This is our guide to working as a cook or a chef in Spain.
The tourist sector is extremely important to the economy of Spain upon which it relies heavily.
The fantastic weather and climate attracts tourists from all over Europe to enjoy the fantastic summer in Spain.
Naturally there are thousands of restaurants to cater for the tourists and a massive need for extra kitchen staff in the summer including cooks and chefs. The great thing is you can be an English-speaking person and get a culinary job as little Spanish (perhaps none) is required.
We invite restaurant owners and employers to list your job vacancies at the bottom of this page – it is free of charge to list your positions for chefs and cooks in Spain.
If you are a chef then please feel free to leave your jobs wanted at the bottom of the page with your contact details so employers can contact you directly.
Do you work as a chef in Spain? Please write in to tell us how much you get paid and earn – this will help jobseekers.
Where Can I Get a Job as a Chef in Spain?
This is one industry in which you can get a job in any Spanish town.
Of course it makes sense to consider the biggest tourist resorts which are generally located on the coast or some of the big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona are also good for finding catering work as a cook or chef.
As a chef you are generally going to be working six days a week, usually for at least eight hours if not more. It would make sense to find a job in a nice location so you can make the most of your day off.
Why not start your search in one of the Spanish islands? For example the Canary Islands have an all year round climate and tourist season.
The busiest Canary islands would be Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
The Balearic Islands which are much closer to the mainland include Ibiza and Mallorca.
The Costa del Sol is also a great tourist area with major towns being Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Malaga and Torremolinos.
Because of the large expatriate populations attracted to Spain by the sunshine and low cost of living compared to Northern Europe there is a market for many different types of cuisine – not just Spanish. Spain is crying out for Indian chefs and cooks, the large British expat population loves a good curry!
Types of Catering/Chef Jobs 2023 & 2024
- Assistant cook
- Baker
- Banqueting
- British/English chef
- Butcher
- Chef de partie
- Chinese chef
- Italian chefs
- Commis chef
- Demi chef
- French chef
- German chefs
- Grill chef
- Head or executive chef
- Indian (tandoori) chef
- Japanese chef
- Kitchen porter
- Kitchen assistant
- Kitchen help
- Mexican chef
- Pastry chef
- Sous chef
- Spanish chef
- Sushi chef
- Thai chef
Employers – List your catering vacancies such as cooks, chefs and kitchen staff below for free.
If you want a catering job in Spain, you can also fill in the comments box with your details, qualifications and the types of vacancies and jobs wanted.
Most Popular Places in Spain To Find Work:
Most Popular Work:
- Bar Work in Spain
- Skilled Tradesmen
- Holiday/Travel Reps
- Hotel
- Summer & Student Work
- TEFL/Teach English
Helpful Pages if Moving to Spain:
True Stories of Moving to Spain
I Hate Spain – Shocking Opinions!
We also have our Spanish Job Prospects Section.
Hi i’m a 27 year old from Ireland, currently studying in University with over 3 years kitchen experience in a hotel (where i’m currently employed) a Gastropub and a golf course. I am a kitchen assistant, mostly dish washing but also food prep and i have several times in the past helped out on the line as a cook. I’m looking for a job over the summer months of june, july or august- anyway hope someone will get in touch! thanks.
Hi! I am Tanja Erman 20-years old girl from finland. I am looking for a par time job in Spain for this summer season. I would like to work in a bar, hotel, or a restaurant. I am looking for help to find a job here, and I would also need some help for finding places to sleep during my time in Spain.
Hope I hear from you soon!
Kind regards,
Tanja
Hello!
I have relocated in Benidorm permanently and I m looking for full time job in the kitchen or in the hotel as a cleaner.
I was working in London in a very big restaurant,and in a care home as a carer but in the kitchen and laundry aswell.So I can do easy kitchen assistant job,cleaner,etc
I m very fast person,wich really need to be in the kitchen mainly.
I m EU member as I m originally from Romania,but my last 9 years I lived in UK
I prefer to work in Rincon de Loix.
Thank you
Lucy
Hi my name is Robert I’m from Jamaica. I am currently looking for a cleaning job in an apartment, school, office or hotel as I have experience within the cleaning industry. I am also trained and certified in the use of gardening tools ie. Lawn mower, Wacker, bush cutter, chain saw ect. I am a dedicated worker with my own vehicle and currently living in Madrid anyone who wishes me contact me for more information thanks.
Hi this is Mohammad Saeed from Bangladesh. I’m an Indian and Italian cuisines chef who worked in maldives last. I’m in my native country right now. It’s my pleasure if any spanish employer considers me for his hotel or restaurant.
With vest regards,
Hello, hard working chef of 16 years experience looking for 3 months work in a kitchen for 3 months in summer, I have much passion for cooking and would love a temporary break from ireland as I cook for a school, and am free for 3 months, thank you
hi daniel, I am a chef from Ireland too, looking to work and live in Spain. Wondering how your experience was. Any tips would be highly appreciate!
Hello Daniel, I am looking for a Chef in the northwest of Spain, for the months of June, July and August, if you would be interested please contact me and we can discuss the conditions.
I’m Indian and tandoor chef
Young cook searching for a 3 months job in a traditional restaurant in Barcelona
Junior sous chef currently looking at relocating to Spain given the right opportunity. Check out my Instagram @callum_foodblog3527 were I have posted some of my work. I am 20 years old and have studied professional cookery and achieved my level 3 diploma. I am working for giraffe owned by Boparan but looking for a job we’re I can really excel.
Kitchen staff from washing up to chef needed in quesada to join a busy and popular restaurant in Ciudad Quesada spain. Please contact 965 07 74 44
Hi i am currently working in Ireland as a kitchen porter and prep chef but would like to relocate to Spain, i would appreciate advice on accomodation too,
Best Regards
Brian