10 jobs in Spain for Portuguese speakers

The search for a job opportunity abroad is something that attracts more and more Brazilians. Spain, with its cultural and linguistic proximity, is a natural destination for those looking for new career opportunities. 

If you speak Portuguese, you can find several job options that take advantage of this skill, since many employers look for people who speak the language to facilitate communication with international clients and partners. 

1# Translator/Interpreter

If you have good fluency in Portuguese and Spanish, one of the best job options in Spain is to work as a translator or interpreter. Many companies, especially in areas such as tourism, foreign trade and even the legal sector, need professionals to translate documents or mediate conversations. 

Although it is important to have experience or training in the area, the demand for Portuguese translators is constant, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, which receive many tourists and have trade relations with Brazil.

What you need to knowTo become a translator or interpreter in Spain, it is important to have a good command of both Portuguese and Spanish. In addition, a certificate or diploma in translation can increase your chances of getting a job.

2# Customer Service

With the growth of the globalized market, many Spanish companies have expanded their business to Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. This means that the demand for Portuguese-speaking customer service professionals has increased significantly. 

In e-commerce, tourism, telecommunications and banking companies, Brazilians can find many opportunities to work in call centers, online support or even in face-to-face service.

What you need to knowTo work in customer service, you don't need to have a specific degree, but it is essential to have good communication skills and patience. Fluency in Portuguese is a big plus, but a basic knowledge of Spanish is also important.

3# Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a constantly growing field, and Spain is no exception. If you have experience with online marketing strategies and speak Portuguese, you can find plenty of job opportunities. Many companies that want to expand into the Brazilian market and other Portuguese-speaking countries need professionals who understand the cultural nuances and the language. SEO, social media, content marketing and data analysis are some of the most sought-after areas.

What you need to knowHaving practical experience with digital marketing tools (such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Google Analytics, among others) can be a big plus. In addition, keeping up to date with trends in the online marketing market is essential.

4# Portuguese Teacher

An excellent opportunity for those who speak Portuguese fluently is to teach the language to Spaniards who want to learn. The demand for language teachers is high, and with the cultural proximity between Brazil and Spain, Spaniards are often very interested in Portuguese. In addition, in larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, many language schools and even companies offer Portuguese courses for foreigners.

What you need to knowAlthough it's not compulsory, a degree in Literature or Pedagogy, together with a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese, can be a big plus. It's also important to know how to adapt your content to each student's learning level.

5# Sales and Foreign Trade

For those who have sales skills and speak Portuguese, the foreign trade sector is an excellent option. Many Spanish companies do business with Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries, and a command of Portuguese facilitates communication and increases the chances of success in negotiations. 

Vacancies can be found in export and import companies, product distribution, among others.

What you need to know: Experience in sales and negotiation is essential for this type of position. In addition, understanding Brazilian business culture can be an important differentiator.

6# Software Development

The technology industry is constantly evolving, and demand for qualified professionals is high throughout Spain. 

Although Spanish is widely spoken, many technology companies have projects in collaboration with Brazil, and Portuguese becomes a great asset. If you have experience in software development, you can find good opportunities, especially in the big cities.

What you need to know: To work in software development, you need to have good technical knowledge and experience in the field. Fluency in Portuguese can be an important differentiator, especially for those working in international teams or with clients in Brazil.

7# Journalism and Content Production

Another area where Portuguese is a plus is journalism and content production. Many Spanish media outlets have a close relationship with Brazil and often hire journalists and editors fluent in Portuguese to produce content related to the country.

In addition, there is a growing demand for content in Portuguese for blogs, websites and social networks.

What you need to knowHaving a good degree in journalism or related areas is important, but practical experience in creating content in Portuguese also counts for a lot. Knowing how to adapt content to a Brazilian audience and maintaining good fluency in the language are highly valued skills.

8# Human Resources

Companies that hire Brazilian employees or have operations in Brazil often look for human resources professionals who are fluent in Portuguese. 

Jobs can range from recruitment and selection to benefits management and labor relations. Having a good understanding of Brazilian labor laws is also important for this type of work.

What you need to knowTo work in human resources, it is important to have a degree in the area, such as Psychology or Administration, as well as knowledge of the labor laws of both countries. Fluency in Portuguese is essential for dealing with Brazilian candidates and employees.

9# Tourism and Hospitality

The tourism sector is one of Spain's main industries, and many Brazilian tourists visit the country every year. For this reason, tourism companies, hotels and travel agencies often look for professionals who speak Portuguese to offer personalized service to Brazilian clients. 

Portuguese-speaking tour guides are also in great demand in tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

What you need to knowHaving knowledge of Brazilian culture and being able to offer a welcoming service are essential. Proficiency in Spanish is also important, as you will be dealing with clients of different nationalities.

10# Logistics

With the growth of international trade, especially between Spain and Brazil, the logistics area also offers good opportunities for Portuguese speakers. 

Companies that import and export products to Brazil are looking for professionals who can communicate easily with suppliers and partners in the country. The opportunities are in areas such as supply chain management, transportation and distribution of goods.

What you need to knowTo work in logistics, you need to have a degree in administration, logistics or related areas. In addition, a command of languages, especially Portuguese, is essential for those dealing with Brazilian companies.

How to increase your chances in the Spanish job market

Although Portuguese is a highly valued language in Spain, it's important to remember that the Spanish job market also requires you to adapt to the local culture. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a job in Spain:

• Learn SpanishAlthough Portuguese is a great asset, a command of Spanish is essential for communicating with coworkers and the community in general.
• Research Spanish labor laws: Knowing the rights and duties of workers in Spain can help you adapt quickly to the new job market.
• Adjust your CVIn Spain, CVs are generally shorter and to the point. Make sure your CV is formatted according to Spanish standards.

Several opportunities for Brazilians

Spain offers many job opportunities for Brazilians who speak Portuguese. Whether in the translation sector, digital marketing, customer service or others, language skills can be a great asset in the Spanish job market. 

If you're looking for a new career opportunity, it's worth exploring these areas and preparing yourself to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

See also: 6 companies that take Brazilians to work abroad

January 14th, 2025