Jobs in the Catalog of Difficult-to-Fill Occupations to work in Spain as a foreigner

Exploring job opportunities as an immigrant can be challenging. However, the Catalog of Difficult-to-Fill Occupations offers an open door to specialized professionals. Find out how these key roles, including driving the energy transition, can be your pathway to work in Spain as a foreigner.

What is the Catalog of Difficult to Fill Occupations?

The Catalog of Difficult-to-Fill Occupations gathers professions with challenges to fill job vacancies. Especially for working in Spain as a foreigner.

This catalog, according to Article 65.1, identifies roles where Public Employment Services face difficulties. And it is framed in Royal Decree 557/2011. As such, it focuses on managing job offers for employers seeking to fill vacant positions.

The SEPE, integrated in the National Employment System, is responsible for analyzing the needs. In order to ensure the labor integration of the general population.

According to the Foreigners’ Regulations, the hiring of foreign workers not residing in Spain is allowed. Provided that there are no suitable local job seekers available to meet the employers’ needs.

Issued quarterly by province, islands and autonomous cities, it is valid until the last working day of the following calendar quarter. The inclusion of an occupation in this catalog allows employers to manage authorizations for residence if you want to work in Spain as a foreigner.

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What are these jobs for working in Spain as a foreigner about? 

During the third quarter, the catalog included new profiles in the construction sector. Not limited to conventional roles such as laborers or foremen, but focusing on technical specializations, such as aluminum and PVC carpenters. Also metal carpentry fitters, electrical installers, and crane drivers. Perfect for working in Spain as a foreigner. In addition, key positions are highlighted to boost the energy transition, such as building rehabilitation and solar panel installation.

Within the naval field, job opportunities are highlighted with competitive salaries, exceeding 2,000 euros per month. From waiters to ship’s chief engineer, this sector offers varied roles. For example, merchant ship chief engineers can achieve annual salaries of up to 60,000 euros.

The list of hard-to-fill professions in the marine sector ranges from boilermakers to deck hands. Providing job stability due to the constant demand for these essential roles.

These professions to work in Spain as a foreigner usually require specific qualifications, professional cards and maritime specialty certificates. As well as the completion of additional courses related to occupational safety and first aid.

In addition to the marine sector, opportunities are opening up in other professions such as professional athletes, sports coaches, carpenters and electricians. These have also maintained a steady demand over time.

If you are skilled in this sector with training and experience in these roles, you can obtain a permit to work in Spain as a foreigner. You can see the job classification below:

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Guide to obtaining a visa in high demand occupations

To obtain some of these jobs and be able to work in Spain as a foreigner you must follow these steps:

1. The first step is to identify companies with labor needs. Using platforms such as Indeed, Infoempleo, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Apply and conduct virtual interviews. Once selected, the company will request essential documents.
2. The employer initiates the process at the Provincial Delegation of the Ministry of Labor in Spain. Sending a copy with the official stamp to your country. At the Spanish Consulate, present the required documents.
3. The Consulate sends the documentation to Spain, where the Immigration Office issues the resolution. The process can take between 1 and 3 months. With the approval, pick up your visa at the Consulate. This allows you to reside and work in Spain as a foreigner for one year, renewable from the country.
4. Once you have obtained your visa, arrange your flight, travel insurance and accommodation if necessary, and get ready to start your new stage in Spain!

What are the innovations in the Regulation of the Immigration Law in Spain?

A major modification allows you to study with an associated work permit, allowing you to be self-employed or work for others while studying.

Without additional formalities, at the end of the training, you can modify it to a residence permit to work in Spain as a foreigner. It offers more flexible economic requirements and is applicable to all ages, both in universities and non-university centers.

In addition, employers in Spain can attract international talent for roles that are not in the hard-to-fill catalog. Posting on Empléate Spain for 8 days. If no local candidates are found, by submitting a detailed report, employers can request a certificate of insufficiency.

After this process, in 3 days, they can submit the application for a residence and work permit for employees at the foreigners’ office.

Working in Spain as a foreigner offers exciting and rewarding opportunities. Especially through the jobs in the Catalog of Difficult to Fill Occupations.

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Discovering the possibilities that this specialized catalog offers can be the first step towards a new and successful stage in your career. Are you ready to take the next step and explore how to migrate safely and take advantage of the best benefits? We encourage you to request a legal consultation.

Our specialized team is here to guide you through the whole process. We make sure that working in Spain as a foreigner is a fruitful decision for you. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation now through tasconsultoria@tas-sl.es and find out how you can make your dream of working in Spain come true!