, cafés, and gastrobars that give Madrid an unmistakable energy.
Perfect for a city break or a long weekend, Madrid invites you to taste its delicious cuisine and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Although winters can be a little chilly (it’s one of the highest capital cities in Europe!), you’ll still find blue skies most days — perfect for a sunny afternoon drink on one of the many terraces.
Beyond the food and culture, Madrid is a great choice for expats and digital nomads, offering countless career opportunities in tech, finance, and creative industries. Living and working in Madrid means combining professional growth with a rich cultural life — the best of both worlds!
Valencia
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is a perfect blend of modern architecture, Mediterranean charm, and authentic Spanish life. The city is full of character — elegant Art Nouveau buildings line the streets, while Gothic and Renaissance monuments reflect its deep history.
You’ll find a lively mix of museums, restaurants, and nightlife, plus endless shopping and miles of golden beaches. Valencia bursts with Mediterranean energy, yet it’s compact enough to explore easily on foot. You can spend the day wandering through its medieval alleys and stunning landmarks, then relax with a drink on a sunny terrace as locals do.
With its affordable cost of living, strong job market, and easy-going lifestyle, living and working in Valencia is perfect for those who want to balance career opportunities with a slower, sun-soaked pace of life.
Sevilla
Compact, full of history, and famous for its flamenco, tapas bars, and orange trees, Seville captures the very essence of southern Spain. It’s a city made for wandering — stay in the old town and lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz district, or visit the breathtaking Royal Alcázar Palace, a true architectural gem.
Along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, you can feel the rhythm of local life, while landmarks like the Giralda Tower and the Metropol Parasol offer some of the best views in the city. Seville’s unique charm lies in its mix of Moorish heritage and Catholic tradition, visible in every corner of the city.
With its warm climate, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming locals, Seville is an unforgettable place to experience the authentic Andalusian lifestyle — and an inspiring spot to live and work in Spain.
Bilbao
In the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao offers a fascinating mix of modern architecture, cultural creativity, and culinary excellence. Home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, the city has transformed from an industrial port into one of Spain’s most dynamic urban centers.
Wander through the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s charming old town, filled with colorful pintxos bars, boutiques, and winding alleys. Don’t miss the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, where you’ll find everything from wild mushrooms and local cheeses to the region’s signature jamón and seafood.
Bilbao is also a paradise for food lovers — the Basque Country boasts more Michelin-starred chefs than anywhere else in Spain. And when the sun warms the Bay of Biscay, locals head to the nearby beaches to enjoy a cold beer by the sea. If you’re passionate about food, culture, and the good life, living and working in Bilbao will be a true delight.
Málaga
If you dream of living and working in Spain by the sea, Málaga is the place to be. Located on the Costa del Sol, this lively coastal city combines sunshine, culture, and an unbeatable quality of life. Along its beaches, you’ll find countless seaside restaurants serving freshly grilled sardines — a must-try local specialty!
Málaga is also home to incredible art museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, both just a short walk from the beach. Unlike some cities that slow down in the off-season, Málaga stays vibrant all year round. During the Málaga Fair in mid-August, even the quietest visitors join locals in celebrating with music, dancing, and a few beers in the streets.
The city’s relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, sunny weather, and growing job market make living and working in Málaga a wonderful option for those seeking both career opportunities and a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Marbella
If the Costa del Sol is Europe’s version of Florida, then Marbella is its Miami — glamorous, sun-drenched, and full of life. Nestled between Málaga and Gibraltar, this exclusive resort town is where many international celebrities spend their summers, relaxing in private villas, five-star hotels, and luxury yachts.
Beyond the glitz, Marbella has a beautiful and well-preserved casco antiguo (old town) centered around Plaza de los Naranjos, filled with whitewashed buildings, flowered balconies, and charming cafés. History lovers can also explore remnants of the city’s Moorish and Roman past — from fortress walls to ancient columns.
From designer boutiques like Gucci, Versace, and Dior to golden beaches and seaside restaurants, Marbella offers a luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. If you want to enjoy sunshine, sea views, and Spanish elegance, living and working in Marbella might be your dream come true.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava, stretching along the northeast coast of Spain, is one of the country’s most unspoiled and breathtaking regions. Known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters, this area is a true Mediterranean paradise.
Beyond the beaches, the Costa Brava is rich in artistic heritage and gastronomy. The surreal landscapes around Cadaqués and Pla de Tudela inspired the great Salvador Dalí, who spent his summers here and turned the region into a symbol of creativity. Today, you can still feel that artistic spirit in every village and harbor.
This region is also a dream for food lovers — the Costa Brava is home to some of Spain’s most celebrated chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants. Add in the excellent local wines and relaxed coastal rhythm, and it’s easy to see why living and working on the Costa Brava feels like a never-ending holiday.
Mallorca
The island of Mallorca is pure Mediterranean magic — a place of turquoise coves, dramatic cliffs, and golden beaches that seem straight out of a postcard. Whether you prefer lively beach towns or quiet hidden bays, Mallorca offers something for everyone.
Beyond its stunning coastline, the island boasts an incredible variety of landscapes and traditions. Explore the Mondragó Natural Park on the southern coast or the Albufera Nature Reserve in the north. Wander through charming villages like Valldemossa, Deià, or Sóller, which you can reach on a vintage wooden train that winds through the Sierra de Alfabia mountains.
And then there’s the food — from sweet ensaimadas to savory dishes like coca de trampó, arroz brut, or pa amb oli. Living and working in Mallorca means not only enjoying its beauty but also discovering a rich and delicious local culture that makes island life truly special.
Andalucia
Located in southern Spain, Andalusia is a region filled with history, passion, and breathtaking beauty. From the Alhambra Palace in Granada to the Great Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba and the Royal Alcázar in Seville, Andalusia is home to some of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the world.
Stroll through the ancient quarters of Cádiz, explore the dramatic cliffs of Ronda, or enjoy a wine tasting in El Puerto de Santa María — every corner of Andalusia tells its own story. The region’s rich Moorish heritage blends perfectly with vibrant Spanish traditions, creating a unique cultural experience that’s impossible to forget.
With endless sunshine, welcoming people, and an easy pace of life, living and working in Andalusia is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in authentic southern charm while enjoying some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.
Living and working in Spain: current vacancies
Is it your dream to live and work in Spain? Are you eager to admire the special sights in Spain? To enjoy the most delicious tapas dishes? Would you like to make international friends for life? And take your career to the next level? You are absolutely right, because living and working in Spain is a special and life-enriching experience!
Check out our job openings abroad on our website and find various fun and interesting job openings in Spain. Our advice is: don’t wait any longer, pursue your Spanish dream, apply for that great job opening, and go live and work in Spain!