The first thing that I have to say is that you don’t have to be able to speak Spanish to get a job in Tenerife. If you can speak Spanish or any other language it would likely be useful though, especially if you are looking for admin or clerical work.

As a non speaker of Spanish, the type of job that will be available to you will usually be associated with the tourism sector. This could be bar work, PR work, cleaning or even Sales.

Since 2021, in order to work legally in Tenerife, it is likely that you will need to have a visa or permit.

Here’s some useful information for anyone looking for a job in Tenerife:

Make sure that you have enough money to support yourself for two or three months while you look for a job. Unless you are staying with friends or family you will need to find somewhere to live. Finding a long term let is not too difficult in the main tourist areas of Tenerife but consider that you will need to pay a security deposit (usually a month’s rent) and your first month’s rent in advance.

Prepare to be flexible in the type of work that you will accept. Most people tend to set out looking for a job as a “whatever”, but end up doing something completely different. An open minded approach can often be the key to finding employment in Tenerife.

Prepare to be flexible in the hours that you are prepared to work. The working day for many in Tenerife is different to that in the UK, for example. Factor in that many of the work opportunities are within the tourism sector which often demands working unsociable hours.

Be contactable! Get yourself a Spanish SIM so that you will have a local mobile number. There are lots of mobile networks to choose from and they are not expensive.

Try and learn the language. If you can speak or understand even a little Spanish, it will help with your chances of getting a job.