Hiring Staff in Spain: A Practical Guide

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Spain offers numerous opportunities for companies looking to establish operations and hire qualified personnel. However, the recruitment process in this country has certain specificities that are important to understand. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you recruit effectively in Spain.

Keys to Successful Recruitment in Spain

To hire staff in Spain, it’s essential to understand the local job market well and adapt your methods. Here are some tips to optimize your recruitment process:

Master the Spanish language: Although English is increasingly common in the professional world, proficiency in Spanish remains a major asset for communicating effectively with candidates and understanding cultural nuances.

Leverage professional social networks: LinkedIn is widely used in Spain for recruitment. Build a strong presence on this platform to attract the best talent.

Adapt to the local culture: Spaniards place great importance on personal relationships. Prioritize face-to-face meetings and take time to build rapport with candidates.

Be flexible with schedules: Work-life balance is very important in Spain. Offering flexible hours or remote work can be a strong selling point for attracting top candidates.

Fundamental Rights of Spanish Workers

As an employer in Spain, it’s crucial to know and respect workers’ rights. Here are the main points to remember:

Legal working hours: The standard work week in Spain is 40 hours. Overtime is limited to 80 hours per year.

Paid leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid vacation per year.

Minimum wage: The minimum interprofessional wage (SMI) is set at €1,184 gross per month in 2025.

Protection against dismissal: Employers must justify any termination and follow specific procedures.

Equal opportunity: Discrimination based on gender, age, race, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited.

Top Recruitment Agencies in Spain

To facilitate your recruitment process, you can use specialized agencies. Here are some of the most reputable ones in Spain:

Adecco: A global recruitment leader, Adecco has an extensive network in Spain and covers all business sectors.

Randstad: This international agency is particularly recognized for its expertise in recruiting executives and qualified professionals.

Manpower: Specializing in temporary and permanent recruitment, Manpower offers solutions tailored to companies’ specific needs.

Hays: This agency stands out for its expertise in recruiting specialized professionals and senior executives.

Page Personnel: A subsidiary of Michael Page, this agency specializes in recruiting recent graduates and junior profiles.

Main Types of Employment Contracts in Spain

Spanish labor law provides for several types of contracts. Here are the most common ones:

Contrato indefinido (Permanent contract): This is the standard employment contract, with no time limit. It offers the greatest job security to employees.

Contrato temporal (Fixed-term contract): This fixed-term contract is used for specific temporary needs. Its maximum duration is generally from 6 months to 3 years.

Contrato de formación y aprendizaje (Training and apprenticeship contract): This apprenticeship contract is for young people aged 16 to 25 without qualifications. It combines theoretical training and practical experience in a company.

Contrato en prácticas (Internship contract): Similar to the French professionalization contract, it’s for graduates looking to gain initial professional experience.

Contrato a tiempo parcial (Part-time contract): This part-time contract allows for flexible working hours.

Essential Documents for Hiring in Spain

When hiring an employee in Spain, several documents are required:

For the employer: – Tax identification number (NIF) – Registration with Spanish Social Security – Employee registry

For the employee: – ID card or passport – Social Security registration number (if already obtained) – Diplomas and qualification certificates – Work permit (for non-EU nationals)

Documents to provide to the employee: – Signed employment contract – Detailed job description – Information about working conditions and compensation

Step-by-Step Recruitment Process

Here are the main steps to follow when hiring staff in Spain:

1. Job definition: Create a detailed job description in Spanish.

2. Job posting: Advertise your position on Spanish job sites, social networks, and through recruitment agencies.

3. Candidate screening: Analyze received CVs and cover letters.

4. Interviews: Conduct interviews, preferably face-to-face, to assess candidates’ skills and cultural fit.

5. Reference checks: Contact previous employers for additional information about shortlisted candidates.

6. Job offer: Make a detailed offer to the selected candidate.

7. Administrative formalities: Prepare the employment contract and complete procedures with Spanish Social Security.

8. Onboarding: Implement a welcome program to facilitate the new employee’s integration.

Conclusion

Hiring staff in Spain may seem complex, but with proper preparation and understanding of local specificities, you can successfully complete your recruitment process. Remember to adapt to Spanish culture, strictly respect local labor law, and prioritize a personalized approach in your relationships with candidates.