How to Teach English in Spain: 10 Basic Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

For non-EU citizens wanting to live and work in Spain, one of the best ways is to get a job teaching English. 

There’s a growing demand for good English teachers in Spain, giving TEFL teachers plenty of employment opportunities. And with a buzzing culture, amazing cuisine and sunshine all year round, it's no wonder so people dream of living and working in Spain.

As one of the highest-rated TEFL academies in Spain, we have vast experience when it comes to launching TEFL careers. We know the industry inside out and we can take you step-by-step, telling you all you need to know about how to teach English in Spain.

Here are 10 things you’ll need to do in order to teach English in Spain.

1. Find a good TEFL school 

The best TEFL courses in Spain blend theoretical learning, practical assignments, and teaching practice to give you a comprehensive learning experience. Do your research and find a high quality, fully-accredited school that will give you the confidence and the skills you need to teach English as a foreign language.

To enroll with a TEFL school in Spain, you’ll need to:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Demonstrate an ability to write and speak fluent English. Keep in mind… non-native English speakers can teach English in Spain.
• Display a passion for teaching and learning.
• Possess an ability to deal with the demands of this course – this can be displayed via a higher education degree or through past work experience.
• Be in good physical health.
• Have a positive attitude.

The best TEFL schools will also be able to help you with the following steps.

2. Secure a student visa

For non-EU citizens wanting to teach English in Spain, a student visa is a key requirement. Getting hold of your student visa can take up to 60 days, which is why it’s recommended to begin the process three months before you’re due to begin your TEFL course.

At TEFL Iberia, we have a dedicated Student Visa Programme designed to allow you to live and work while you study to be an English teacher in Spain for up to a year. At TEFL Iberia, we’ve been securing visas for students from countries like Australia, the USA and South Africa for many years, with students from the UK joining the party just a few years ago after Brexit. We know how to navigate the Spanish bureaucratic system and have a 96% success rate at landing visas for our students.

3. Find a place to live

Finding good accommodation in Spain is not easy. Rental prices in major cities like Barcelona have soared in recent years and there’s an increasing demand for apartments in Spain.

Also, it’s hard to search for apartments before you move to the country and not being able to attend apartment viewings makes it less likely you’ll be able to secure a place.

However, many TEFL schools offer their own accommodation service for their students. For example, at TEFL Iberia, we help our students settle in Barcelona with comfortable, excellent-value accommodation close to the city centre and our campus.

4. Get a national ID

Obtaining your national ID card is a crucial step for anyone moving to Spain. For non-EU citizens, this ID takes the form of the TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero). It’s infamously hard to get, with lots of red tape, bad admin and incompetent staff. 

But fear not! As a student at TEFL Iberia, you’ll be assisted every step of the way, from booking your TIE appointment to advice and guidance throughout the process.

5. Open a Spanish bank account

When it comes to working in Spain, opening a Spanish bank account is essential. Most companies in Spain will only pay a salary into a Spanish bank account and you’ll need one for tax purposes when working in Spain.

While opening a Spanish bank account can be a daunting process, as a student at a TEFL school, you’ll get lots of help. At TEFL Iberia, we’ve built up a great relationship with a bank in Barcelona, with not a fee in sight!

6. Get a TEFL qualification

Within just four weeks, you’ll be able to gain an internationally recognised TEFL certification, ready to launch your career teaching English in Spain.

At TEFL Iberia, our foundational Trinity CertTESOL Course gives you the perfect grounding to become a TEFL teacher. It’s an intensive programme, with 160 hours of study, but once you complete it you’ll have the skills, knowledge and real classroom experience to become an English teacher in Spain. 

7. Develop your teaching skills

Once you’ve passed your foundational TEFL qualification, you can elevate your learning experience with an advanced course. Our Developing Teacher Course is designed to deepen your knowledge and hone your skills. Many of our students combine this with the Trinity CertTESOL Course from day one, which enables you secure a long term student visa.

8. Learn Spanish

While it’s not an absolute necessity to speak Spanish, learning the language will undoubtedly help you with life in Spain. 

For us, having a decent amount of Spanish is a basic requirement – it will help you converse with locals, give you a deeper insight into the culture and will help you settle into life in Spain. That’s why we offer Spanish courses to our students via our sister school, Iberia Language Academy. 

9. Understand the Spanish jobs market

An increasing demand for English language teachers in Spain, especially in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, has led to a burgeoning TEFL jobs market.

There are various types of TEFL jobs available, including those at language academies, private companies, schools and even private classes on a one-to-one basis. At TEFL Iberia, we have an extensive network of contacts that enables our students to find employment after they graduate.

10. Get yourself job ready!

Not only will a good TEFL school qualify you to become an English teacher in Spain and throughout the world, but it will also prepare you to land your first job teaching English. At TEFL Iberia, our post-course preparation and support includes the likes of CV preparation workshops and focused interview preparation sessions. They will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to impress employers and nab your that all-important first job and launch your career teaching English in Spain!