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

Most language academies and programmes require a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. The auxiliares de conversación programme does not require TEFL but it is recommended. International schools usually require a teaching degree (PGCE or equivalent) instead.

How much do English teachers earn in Spain?

Auxiliares de conversación earn €700–1,000 per month for part-time hours. Language academy teachers typically earn €1,200–1,800 per month full-time. British Council and international school positions pay €2,000–3,500 per month depending on experience and qualifications.

Can I teach English in Spain without speaking Spanish?

Yes. Many academies and international schools operate entirely in English. The auxiliares programme also doesn't require Spanish. However, basic Spanish will make daily life much easier and open up more opportunities.

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Teaching English in Spain

One of the most popular ways for English speakers to live and work in Spain. Here's everything you need to know.

Overview

Teaching English is one of the most accessible routes to living in Spain. Demand is strong across the country — Spain consistently ranks among the lowest in Europe for English proficiency, which means native speakers are always needed.

There are several paths into English teaching, from government programmes to private academies to international schools. Your qualifications, experience, and lifestyle preferences will determine which route suits you best.

TEFL Certification

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is the standard entry requirement for most teaching positions in Spain. Most employers expect at least a 120-hour course.

What to Look For

Minimum 120 hours (many employers won't accept less)
Accredited by a recognised body (e.g. ACCREDITAT, Trinity, Cambridge)
In-person courses in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Seville) combine training with networking
Online courses are cheaper (€150–400) but in-person gives you a head start on contacts
CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are the gold standard but cost €1,300–1,600

Auxiliares de Conversación

The auxiliares de conversación programme is run by the Spanish Ministry of Education. It places native English speakers in public schools across Spain as conversation assistants for 12–16 hours per week.

Programme Details

Stipend: €700–1,000/month depending on region (Madrid pays the most)
Duration: October to May (some regions extend to June)
Hours: 12–16 hours per week, leaving time for private tutoring
Requirements: Bachelor's degree, native-level English, no TEFL needed
Visa: The programme provides the paperwork for a student visa (non-EU applicants)
Applications open in January and fill quickly — apply early

The auxiliares programme is ideal as a first step. The pay is modest but the schedule leaves plenty of time for private tutoring, which can add €15–25 per hour to your income.

Language Academies

Private language academies (academias de idiomas) are the biggest employer of English teachers in Spain. They range from small neighbourhood schools to large chains with branches across the country.

What to Expect

Salary: €1,200–1,800/month for full-time (20–25 teaching hours/week)
Contracts: Usually September to June, some year-round
Split shifts are common — mornings and evenings with a long break
Students: Mix of children, teenagers, and business professionals
Requirements: TEFL certificate, degree preferred but not always required
EU citizens have a significant advantage (no visa sponsorship needed)

Major chains include Kids&Us, What's Up!, and Number 16. Check job boards like TEFL.com, ESL Cafe, and local Facebook groups. The best time to apply is June–August for September starts.

British Council & International Schools

For qualified teachers, international schools and the British Council offer the best salaries and conditions in Spain.

British Council

Salary: €2,000–2,800/month depending on role and experience
Locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, València, Palma
Requirements: Degree + CELTA/DELTA, 2+ years' experience
Professional development opportunities and structured career progression

International Schools

Salary: €2,200–3,500/month (some offer housing or flight allowances)
Requirements: Teaching degree (PGCE, QTS, or equivalent), subject specialism
Schools follow British, American, or IB curricula
Apply via TES, MagnifyingGlass Associates, or directly to schools
Major hubs: Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Canary Islands

Salary & Cost of Living

Teaching salaries in Spain won't make you rich, but combined with Spain's lower cost of living (especially outside Barcelona and Madrid), you can live comfortably.

Role	Monthly Salary	Hours/Week
Auxiliares de Conversación	€700–1,000	12–16
Language Academy	€1,200–1,800	20–25
British Council	€2,000–2,800	25–30
International School	€2,200–3,500	35–40
Private Tutoring (supplement)	€15–25/hour	Flexible

Many teachers supplement their income with private tutoring, online teaching, or freelance translation work. A comfortable life in a mid-size Spanish city is achievable on €1,500–2,000/month.

Tips for Getting Started

Start with Auxiliares or a TEFL Course in Spain

Both options get you into the country legally and connected to the teaching community. Many teachers transition from auxiliares to academy work or private tutoring.

Build a Network Early

Join Facebook groups ("TEFL Teachers in Spain", "Auxiliares de Conversación"), attend language exchange events, and connect with other teachers. Word of mouth fills many positions.

Consider Smaller Cities

Barcelona and Madrid are competitive and expensive. Cities like Seville, Granada, Salamanca, and Bilbao have strong demand for English teachers, lower rents, and a more authentic Spanish experience.

Get Your Paperwork Ready

Non-EU citizens need a visa. The auxiliares programme handles this, but for academy jobs you may need a student visa or work visa. EU citizens just need to register as a resident (certificado de registro).

Last updated: February 2026. Programme details and salaries may vary — always verify current information.