CV writing for UK professionals moving to Spain
Spain is a top destination for Brits, but most of its job market works in Spanish. The roles open to English speakers sit in international companies, tourism and hospitality, technology in Madrid and Barcelona, and teaching. We build a CV that wins those roles and tell you plainly when Spanish is essential.
Cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia
Get my free CV diagnosis | Services and prices | Recruiter-made CV rebuild: £80, one-time
UK CV vs Spanish CV
| UK CV | Spanish CV | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is called | CV | Currículum, or CV |
| Length | Two pages | One to two pages |
| Photo | Left off | Common, though optional |
| Language | English | Spanish for most roles; English at international employers |
| Languages section | Optional | Essential: state your Spanish level honestly, for example B1 or B2 |
| Format | Free | Europass is recognised, but a well-built standard CV usually reads better |
4 rules for your Spanish CV
- State your Spanish level properly. Use the European scale (A1 to C2) and be honest. Overstating it ends interviews early.
- Target English-language employers. International companies, tourism, tech hubs and schools are where an English CV works. Aim there first.
- Check your right to work. Since Brexit, most Brits need a visa and work authorisation. Recruiters will ask, so answer it on the CV.
- Keep it short. One to two pages, with your strongest evidence first.
Sectors hiring in Spain
Tourism and hospitality, English teaching, technology, customer service for international firms and real estate are the main routes. Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and Valencia have the most English-language roles.
- Tourism and hospitality
- Teaching
- Technology
- International customer service
- Real estate
Check your route before you apply
Since Brexit, UK citizens need a visa and work authorisation to take a job in Spain, unless they were already resident before 2021. Remote workers may qualify for Spain's digital nomad visa. GOV.UK sets out the current position for UK citizens.
We write CVs, not visa advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source.
Who rebuilds your CV
Your CV is rebuilt by UK recruiters with 25+ years of experience across the UK and the Middle East. We are not a recruitment agency in Spain and we do not place candidates there. What we do is rebuild your British CV the way employers in Spain expect to read it, and tell you plainly what has to change.
CVs for Spain: common questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to work in Spain?
For most jobs, yes. International companies, tourism, technology and English teaching are the main exceptions, and those are where an English CV works best.
Should a Spanish CV have a photo?
Photos are common in Spain but optional. If you include one, make it professional. For international employers, leaving it off is fine.
Can UK citizens work in Spain after Brexit?
Yes, with the right visa and work authorisation. Those resident before 2021 have different rights. Check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.