Teaching English in Spain: Complete Guide 2025

Teaching English in Spain is one of the most popular ways for native English speakers to live and work in Spain. This comprehensive guide covers everything from government programs like NALCAP to private language schools, visa requirements, salary expectations, and how to get hired.

Quick Facts:

• Average Salary: €1,000-€1,700/month (language schools), €1,000-€1,200/month (NALCAP)
• TEFL Certification: Recommended but not always required (120-hour minimum for most schools)
• Best Time to Apply: February-June for September starts
• Main Programs: NALCAP (government), private language schools, international schools, private tutoring
• Visa Options: Work visa (cuenta ajena), student visa with work rights, EU citizenship (no visa needed)
• Typical Hours: 25-30 hours/week (teaching), evenings/early mornings common
• Contract Length: 9 months (October-June typical academic year)

Teaching English in Spain: Overview

Spain employs thousands of English teachers annually across government programs, private language schools (academies), international schools, and private tutoring. Demand is consistently high due to Spain’s focus on improving English proficiency.

Who Can Teach English in Spain:

• Native English speakers (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa)
• EU citizens (no visa required)
• Non-EU citizens with work visa sponsorship
• NALCAP program participants (special visa process)

Types of Teaching Positions:

1. NALCAP Program: Government cultural exchange (conversation assistant in public schools)
2. Private Language Schools (Academias): English academies teaching children and adults
3. International/Bilingual Schools: Higher-paying positions requiring teaching qualifications
4. Private Tutoring: Supplemental income, flexible hours
5. Online Teaching: Remote teaching for international students

NALCAP Program (North American Language and Culture Assistants)

NALCAP is Spain’s government program placing language assistants in public schools. It’s the most popular route for US and Canadian citizens to teach in Spain.

What is NALCAP?

NALCAP (officially the North American and Asian Cultural Ambassadors Program, formerly just North American) places native English speakers as conversation assistants in Spanish public schools. You’re not the primary teacher; you support Spanish English teachers with conversation practice, cultural activities, and pronunciation.

Program Benefits:

• Monthly stipend: €1,000-€1,200 (varies by region)
• Simplified visa process (no employer sponsorship needed)
• Light workload: 12-16 hours/week in school
• Health insurance provided (in some regions)
• School holidays off (Christmas, Easter, summer)
• Renewable up to 3 times (max 4 years)

Program Limitations:

• Stipend is modest (requires budgeting or side income)
• Placement location assigned (limited city choice)
• No guarantee of renewal
• Not full teaching experience (you’re an assistant)

NALCAP Requirements

Eligibility:

• US, Canadian, or New Zealand citizen (some regions accept others)
• Bachelor’s degree (any field) OR currently enrolled in university
• Native English speaker
• Age: 18-60 (varies by region, most regions no upper limit)
• Clean criminal background
• Enthusiasm for cultural exchange

NOT Required:

• Teaching experience
• TEFL certification
• Spanish language proficiency (though recommended)

NALCAP Application Timeline

The NALCAP application process is highly time-sensitive. Missing deadlines means waiting another year.

January-February: Applications open (early-mid January typically)

March 31-April 15: Application deadline (varies by year)

May-June: Placement notifications begin (rolling basis)

July-August: Visa appointments and processing

September-October: Arrival in Spain and program start

Key Dates for 2025-2026 Program Year:

• Application Opens: January 7, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
• Placements: May-July 2026
• Program Start: October 1, 2026

Pro Tip: Apply the day applications open. Placements are somewhat first-come, first-served for preferred regions.

NALCAP Application Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Register on Profex Portal

The Spanish Ministry of Education uses the Profex platform for applications.

• Create account at profex.educalab.es
• Complete personal information
• Upload required documents (passport, degree, transcripts)

Step 2: Select Regional Preferences

You can select up to 3 autonomous communities (regions) in order of preference.

Most Popular Regions (Competitive):

• Madrid
• Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Málaga)
• Valencia
• Catalonia (Barcelona area)

Less Competitive (Easier Placement):

• Castilla y León
• Murcia
• Extremadura
• Galicia
• Aragón

Regional Stipends (2024-2025 amounts):

• Madrid: €1,000/month (12 months)
• Andalusia: €1,000/month (12 months)
• Catalonia: €1,100/month (9 months)
• Valencia: €1,000/month (9 months)
• Galicia: €1,000/month (9 months)
• Most other regions: €700-€1,000/month (9-12 months)

Important: Some regions pay 9 months only (October-June); others pay 12 months. Madrid and Andalusia have the best stipends and durations.

Step 3: Complete Application Form

Provide information about:

• Education background
• Teaching or childcare experience (if any)
• Language skills (Spanish level)
• Motivation for applying
• Cultural exchange goals

Step 4: Upload Documents

Required documents:

• Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
• University degree (Bachelor’s) or proof of enrollment
• University transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Cover letter/motivation statement
• Resume/CV

Step 5: Submit and Wait

• Submit by deadline (late applications rejected)
• Check email regularly (April-July) for placement notifications
• Respond promptly to placement offers (24-48 hour deadline)

NALCAP Visa Process

Once you receive a placement, you apply for the NALCAP visa at a Spanish consulate.

Visa Type: Student visa with work authorization (visado de estudiante with work rights)

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• NALCAP carta de nombramiento (placement letter from regional government)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport photos (4 copies)
• Criminal background check (FBI check for US citizens, apostilled)
• Medical certificate
• Proof of financial means (bank statement showing €600/month × program duration)
• Health insurance (for first few months; then covered by program in most regions)

Processing: 2-4 weeks (varies by consulate; apply in July-August for October start)

Visa Duration: 9-12 months (renewable)

Cost: Approximately €160 + document fees (FBI check ~$50, apostille ~$20, translations ~$100)

Life as a NALCAP Assistant

Typical Schedule:

• 12-16 hours/week in school
• Split between 1-2 schools (sometimes 2-3 in rural areas)
• Morning classes (9am-2pm typical Spanish school schedule)
• Evenings and weekends free

Responsibilities:

• Assist Spanish English teacher in classroom
• Lead conversation activities
• Practice pronunciation with students
• Share information about your home country/culture
• Prepare materials and activities (varies by school)

Time Off:

• Christmas break (2 weeks)
• Holy Week/Easter (1 week)
• Summer (June-September, 3 months)
• All Spanish public holidays

Additional Income: Most NALCAP assistants supplement their stipend with private tutoring (€15-€25/hour), online teaching, or part-time work. The light workload makes this feasible.

NALCAP Renewal

You can renew NALCAP up to 3 times (4 years total). Renewal is not automatic.

Renewal Process:

• Express renewal interest to your school coordinator (April-May)
• Complete renewal application on Profex
• Preference given to current participants in good standing
• May be placed in different region

Considerations:

• After 2 years, consider whether NALCAP is still meeting your goals
• Some participants transition to private language schools for higher pay
• Others use NALCAP time to build private tutoring clientele

Private Language Schools (Academias de Inglés)

Language academies are private businesses teaching English to Spanish students of all ages. They’re the primary employers of English teachers in Spain outside government programs.

Types of Language Schools

Traditional Academias: Small local schools teaching children, teenagers, and adults. Emphasis on exam preparation (Cambridge exams, Trinity).

Chain Schools: Large organizations with multiple locations. Examples: Kids&Us, Helen Doron, Wall Street English, Opening English Academy.

Corporate Training: Teaching business English to company employees (often on-site at companies).

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range:

• Entry-level: €1,000-€1,200/month
• Experienced teachers: €1,300-€1,700/month
• Premium positions (corporate, international schools): €1,800-€2,500/month

Typical Breakdown:

• €14-€18/hour (gross)
• 25-30 hours/week (teaching hours; prep time unpaid)
• 9-month contracts (October-June) OR 12-month

Benefits (Varies by School):

• Spanish Social Security (healthcare, unemployment insurance)
• Paid holidays (Spanish public holidays, Christmas, Easter)
• TEFL training or continuing education
• Summer contracts (optional, sometimes reduced hours/pay)

Red Flags:

• Schools paying “in black” (sin papeles, cash, no contract) - illegal, no protections
• Schools offering less than €14/hour
• No Social Security registration
• Unpaid prep time exceeding teaching hours

Work Schedule

Typical Teaching Hours:

• Morning: 9am-12pm (young children, some adults)
• Afternoon gap: 2pm-4pm (siesta, admin time)
• Evening: 4pm-9pm (children after school, adults after work)

Split Shifts: Most academies have split schedules (mañana y tarde), meaning you work mornings and evenings with a long afternoon break. This is standard in Spain but can feel disruptive.

Peak Teaching Season: September-June (academic year). July-August are quiet (many schools close or offer reduced summer camps).

Visa Sponsorship by Language Schools

EU Citizens: No visa needed; schools hire readily.

Non-EU Citizens: Require work visa (cuenta ajena) sponsored by the school. Challenges:

• Many small schools won’t sponsor (cost and complexity)
• Larger chains more likely to sponsor experienced teachers
• You may need to be in Spain already to secure sponsorship
• Consider starting with NALCAP or student visa, then transitioning

Schools Known to Sponsor Visas:

• Kids&Us (large chain, expanding)
• Opening English (multiple locations)
• Some large Madrid/Barcelona academies

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Native English speaker OR C2 English proficiency
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred, not always required)
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (120-hour minimum recommended)
• Clean criminal background

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience (1+ years)
• Experience teaching children or adults (depending on role)
• Spanish language proficiency (B1-B2 level helpful)
• Engaging personality and classroom management skills

Teaching Certifications Explained:

Certification	Duration	Cost	Recognition
CELTA (Cambridge)	4 weeks full-time	£1,300-£1,500	Gold standard, internationally recognized
TEFL Certificate	120-180 hours (online/in-person)	$200-$500	Widely accepted, variable quality
TESOL Certificate	100-120 hours	$300-$600	Accepted by most schools
Trinity CertTESOL	4 weeks	£1,200-£1,400	Equivalent to CELTA

Best Investment: CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL for serious teachers. Budget option: Reputable 120-hour online TEFL (ensure it includes practicum/observed teaching).

How to Find Language School Jobs

Timing: Apply February-May for September/October starts. Some hiring continues year-round for immediate vacancies.

Job Boards:

• TESall (tefl.com, eslcafe.com) - International TEFL job boards
• Infojobs.net - Spanish job board (search “profesor inglés”)
• LinkedIn - Many schools post here
• TEFL.org Jobs - Comprehensive listings
• Indeed España - General job board

Direct Applications: Research language schools in your target city and email CV directly to:

• info@[schoolname].com
• rrhh@[schoolname].com (recursos humanos = HR)

In-Person: If already in Spain, visit schools with printed CV. Personal introduction can make a difference.

Recruitment Agencies:

• CIEE Teach Abroad - Placement assistance
• Meddeas - Places teachers in bilingual schools

Networking: Join Facebook groups (TEFL Teachers Spain, Teaching English in Madrid, etc.) for job leads and insider information.

Interview Process

Typical Hiring Process:

1. Submit CV and cover letter
2. Phone or video interview
3. Demo lesson (teach a 10-15 minute sample class)
4. In-person interview
5. Job offer

Demo Lesson Tips:

• Choose a fun, interactive topic
• Engage the “students” (often school staff)
• Use visuals, games, or activities
• Demonstrate classroom management
• Smile, show enthusiasm

Common Interview Questions:

• Why do you want to teach in Spain?
• How do you handle difficult students?
• Describe your teaching style
• How do you make grammar lessons engaging?
• Are you comfortable with split shifts?

International and Bilingual Schools

International schools and bilingual schools offer higher salaries but require formal teaching qualifications.

Types of Schools

International Schools: British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum schools serving expat families.

Bilingual Schools: Spanish public or private schools with bilingual programs (teaching subjects in English per government mandate).

Qualifications Required

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or subject specialty
• Teaching license/certification from home country (QTS in UK, state certification in US)
• 2+ years teaching experience

Preferred:

• Master’s in Education
• Experience with British/American/IB curriculum
• Spanish language skills (for bilingual schools)

Salary Range

International Schools: €2,000-€4,000/month (depends on experience and school prestige)

Bilingual Schools: €1,800-€2,800/month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Pension contributions
• Paid holidays (generous)
• Relocation assistance (some schools)
• Tuition discounts for teachers’ children

How to Find International School Jobs

Job Boards:

• TES Jobs (tes.com/jobs) - UK teaching jobs
• Search Associates - International school recruitment
• International School Services (ISS) - Teacher recruitment
• Schrole - International school jobs

Recruitment Fairs:

• Attend international teacher recruitment fairs (held in US/UK, January-March)
• Schools interview candidates and offer contracts on-site

Direct Applications: Check school websites for vacancies. Top international schools in Spain:

• Madrid: American School of Madrid, King’s College, International College Spain
• Barcelona: Benjamin Franklin International School, British School of Barcelona, American School of Barcelona
• Valencia: American School of Valencia, Cambridge House
• Málaga: Swans International School

Visa Sponsorship

International schools routinely sponsor work visas for qualified teachers. They handle most of the paperwork and costs.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring supplements income for most English teachers in Spain. It’s flexible, well-paid, and easy to find clients.

Rates

Standard Rates (2025):

• Madrid/Barcelona: €18-€30/hour
• Other cities: €15-€25/hour
• Online tutoring: €15-€25/hour
• Group classes (2-4 students): €12-€18/hour per student

Factors Affecting Rates:

• Your experience and qualifications
• Student level (business English commands higher rates)
• Travel time (charge more if you travel to student’s home/office)
• City cost of living

Finding Tutoring Clients

Online Platforms:

• Tusclasesparticulares.com - Largest Spanish tutoring marketplace
• Classgap - Online and in-person classes
• Apprentus - International platform operating in Spain
• LinkedIn - Post about your tutoring services

Word of Mouth:

• Tell everyone you meet that you offer English classes
• Ask current students for referrals (offer incentives)
• Join expat groups and offer services to professionals

University Noticeboards: Post flyers at universities (target Spanish students studying English)

Social Media: Facebook groups (expats, language exchange), Instagram posts

Legal Considerations

Tax Obligations: If tutoring income exceeds €1,000/year, you should register as autónomo (self-employed) and pay quarterly taxes.

Autónomo Costs:

• Social Security: €80-€300/month (flat rate for first 2 years, then income-based)
• Taxes: Quarterly IRPF (income tax) and VAT

Many tutors operate informally (cash), but this is technically illegal and carries risks (no protections, tax evasion fines).

Complete Autónomo Guide →

Best Cities for Teaching English

Madrid: Most Opportunities

Pros:

• Highest concentration of language schools
• Best NALCAP placements (12-month stipend)
• International schools
• Private tutoring market

Cons:

• Higher cost of living (€1,200-€1,600 rent for 1-bed)
• Competitive job market

Average Salary: €1,200-€1,600/month (language schools), €1,000/month (NALCAP)

Barcelona: Competitive but Vibrant

Pros:

• Beach city lifestyle
• Large expat community
• Many language schools
• International schools

Cons:

• Very competitive (many teachers)
• High cost of living
• Catalan language preference in some schools

Average Salary: €1,200-€1,600/month (language schools), €1,100/month (NALCAP, 9 months only)

Valencia: Rising Star

Pros:

• Lower cost of living (30-40% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona)
• Growing demand for English teachers
• Beach city
• Great quality of life

Cons:

• Fewer international schools than Madrid/Barcelona
• Smaller expat community

Average Salary: €1,100-€1,400/month (language schools), €1,000/month (NALCAP, 9 months)

Living in Valencia Guide →

Seville: Affordable and Cultural

Pros:

• Low cost of living (€600-€900 rent)
• Authentic Spanish culture
• Growing demand for teachers
• Friendly locals

Cons:

• Fewer high-paying positions
• Very hot summers (35-40°C)
• Smaller job market than big three cities

Average Salary: €1,000-€1,300/month (language schools), NALCAP placements available in Andalusia region

Bilbao: Underrated Choice

Pros:

• Strong economy (high demand for English)
• Modern city with excellent quality of life
• Less saturated teacher market
• Good salaries

Cons:

• Rainy climate
• Basque language adds complexity
• Smaller expat community

Average Salary: €1,200-€1,500/month

Legal Requirements for Teaching English

NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

Required for all foreigners working in Spain. This is your Spanish tax ID.

How to Apply:

• At local National Police station (Comisaría)
• Appointment required (cita previa)
• Documents: Passport, proof of reason for NIE (job contract, NALCAP placement)
• Fee: €10.71

Processing: 1-4 weeks (immediate in some cities, up to 1 month in others)

Complete NIE Application Guide →

Work Authorization

EU Citizens: Automatic right to work (no visa needed). Just obtain NIE and Social Security number.

Non-EU Citizens: Require work visa (cuenta ajena) sponsored by employer OR NALCAP student visa with work authorization.

Work Visa Guide →

Social Security Registration

Your employer must register you with Spanish Social Security (Seguridad Social). This provides:

• Public healthcare
• Unemployment insurance
• Pension contributions
• Workplace injury coverage

Red Flag: Schools not offering Social Security registration are operating illegally. Avoid.

Tax Obligations

You must file an annual Spanish tax return (Modelo 100) if earning above €22,000/year from one employer OR €14,000/year from multiple employers.

Taxes Withheld: Employers withhold income tax (IRPF) from paychecks (15-25% depending on income).

Beckham Law: In some cases, foreign teachers may qualify for special tax status (24% flat rate on Spanish income, no tax on foreign income). Consult a tax advisor.

Spanish Taxes for Expats Guide →

Quarterly Taxes (If Self-Employed/Tutoring): If registered as autónomo, file quarterly IRPF (Modelo 130) and VAT (Modelo 303).

Budgeting: Can You Live on a Teacher’s Salary?

Sample Monthly Budget (Madrid, Single Person)

Expense	Cost
Rent (room in shared flat)	€400-€600
Utilities (share)	€50-€80
Groceries	€200-€250
Transport (metro pass)	€54
Phone/Internet	€30-€50
Going out/entertainment	€150-€200
Private tutoring income	+€300-€600
Total Expenses	€884-€1,234
Language School Salary	€1,200
With Tutoring Income	€1,500-€1,800

Verdict: Tight on language school salary alone, but comfortable with private tutoring supplement.

Sample Monthly Budget (Valencia, Single Person)

Expense	Cost
Rent (room in shared flat)	€300-€450
Utilities	€40-€60
Groceries	€180-€220
Transport	€45
Phone/Internet	€30-€50
Entertainment	€120-€180
Total	€715-€1,005
Language School Salary	€1,200
Remaining	€195-€485

Verdict: More comfortable than Madrid; tutoring not essential but helpful.

Budget Tips

Save Money:

• Live in shared flats (pisos compartidos) rather than solo apartments
• Cook at home (eating out is expensive)
• Take advantage of “menú del día” (€10-€15 three-course lunch deals)
• Use public transport (Spain has excellent metro/bus systems)

Earn More:

• Private tutoring (adds €300-€800/month)
• Online teaching for Chinese/Korean companies (evenings)
• Summer camps (July-August, €1,200-€1,800/month)
• Corporate teaching (higher hourly rates)

Get Expert Help

Navigating work visas, taxes, and legal employment in Spain can be complex for foreign teachers.

Recommended Services:

• Immigration Lawyers → - Work visa applications, contract review (€500-€1,500)
• Tax Advisors → - Annual tax returns, Beckham Law applications (€150-€500/year)
• Accountants → - Autónomo registration, quarterly tax filings (€100-€200/month)

Related Guides

• Work Visa Spain → - Employer-sponsored work permits
• Digital Nomad Visa → - Alternative for online English teachers
• Jobs in Spain for English Speakers → - Other English-speaking job opportunities
• Autónomo Self-Employment Guide → - Registering as freelance tutor
• Cost of Living in Spain → - Budgeting for different cities
• Living in Madrid → - Complete Madrid guide
• Living in Barcelona → - Complete Barcelona guide
• NIE Number Application → - Getting your foreigner ID
• Spanish Taxes for Expats → - Tax obligations for teachers

FAQs About Teaching English in Spain

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Spain?

Not always, but strongly recommended. NALCAP doesn’t require TEFL, but 90% of private language schools prefer or require a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification. Schools hiring without TEFL typically pay less and offer worse conditions. CELTA (Cambridge) is the gold standard (4 weeks, £1,300) and significantly improves job prospects. Budget option: Reputable 120-hour online TEFL with practicum ($300-$500). International schools require formal teaching licenses (QTS, state certification).

How much can I earn teaching English in Spain?

Language school teachers earn €1,000-€1,700/month (€14-€18/hour, 25-30 hours/week) depending on experience and city. NALCAP assistants receive €1,000-€1,200/month for 12-16 hours/week. Most teachers supplement income with private tutoring (€15-€30/hour), adding €300-€800/month. International school teachers earn €2,000-€4,000/month. Total realistic income for first-year language school teacher with tutoring: €1,500-€2,000/month. Salaries are modest, but Spain’s quality of life compensates.

What is the NALCAP program and how do I apply?

NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program) is Spain’s government program placing native English speakers as conversation assistants in public schools. You work 12-16 hours/week for €1,000-€1,200/month. Requirements: US/Canadian/NZ citizenship, Bachelor’s degree (or current enrollment), native English, ages 18-60. No teaching experience or Spanish required. Apply January-April on Profex portal for October start. Timeline: Applications open early January, deadline April 1, placements May-July. Renewable up to 4 years.

Can I teach English in Spain without a work visa?

If you’re an EU citizen, yes—you have automatic work rights. Non-EU citizens legally need a work visa (cuenta ajena) sponsored by an employer. NALCAP provides a special student visa with work authorization. Reality: Some teachers work “in black” (illegally, cash, no contract), especially for private tutoring, but this carries risks (no legal protections, deportation risk, no healthcare). We strongly recommend legal employment. Consider starting with NALCAP or Digital Nomad Visa if you’ll teach online.

What are the best cities for teaching English in Spain?

Madrid offers the most opportunities (highest concentration of schools, best NALCAP stipend, strong tutoring market) but higher costs. Barcelona is vibrant with beach lifestyle but very competitive. Valencia balances opportunity with affordability (30-40% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona), making it the best value. Seville is the most affordable (€600-€900 rent) with authentic culture but fewer high-paying positions. Bilbao offers strong salaries and less competition. Choose based on priorities: Madrid/Barcelona for opportunities, Valencia for value, Seville for affordability and culture.

When should I apply for English teaching jobs in Spain?

The Spanish academic year runs September-June. Best time to apply: February-May for September/October starts. Schools conduct most hiring in spring. NALCAP application window is January-April 1 for October start. Some schools hire year-round for immediate vacancies, but spring is peak season. If already in Spain, you can job hunt anytime, but expect fewer opportunities mid-academic year. Summer (June-August) is slowest hiring period.

Do I need to speak Spanish to teach English in Spain?

Not required for most teaching positions (classes are conducted in English), but highly recommended for daily life. NALCAP doesn’t require Spanish. Language schools prefer candidates with basic Spanish (A2-B2 level) for classroom management and communication with parents/staff. Living in Spain without Spanish is challenging—navigating bureaucracy, social integration, and daily tasks. International schools may require Spanish for bilingual programs. Recommendation: Learn basic Spanish before arrival, improve once there through classes or intercambio (language exchange).

Can I support myself on a language school teacher salary?

Yes, but requires budgeting and likely supplemental income. Language school salaries (€1,000-€1,700/month) cover basic expenses in shared accommodation with modest lifestyle. Most teachers supplement income with private tutoring (€300-€800/month extra), making life comfortable. Budget living: Valencia or Seville (lower costs). Madrid and Barcelona require careful budgeting or tutoring income. Sample Madrid budget: €400-€600 rent (shared), €200 groceries, €54 transport, €150 entertainment = €804-€1,004. With €1,200 school salary + €400 tutoring = €1,600 total, comfortable.

Is teaching English in Spain a good long-term career?

Teaching in Spain is excellent for 1-3 years of cultural immersion, language learning, and lifestyle experience. As a long-term career, it’s challenging—salaries don’t increase significantly (€1,200-€1,700 remains typical even after years), and advancement is limited. Many teachers transition to: (1) International schools (requires formal teaching credentials, €2,000-€4,000/month), (2) Corporate training or freelance business English (higher rates), (3) Online teaching (€20-€40/hour), (4) Teacher training/CELTA instructor, (5) Different careers using Spain as a base. Great lifestyle choice; modest financial prospects without specialization.

What documents do I need to teach English in Spain legally?

EU citizens: Passport, NIE (Spanish foreigner ID, apply at police station, €10.71, 1-4 weeks). Non-EU citizens: Valid passport, work visa (cuenta ajena sponsored by employer OR NALCAP student visa), NIE, Social Security number (employer registers you), bank account (for salary). Additional for NALCAP: FBI/RCMP background check (apostilled), medical certificate, university degree (apostilled), NALCAP placement letter. International schools: Teaching license from home country (QTS, state certification), degree transcripts (apostilled). Process takes 2-4 months, so start early. NIE Guide → Work Visa Guide →