Teach English in Spain
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to NALCAP, Student Visas, and the Iberian Lifestyle.
Spain is the crown jewel of the European TEFL circuit. Famous for its 3-day weekends, world-class cuisine, and vibrant street life, it offers a work-life balance that is unmatched on the continent. In 2026, the primary route for North Americans to live this dream is the NALCAP program (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program).
For EU citizens, finding work in private academies is straightforward. For Americans and Canadians, NALCAP is the golden ticket. It provides a long-stay student visa, a monthly government stipend, and a placement in a public school with very low teaching hours (12-16 hours/week).
However, the NALCAP application process (via the "Profex 2" portal) is notoriously bureaucratic and strictly first-come, first-served. A myTEFL 120-hour certificate not only boosts your application points but is often essential for securing private tutoring clients to supplement your stipend. Many applicants choose our **Placement Service** to have an expert guide them through the complex registration and visa process.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Your roadmap to Spain. Learn how to navigate the Profex 2 portal, budget your stipend, and decide between the energy of Madrid and the beaches of Valencia.
- The TEFL jobs market in Spain
- NALCAP (Auxiliares) vs. Academies
- Teacher Salary & Government Stipends
- The Student Visa & TIE Card
- Requirements for 2026
- 12-Hour Work Weeks & 3-Day Weekends
- Cost of living: Madrid vs. Andalucia
- Where to teach: Madrid, Seville, Valencia
- Getting hired: The Placement Route
- Spain TEFL FAQs
The TEFL jobs market in Spain
Spain has one of the highest demands for English teachers in Europe, but the market is heavily segmented by nationality. For non-EU citizens, the market is almost entirely defined by the Language Assistant (Auxiliar de Conversación) programs.
The government-run NALCAP is the largest of these. It places thousands of Americans and Canadians in public schools every year. The role is less "lead teacher" and more "cultural ambassador," assisting a main teacher in the classroom.
Private language academies (Academias) exist in every town, but they primarily hire EU citizens due to the difficulty of sponsoring work visas. However, teachers on the NALCAP student visa can legally work up to 30 hours a week in unrelated fields or private tutoring, making private lessons a massive secondary income stream.
- Population: 47 million
- Language(s): Spanish (Castilian)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Capital city: Madrid
- NALCAP Stipend: €700 - €1,000
- Public Holidays: ~14 days
- Climate: Mediterranean / Continental
- Main Transport: Metro & Renfe Trains
- Internet: Excellent
Types of English teaching jobs in Spain
From government placements with 3-day weekends to private academy hustles.
NALCAP (Auxiliares)
The primary route for North Americans. You work as an assistant in public schools. Very low hours (12-16/week) and a stable government stipend.
Private Academies
After-school centers like Vaughan Systems or Kids&Us. They hire mostly EU citizens. Hours are evenings and weekends. Good for gaining serious experience.
Private Tutoring (Clases Particulares)
The "side hustle" for everyone. Cash-in-hand lessons for children or adults. Essential for NALCAP participants who want extra travel money.
BEDA / UCETAM
Alternative programs to NALCAP that place assistants in Catholic (BEDA) or Charter (UCETAM) schools. Slightly higher pay but often more work.
TEFL teacher salary in Spain
Spain is a "lifestyle" destination. You come here for the quality of life, not to save thousands. The NALCAP stipend is tax-free and ranges from €700 (rural areas) to €1,000 (Madrid) per month.
Because the NALCAP hours are so low (only 12-16 hours a week), your hourly rate is actually quite high (€20-€22/hr). This leaves you with massive amounts of free time to travel or pick up private tutoring.
Private tutoring is the key to comfortable living. Charging €20/hour for 5 hours a week adds an extra €400 to your monthly budget, which can cover your entire grocery bill and weekend trips.
Monthly Salary Range (€ Euro)
| NALCAP Stipend (Madrid) | €1,000 (Tax Free) |
| NALCAP Stipend (Rest of Spain) | €700 - €850 (Tax Free) |
| Private Tutoring (Cash) | €15 - €25 / hr |
| Rent (Room in Madrid) | €450 - €600 |
| Rent (Room in South) | €250 - €400 |
The Student Visa & TIE Card
EU Citizens: You have full rights to live and work. You just need to register for your NIE (Foreigner Identity Number).
Non-EU Citizens: The NALCAP program grants you a Long-Stay Student Visa. This is not a work visa, but it allows you to receive the government stipend and legally reside in Spain.
The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
The visa in your passport is usually only valid for 90 days. Once you arrive in Spain, you must apply for your physical TIE card at the local police station within 30 days. This card is your legal ID for the rest of your stay.
Profex 2 Portal: Applying for NALCAP requires navigating a Spanish government portal called "Profex 2". It is notoriously glitchy, untranslated, and strict on document formatting. Mistakes here can cost you a placement.
Requirements to teach English in Spain
The requirements for NALCAP are strict regarding citizenship and education, but flexible regarding teaching experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree (or Senior) Mandatory. You must have a BA/BS degree or be enrolled as a junior/senior in university. Transcripts are required.
- Citizenship Must hold a passport from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland (for the main Ministry program).
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate Highly Recommended. While not strictly required for the NALCAP application, it gives you higher priority points, prepares you for the classroom, and is essential for finding private tutoring clients.
- Background Check A clean FBI (USA) or RCMP (Canada) background check, apostilled and translated into Spanish, is mandatory for the visa.
12-Hour Work Weeks & 3-Day Weekends
Hiring Season: The NALCAP application period typically runs from January to April for a start date in October. Positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is critical.
The 3-Day Weekend
Most NALCAP placements schedule your 12-16 hours from Monday to Thursday. This guarantees you a 3-day weekend every single week, perfect for exploring Portugal, France, or the rest of Spain.
Duration: The program runs from October 1st to May 31st (June 30th in Madrid). It aligns perfectly with the academic year.
Cost of living & Savings in Spain
Spain is incredibly affordable compared to the US or UK. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, rent is cheap and food is high quality and inexpensive.
Housing: In Madrid, a room in a shared apartment costs €450-€600. In Andalucia (e.g., Seville, Granada), a room can cost as little as €250-€350. NALCAP assistants almost always live with roommates.
Food & Fun: A "Menu del Dia" (3-course lunch with wine) costs €10-€14. A beer (caña) is €1.50-€2.00. Groceries are fresh and cheap. Your stipend usually covers all your basic living expenses if you budget well.
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)
| Rent (Room in Madrid) | €450 - €600 |
| Rent (Room in South) | €250 - €350 |
| Groceries | €150 - €200 |
| Transport (Abono) | €20 (Youth) / €55 |
| Tapas & Social | €150 - €250 |
Where to teach English in Spain?
Your NALCAP placement region determines your lifestyle. Choose wisely between the big city hustle and the relaxed coast.
Madrid
The beating heart of Spain. Highest stipend (€1,000) but highest rent. Incredible nightlife, museums, and connectivity to the rest of Europe. The best choice for city lovers.
Andalucia (Seville/Granada)
The soul of Spain. Flamenco, tapas, and sun. Lower stipend (€700) but much cheaper rent. The lifestyle is relaxed, warm, and incredibly social.
Valencia
The perfect balance. A big city with a beach. Famous for Paella and the Fallas festival. Cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona but with a very modern, active vibe.
Pais Vasco (The North)
For the foodies. Cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian offer the best food in the world (Pintxos), incredible surf, and lush green landscapes. It rains more, but it's worth it.
How to get a job in Spain
Applying for NALCAP involves navigating the confusing "Profex 2" government portal. You can do it alone, or use our specialized placement service to ensure your paperwork is perfect.
The Independent Route
Get your 120-hour certificate and apply to the Ministry of Education directly via Profex. You are responsible for all translations and tracking your status.
- Cost Effective: You only pay for your TEFL course.
- Recognition: myTEFL is accepted by the Ministry.
- Logistics: You manage the visa steps solo.
Spain Placement Program
Guaranteed Support. We guide you step-by-step through the Profex 2 portal, assist with your visa paperwork, and provide pre-departure orientation.
- Profex Experts: We ensure your application is error-free.
- Visa Guidance: Help with background checks & apostilles.
- Community: Connect with other teachers before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crucial data for the 2026 Spanish teaching landscape.