In Spain, most foreigners are drawn to the coast, and for good reason. If you’re making the leap to a new country, language, and culture, you want it to be worthwhile. You’re seeking a healthier, happier, and more relaxed lifestyle, not taking a step backward!
For more information about best places to start a business, Spain retirement income ideas, starting a business on coastal Spain, see all our articles about starting a business in Spain.
1. Real Estate
The real estate market in Spain offers tremendous appeal. Many regions in Spain attract great interest from international clients looking for holiday homes, retirement properties, or investment opportunities. This demand creates a steady flow of work for expats who are able to understand both the local landscape and the mindset of foreign buyers. Additionally, working in real estate can provide the lifestyle benefits many expats seek: autonomy, networking with other international entrepreneurs and clients, and the chance to earn substantial commissions in a high-demand sector.
What Makes It So Appealing?
English is widely used in coastal Spain, which can ease entry. Additional language skills in Dutch, French, German or Scandinavian are also advantageous.
Many Spanish agencies offer training for newcomers, especially those who can tap into their own expat communities.
Real estate agents can earn lucrative commissions in regions with high-value properties, usually well above the national average.
Holiday property management can offer recurring income through maintenance, bookings, and concierge services, which can be especially profitable in locations with a strong tourism sector.
What’s Difficult?
The market, especially along the coast, is competitive, with numerous agencies targeting the same pool of clients.
Real estate is subject to market trends and economic shifts, which can affect income stability.
Knowing the various business customs, and negotiation styles is essential. Misunderstandings can easily arise if cultural differences aren’t acknowledged.
What Do You Need to Know?
Familiarize yourself with Spain’s property laws, taxes, and buyer protection requirements, which can differ significantly from other countries.
Success in Spanish real estate often relies on a strong network of fellow professionals who can provide trusted local recommendations.
Effective online marketing and presentation skills are crucial, regardless of whether you are an agent or an agency owner. Visit ImmoEdge for more help.
Tips and Advice for Success
Collaborate with local businesses like legal firms, banks, and other service providers to grow your network and create a seamless transaction process for your clients.
Specialize in a niche, whether it be luxury villas, affordable apartments, holiday rentals, or new build homes, specialization can help you stand out in a crowded market.
While many expats are drawn to this field, real estate in Spain requires determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of the local market. Success in this industry involves navigating legalities, cultural differences, and market fluctuations. Those with sales experience, language skills, or prior real estate knowledge will have an advantage, although dedication, resilience, and adaptability will prove to be even greater assets.
2. Trades
Yes, you read that right, “Trades!”
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, metalwork, artificial lawn installation, water purification, furniture restoration, computer repairs, swimming pool maintenance, garden maintenance, landscaping, pergola construction, outdoor entertainment areas, mosquito screen installation, solar films installation, and the list goes on.
Many foreigners living in Spain are looking for all sorts of trades, and especially those that can speak their language. There is a steady demand for high-quality, foreign-standard trades. Expats bring specialized skills that can set them apart from local competition, especially when catering to other expats or international clients.
What Makes It Easier?
Many foreign property owners prefer working with contractors who understand their standards and expectations.
Many trade jobs rely on technical skills rather than advanced language abilities. Good communication skills, are often sufficient for project-based work.
With more people investing in Spanish property, there’s consistent demand for property improvements, renovations, and home builds.
Income-Earning Potential
Foreign clients usually pay higher rates for skilled tradespeople who meet specific standards or have experience with international styles and materials.
Expats can work on residential, commercial, and tourism-related projects, offering flexibility and variety in job types and clients.
What’s Difficult?
Competition can be fierce, especially in popular regions where many tradespeople are vying for the same clientele. That said, client retention can be a lot longer than in most other countries. You will discover that expats understand the difficulty of finding a good tradesman.
Some trade work can be seasonal, with more demand during warmer months.
What Do You Need to Know?
Build relationships with trusted suppliers to source quality materials at competitive rates.
Spain has specific liability and insurance requirements for tradespeople, especially in fields like electrical work and plumbing.
Foreign clients often have distinct expectations, so understanding and meeting these standards is important for maintaining a good reputation. It’s important that you have in writing the client’s exact requirements, so there are no misunderstandings.
How to Prepare
Verify if your trade requires a specific license or certification in Spain. Certain roles, such as electricians and plumbers, may have additional requirements.
While advanced language skills aren’t always necessary, basic Spanish is helpful for interactions with local suppliers, officials, and some clients.
Form connections with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals who can provide valuable referrals and support.
Tips and Advice for Success
Quality and reliability!! These are the two things that will help you to stand out and thrive in Spain. Foreign clients often look for professionals who can deliver on time and finish to international standards.
Use online platforms like local Facebook Groups (Buy&Sell, Connect, Forums) to reach foreign property owners who may be searching for tradespeople. Always market something you are offering, and never just your business name.
In summary, trades in Spain offer a promising path for skilled expats who can uphold quality standards and deliver on time. With the right preparation and dedication, this field provides ample opportunities for both stable income and long-term success.
3. Hospitality & Tourism
Spain is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and especially to Spain’s coastline. The hospitality and tourism sector is a thriving industry with many opportunities. Expats often bring a global perspective that appeals to international visitors, giving them a valuable edge.
What Makes It Easier?
International tourists, while looking for adventure, often appreciate familiar flavours, themes, and services.
Hospitality offers roles for all levels, from management and ownership to service staff. It’s accessible to a wide range of skills and backgrounds.
Many tourists speak English, reducing the language barrier for expats in customer-facing roles.
Income-Earning Potential
Holiday rental, bed-and-breakfast, boutique hotel, or even an annex to your home can be profitable ventures. Owners can benefit from a steady stream of income, particularly during peak tourist season.
Many tourists and part-time residents need property management services, such as key holding, cleaning, and maintenance, providing recurring income, and income outside the holiday season.
What’s Difficult?
Many hospitality businesses in Spain experience fluctuations in demand based on the season, with peak activity in summer months. It’s important to select a region that sees visitors outside the main seasons. The Costa Blanca North, for example, sees strong demand from golfers, cyclists, and athletes through autumn and well into winter.
Some coastal areas are saturated with hospitality options, and standing out can be challenging without a clear brand or unique selling point. See our article on how to earn more money from your Spanish holiday home.
Operating a hospitality business involves various licenses. Some municipalities on the Costa Blanca do not issue tourist licences for premises, while others do.
Keep in mind that you will be busiest during the summer months. How do you feel about this? Will this negatively impact your ideal Spanish lifestyle?
What Do You Need to Know?
Success in hospitality often depends on knowing who your potential clients are and when they are likely to visit. This can help with budgeting, and promotional planning.
Investing in digital marketing, and partnerships with local estate agencies, can help attract more clients.
Spanish customers may expect different service styles than international tourists, so understanding cultural preferences is key to broadening your client base.
How to Prepare
In competitive areas, having a unique theme, cuisine, or hospitality style can help your business stand out. Consider what will attract both local and international guests.
Collaborate with travel agencies, tour operators, and other businesses to boost referrals and visibility. See our article on how to earn more money from your Spanish holiday home.
Can Anyone Do It?
To succeed in this field in Spain, you will require adaptability, strong people skills, passion, and dedication to creating memorable experiences.
Tips and Advice for Success
Exceptional service, and warm hospitality, are vital for building repeat business and a positive reputation.
Develop an off-season strategy to encourage winter bookings.
An attractive website, social media presence, and positive online reviews are crucial for attracting clients.
4. Beauty, Healthcare, and Wellness
Fitness training, massages, beauty treatments, and healthcare services are more popular in the upmarket areas of coastal Spain, and also the larger Spanish cities.
The Orihuela Costa (Costa Blanca South), Costa Blanca North, Malaga Province (from Malaga City to Estepona), and the affluent areas of Ibiza and Mallorca see a strong demand for relaxation and wellness treatments.
What Makes It Easier?
Spain’s warm climate, healthy lifestyle, and focus on leisure activities naturally inspires a greater demand for wellness services.
Many foreigners prefer health and wellness services from providers who understand their standards and expectations.
Existing wellness and beauty services range from small one person private practices to large spas and fitness centres. This field allows for a lot more flexibility according to your budget and experience.
IMPORTANT: Unlike tourism-focused fields, healthcare and wellness services attract a larger percentage of the local population. This means you will potentially have a more consistent year-round clientele, making it easier to maintain steady income.
What’s Difficult?
Many coastal areas already have a range of health and wellness businesses. You will need a strong USP (unique selling proposition) and robust digital marketing plan to stand out. See SocialSEOSpain.com
Spanish proficiency is often necessary for working with local suppliers, communicating with authorities, and reaching a broader client base.
Setting up a high-quality clinic or spa requires investment in equipment and facilities, which can be costly, especially when meeting international standards. That said, there is a demand for mobile services in most areas, so it is possible to begin with a smaller capital outlay.
What Do You Need to Know?
Private healthcare services in Spain have legal and licensing requirements. There are standards for health and hygiene, particularly in medical settings.
Research local demand for wellness, fitness, and beauty treatments. Compare similar areas along the coast to get a good understanding of the demand and supply.
Make a point to study European and International beauty and wellness trends to expand your client base.
Insurance is essential to protect both your business and clients.
How to Prepare
Clients, especially in health and wellness, expect quality service and high-grade equipment. This is essential for building trust and a good reputation.
Specializing in a specific area, such as luxury spa services or alternative therapies. This can help to distinguish your business from competitors.
Can Anyone Do It?
Success in the beauty, healthcare, and wellness sector requires specific skills, experience, and often certification. Those with prior experience in healthcare or wellness fields will find it easier to transition, but the right training can open doors if you are motivated.
Tips and Advice for Success
Success in health and wellness is built on trust and quality. Clients expect a comfortable, welcoming experience. Maintaining high service standards is essential.
Attracting clients will often begin online. You will need a Google My Business profile, a strong social media presence, and a well-designed website to reach both locals and tourists. This is our speciality. You can visit us at SocialSEOSpain and ImmoEdge.
You can offer membership packages to encourage regular clients and ensure consistent income.
Partner with local clinics, fitness centres, or wellness providers to gain referrals. Investigate cross-promotional collaborations.
5. Home & Garden – Retail and Services
Home and garden services are in great demand in coastal Spain. Most expats invest in monthly home services to enjoy their Mediterranean lifestyle to the fullest. Unlike traditional trades, which focus on technical construction and repairs, home and garden services centre around aesthetic improvements, products, furniture, decor, and property maintenance to reflect personal tastes and elevate comfort.
Spain’s wonderful climate and natural beauty encourages outdoor living. And many expats prioritize creating a stylish, welcoming home that reflects Mediterranean influences, from decor to garden design. Their permanent homes and/or holiday homes require regular furniture and decor upgrades, maintenance and management, and this creates a steady demand for quality home services tailored to an international clientele.
What Makes This Category Enticing?
There is a high volume of central and northern Europeans buying or renting in Spain. In the majority of cases, they require quality products and services that can help them settle in.
IMPORTANT: Most home services (maintenance, cleaning, security, etc.) are required year-round, offering income stability.
Income-Earning Potential
In the more affluent areas of coastal Spain, Europeans and Internationals search for premium and custom offerings. There is a lot of profit in Mediterranean and Ibizan style indoor and outdoor home furnishings and decor.
Regular garden maintenance and specialized landscaping are in Great Demand in residential areas with large villas and holiday homes. Upkeep is essential, and many homeowners are either not present much of the year, or prefer to spend their time in more enjoyable pursuits.
Managing second homes for expats or vacation rentals is profitable and can provide consistent income through services like inspections, pool care, and key holding.
What’s Difficult?
In popular expat areas, the home and garden niche can be competitive. That said, there is a continuous stream of new homeowners and plenty of work to go around.
While demand is steadier for some services, others, such as pool cleaning or landscaping, see stronger demand in the spring and summer. This can create some seasonality. It’s important to diversify your range of services.
What Do You Need to Know?
You will need to know which plants, designs, and maintenance practices work best for Spain’s climate (especially in dry regions).
It takes time and experience sifting out the unreliable suppliers to ensure quality for your clients and consistency in your offerings.
You will need to study your client demographics to understand their requirements. Do they lean towards modern, Mediterranean, or international styles? Can you tailor your products or services to their requirements?
How to Prepare
Familiarity with local building materials, plants, and outdoor designs popular in Spain is essential to enhance your service quality.
You will need a website and social media profiles to showcase your products and services and attract online searches. See SocialSEOSpain.com
Tips and Advice for Success
Home and garden clients expect long-term quality and reliability.
Create service packages, like monthly garden maintenance or seasonal property checks, to appeal to expats who want consistent and reliable support.
For decor and furniture, research current trends in local, Mediterranean, Ibizan, and international styles. This will give you a much better understanding of your potential client’s preferences, which can be diverse.
Plan for quieter times by offering off-season promotions. Diversify your services to create more demand in these times.
