As an Irish citizen you can live and work in Spain without a visa. You do not need to register for the first three months, but after that you must apply for a Certificate of Registration, which contains your NIE number. The two main routes are the government language assistant programme and paid work in private academies and schools.
Route 1: the language assistant programme
Spain's Ministry of Education runs a programme placing English speakers as classroom assistants. For 2026-27 the published terms were: an allowance of €800 a month, 14 to 16 hours a week of classroom support, and a placement from 1 November 2026 to 31 May 2027. Some regions pay more and ask for more hours. Applicants need a degree or must be in at least the second year of one, and be aged 18 to 45. Irish applicants apply through their international organisation rather than through the Spanish ministry's own system.
The 2026-27 application window ran from 2 to 30 June 2026 and is closed. New applicants must supply a health statement, a signed sworn declaration, a statement of purpose, a recommendation letter and a clean certificate of sexual offences, which may be requested at any stage. Check the ministry's page when the next call opens. You do not need a TEFL certificate for this route, though one helps with confidence (TEFL after college).
Route 2: private academies and schools
Language academies, after-school providers and private schools hire English speakers directly. Many want a TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours, a degree is often preferred, and some ask for Spanish. The Embassy of Ireland notes that most jobs need Spanish, with English teaching a possible exception. Contracts can be part-time with split shifts, so ask how many hours you are guaranteed and how holidays are paid.
Registration and admin
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| First three months | No registration needed for stays under three months. |
| After three months | Apply for the Certificate of Registration (with NIE) at the Foreigners Office or designated police station. |
| Padrón | Register your address with the local town hall (empadronamiento). You need your passport, NIE or residence certificate, a utility bill and a rental contract. |
| Photo ID | The registration certificate is not photo ID. Your Irish passport remains your ID. |
| Social security | Compulsory for employees. Total contributions are about 32% of gross salary, with the employee paying roughly 6% and the employer the rest, usually deducted at source. |
Since 2012, applicants may be asked to show sufficient means and public or private health insurance. Ask your employer what to bring, and check the Interior Ministry and the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid for the current position.
Tax and freelance work
If you become Spanish tax resident, your income can be taxed under Spain's income tax (IRPF). A 1994 double taxation agreement exists between Ireland and Spain, and the Embassy recommends getting tax advice before you move. Freelance teaching is treated differently from employment and has its own registration, so do not assume the Irish self-employed rules apply. See the tax notes in the online teaching guide for the Irish side.
Before you go
Looking for work once you are there
EU rules let you search for work in another member state. The Your Europe portal says you can stay up to three months without registering, and that if you register as a jobseeker you are usually given about six months to find work, after which the authorities can ask for evidence that you are actively looking and have a real chance. Keep a record of applications, replies and interviews. Many academies hire in September and January, so arriving a few weeks before those dates and visiting schools in person can help. Treat promises of work that depend on you paying a fee as a red flag (scams).
- Check whether a school offers an employment contract, and how many weekly hours are guaranteed.
- Plan for accommodation costs in your chosen city and a deposit.
- Carry your European Health Insurance Card while you remain habitually resident in Ireland.
- Read the paperwork checklist and the salary guide before accepting an offer.
Thinking about a TEFL qualification? See course options from an Irish-based provider.
Compare TEFL coursesThis is an affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure.Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to teach in Spain as an Irish citizen?
No. Irish citizens can stay and work freely, but must apply for a Certificate of Registration (with NIE) if staying over three months.
How much does the language assistant programme pay?
The 2026-27 call stated €800 a month, described as an allowance towards room and board, for 14 to 16 hours a week. Some regions pay more.
Do I need Spanish to teach English in Spain?
Not always. The Embassy of Ireland notes most jobs need Spanish but teaching English can be an exception. Daily life is far easier with some Spanish.
Is TEFL needed for the language assistant scheme?
The published requirements list a degree or second-year student status, not a TEFL certificate.