Menu
Expat.com

Reality check on unemployment

Post new topic

Turco1

Hello everyone! I know someone planning on moving to Barcelona in hopes of finding a job as a chef. I understand that the unemployment rate is at a record high but I don't think my friend understands the extremity. I recently read an article that the unemployment rate dropped, so I am wondering if that decrease has made an effect on the unemployed. Also, is Barcelona's unemployment rate just as bad as other parts of Spain?

MadridManSpain

Hi, Turco1! Spain's national unemployment HAS dropped, but not by much. It's not as bad in Madrid and Catalonia, however. Some people attribute the drop to the number of people no longer receiving unemployment benefits and so they're no longer counted. If your friend speaks Catalonian - or at least Spanish - he may have a shot IF he's very well known, has a great resumeé, and can land a spot at one of the many higher-end places. He's not likely to be OFFERED a work visa, however, as there are so darn many chefs in Spain AND in Europe whom can work in Spain legally without any additional paperwork or application fees.

Saludos, MadridMan

Turco1

Thanks, MadridManSpain, for the quick response!! His understanding of Catalonian language and spanish is okay but definitely not perfect. He just graduated culinary school in June of this year so he has just a few months of experience on his resume. I informed him of the visa requirements but his care-free ways also understands that a lot of restaurant work in Spain is done illegally. I feel like that is so wrong but I know he wants to take the risk. I just am worried that he doesn't know what he really is getting himself into. :-/

Articles to help you in your expat project in Barcelona

  • Working in Barcelona
    Working in Barcelona

    Are you an expat looking for work in Barcelona? Spain's second-largest city is Catalonia's ...

  • The work culture in Barcelona
    The work culture in Barcelona

    If you've made up your mind to live and work in Barcelona, you're probably curious about the local labor ...

  • The labor market in Barcelona
    The labor market in Barcelona

    Barcelona is the economic, cultural and administrative heart of Catalonia, a creative, cosmopolitan and innovative ...

  • The labor market in Spain
    The labor market in Spain

    The Spanish labor market offers a range of opportunities for expats. Spain has long been a favored destination for ...

  • Starting a business in Spain
    Starting a business in Spain

    Starting a new business in Spain is exhilarating and daunting at the same time. For starters, there are many ...

  • Working in Spain
    Working in Spain

    Moving to a foreign country as an expat can be both exhilarating and daunting, particularly when it comes to ...

  • Working in Spain as a digital nomad
    Working in Spain as a digital nomad

    With its laidback mañana attitude, sunny climate, great food and awe-inspiring landscapes, Spain is one of ...

  • Internships in Spain
    Internships in Spain

    Do you want to develop your professional skills and boost your career prospects while living in ...

All of Barcelona's guide articles