Teaching English Online from Spain: A Complete Guide

Spain isn’t just easy on the eyes — it’s easy to live in, too. With long lunches, warm weather, and a deep appreciation for good company, this is a country that knows how to slow down and enjoy life. That mindset carries over to remote work, making Spain a surprisingly ideal spot for teaching English online.

Reliable internet, a growing digital nomad scene, and relaxed daily rhythms mean you can get your work done without sacrificing lifestyle. Whether you're based in a buzzing city like Madrid, a coastal haven like Valencia, or a quiet village surrounded by olive groves, there's a real sense of balance here. Add time zones that match well with both European and Latin American students, and you’ve got a setup that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

Who This Guide Is For

• You’re already living in Spain on a student visa or teaching contract, and you want to boost your income with flexible online lessons.
• You’re a digital nomad looking for a European home base that’s safe, social, and relatively affordable.
• You have EU citizenship and want to build a more independent lifestyle through online teaching.
• You’re just getting started with TEFL and see Spain as the perfect launchpad to train, explore, and find your rhythm.

Whether you’re here for a few months or planning to settle in for good, Spain makes it surprisingly easy to turn a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection into a full-on lifestyle.

Internet, Infrastructure, and Work Setup

Spain has come a long way in digital infrastructure, and for online teachers, that’s good news. In most cities and mid-sized towns, fiber-optic internet is standard, and speeds are more than enough for smooth video calls and virtual classrooms. Even in smaller villages, you’ll usually find decent broadband — just double-check coverage before you move in.

Coworking spaces are everywhere in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. From stylish lofts with phone booths and standing desks to casual community hubs with coffee and fast Wi-Fi, you’ll find plenty of places to stay productive. If you prefer the café lifestyle, Spain delivers: cafés often welcome laptops and long stays, especially during mid-morning or siesta hours.

For mobile data, major providers like Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone offer fast 4G and growing 5G coverage. A prepaid SIM or monthly plan can serve as a backup in case your home internet drops — or as your main connection if you’re bouncing between Airbnbs.

Some of the best areas to live for remote work include:

• Madrid’s Malasaña or Chamberí: central, full of cafés and coworking spaces
• Barcelona’s Eixample or Gràcia: great balance of livability and infrastructure
• Valencia’s Ruzafa: affordable, creative, and close to the beach
• Seville’s Triana or Alameda: charming and lively without being chaotic

To set yourself up properly, invest in noise-canceling headphones, a decent webcam, and a reliable desk setup. Many rentals come furnished, but if you plan to stay a while, having a dedicated corner for work makes a big difference. A portable hotspot or backup mobile plan is also worth it — Spain’s infrastructure is solid, but outages still happen.

Online Teaching Job Types

Global Teaching Platforms

Most people teaching English online from Spain get started on global platforms. Sites like Preply, italki, Cambly, and AmazingTalker connect you with students from all over the world. These platforms are easy to join, especially if you have a TEFL certificate or teaching experience, but many also accept newcomers with just strong communication skills.

Living in Spain puts you in a time zone sweet spot. If you’re teaching students in Europe, the schedule is seamless. Latin America is just a few hours behind, so evening classes fit nicely. Even Asian markets like Korea or Japan are doable if you're an early riser — many teachers in Spain do morning sessions with Asian students and afternoons with Europeans or Latin Americans.

Each region comes with its own pros and cons:

• Asian students tend to be highly motivated and consistent, but peak hours may be early morning.
• European students offer flexibility and cultural familiarity, but competition can be high.
• Latin American students often favor informal, conversation-based lessons and tend to book later in the day.

If you're strategic with your availability and marketing, you can build a diverse and steady student base from Spain — without sacrificing your evenings or sleep schedule.

👉 Check out our Teach English Online Guide to compare platforms and start applying.

European/Spanish Platforms

While global platforms are a popular way to start, there’s also growing demand within Spain and across Europe for online English teachers — especially for test preparation (like Cambridge or IELTS), business English, and tutoring young learners. Many Spanish parents and professionals prefer working with teachers who understand the local context or speak a bit of Spanish, even if the lessons are fully in English.

Local language academies are increasingly offering hybrid or fully remote programs, and some are open to hiring native or fluent English speakers as online instructors. These roles may be part-time or seasonal, and sometimes they include in-person lessons, so you’ll need to be clear on your availability and visa status.

Another great way to grow your teaching base is through language exchange meetups or local networking. Whether you join a conversation club, post in regional Facebook groups, or participate in intercambios (language exchanges), these interactions often lead to paid opportunities — especially when students want to move from casual practice to structured lessons.

Freelance and Private Students

If you're looking for more freedom and better pay, working directly with private students is the way to go. Many online teachers in Spain build their client base through referrals, language exchanges, and word of mouth. Others transition students from global platforms like Preply or italki into independent arrangements after gaining trust.

You don’t need to limit yourself to Spain — students from Italy, Germany, France, and Eastern Europe are often looking for English tutors with flexible schedules and competitive rates. Being based in the EU helps with time zone alignment, cultural familiarity, and trust-building.

Hourly rates vary depending on your niche:

• Conversation and general English: €15–25/hr
• Business English or exam prep: €25–40+/hr
• Kids and teens: €20–30/hr, often in weekly bundles

For payments, many freelancers use platforms like Wise, Revolut, or PayPal, especially for international students. If you're working with local clients in Spain, Bizum (linked to Spanish bank accounts) is also popular for fast, easy transfers.

Keep in mind: if you're teaching independently in Spain and not under a school’s contract, you’ll likely need to register as autónomo (a self-employed worker). This comes with monthly social security payments and tax obligations, so it’s worth speaking with a gestor (tax consultant) to stay compliant and avoid surprises. Some teachers delay official registration while building a stable client base, but make sure to understand the legal risks before doing so.

Visas and Legal Considerations

For Non-EU Citizens

If you're not from the EU, teaching English online from Spain can be a bit of a legal puzzle — but it’s not impossible.

One common route is the student visa, which allows you to study (typically Spanish or a TEFL course) and stay in Spain for an extended period. Officially, it permits part-time local work, but working online for clients outside Spain is a legal grey area. Many teachers do it quietly, but it’s best to keep a low profile and avoid advertising your services too publicly unless you’re properly registered.

Spain’s new digital nomad visa offers a more secure path for remote workers from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. You’ll need to show proof of income (usually around €2,300/month), work with clients outside Spain, and have a clean legal record. It grants residency for up to five years and includes favorable tax benefits in the first year. While the application process involves some paperwork and patience, it's becoming a go-to choice for serious long-term expats.

Some teachers work online while in Spain on a tourist visa, but this comes with risks. You're not legally allowed to “work” — even remotely — on a tourist stamp, and overstaying or earning income in the country without proper registration could create future visa issues. It’s not usually enforced harshly for quiet online teaching, but it’s not a reliable long-term solution.

For EU Citizens

If you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you're in luck — you can live and work in Spain without a visa. Many online teachers from France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, and other EU countries move to Spain for the lifestyle, set up shop as freelancers, and teach online with no major bureaucratic hurdles.

To work legally and pay taxes, you’ll need to register as an autónomo (self-employed person). This process includes getting a Spanish tax number (NIE), registering with social security, and filing quarterly income reports. The monthly social security fee is around €230–€290, although new autónomos can apply for a discounted rate (around €80/month for the first year under the "tarifa plana" scheme).

Many teachers start by working part-time online and then scale up to full-time once they’re confident in their earnings and compliance.

Cost of Living vs. Teaching Income

Monthly Expenses in Major Cities

Spain is one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe, but costs vary depending on where you live. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Madrid & Barcelona (higher end):

• Rent (shared flat or studio): €500–€900
• Groceries and eating out: €250–€400
• Transport: €50–€70
• Utilities and internet: €80–€120
  Total: €900–€1,400/month

Valencia, Seville, Granada (mid-range to budget-friendly):

• Rent: €300–€600
• Other expenses: slightly lower than in big cities Total: €700–€1,100/month

If you're willing to live modestly, shop at local markets, and avoid tourist zones, you can stretch your budget a lot further — especially in smaller cities or university towns.

Income from Online Teaching

Earnings depend on your experience, niche, and how you teach:

• Entry-level platforms (Cambly, Engoo): $10–$15/hr
• Mid-range platforms (Preply, AmazingTalker): $15–$25/hr
• Freelance/private students: $25–$40/hr or more

Your monthly income will vary based on how many hours you teach and what rates you charge:

Example Scenarios

• Entry-level (20 hrs/week at $12/hr): ~$960/month – covers basic living in a shared flat outside Madrid/Barcelona.
• Mid-level (25 hrs/week at $20/hr): ~$2,000/month – solid lifestyle in most Spanish cities with some room to save or travel.
• Freelance premium (30 hrs/week at $30/hr): ~$3,600/month – well above average income; great for living comfortably or building long-term savings.

By combining a few streams (platforms + private students), many teachers in Spain find a sweet spot where they can live well, enjoy their time, and stay financially stable.

Best Places in Spain for Online Teachers

Spain offers a variety of locations that suit different lifestyles and teaching needs. Whether you prefer big-city energy, coastal calm, or small-town charm, you’ll find somewhere that supports remote work with good internet, decent infrastructure, and a high quality of life.

Madrid

As the capital, Madrid offers the best infrastructure for remote teachers. You'll find fast, reliable internet, plenty of coworking spaces, and a large international community. The city buzzes with culture and nightlife, and there’s no shortage of modern apartments or cafes to work from. It’s also incredibly well-connected, with high-speed trains and flights to the rest of Europe. The only downside? Rent and general costs can be on the higher end.

Valencia

Valencia hits the sweet spot for many online teachers. It's more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, sits right on the beach, and has a growing digital nomad and expat scene. The pace of life is relaxed but not sleepy, and coworking spaces are easy to find. With solid internet, great weather, and an artsy vibe, Valencia offers an ideal balance for people looking to work and live well.

Seville

For a deeper taste of traditional Spanish culture, Seville is a beautiful and increasingly popular choice for remote workers. The cost of living is lower, the old town is stunning, and there’s a blossoming remote work community—especially among creatives, language teachers, and freelancers. Summer heat can be intense, but the charm and affordability make it worth it.

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. It’s home to major international companies, a huge expat population, and excellent coworking infrastructure. The blend of city life, beach access, and cultural richness is hard to beat. That said, it’s also one of the most expensive places to live in Spain, and housing can be competitive. If you have a decent income and crave diversity, this is your spot.

Granada, Malaga, and Smaller Towns

For a quieter and cheaper lifestyle, cities like Granada and Malaga offer stunning scenery, friendly locals, and low overheads. Granada is a university town with lots of young people and decent coworking spaces. Malaga has a growing international scene and reliable infrastructure. Smaller towns may lack big-city amenities, but they make up for it with relaxed living, great food, and enough internet speed for smooth teaching. Just be sure to test connections before committing long-term.

Pros and Cons of Teaching Online from Spain

✅ Pros

• Excellent lifestyle: Enjoy rich culture, Mediterranean food, and a relaxed pace of life.
• Great time zones: Perfect for teaching European and Latin American students without sacrificing your sleep schedule.
• Modern infrastructure: Solid internet, healthcare access, and transport—especially if you’re a legal resident.
• Travel opportunities: With budget airlines and high-speed trains, weekend trips across Europe are easy and affordable.

⚠️ Cons

• Visa restrictions: Some visas (like student or tourist) may limit your ability to earn income legally.
• Freelancer complexity: Setting up as an autónomo involves paperwork, taxes, and navigating Spain’s bureaucracy—especially tricky for non-EU citizens.
• Not the cheapest option: Living costs are higher than in places like Southeast Asia or parts of Latin America.
• Asian student time zones: If your students are mostly in Asia, early mornings or late nights might be unavoidable.

Spain is an amazing base if you're targeting European or Latin American students, and it offers a high quality of life that’s hard to match. Just make sure your visa and income setup are squared away so you can enjoy it fully.

Tips for Succeeding as an Online Teacher in Spain

Thriving as a remote English teacher in Spain isn’t just about finding students—it’s about creating a rhythm that fits your lifestyle while staying organized and legally secure.

Choose the right city for your goals.
If you want coworking culture and buzz, Madrid or Barcelona are ideal. If you're after a calmer, more affordable vibe, consider Valencia or Seville. Digital nomads often prefer beach towns or inland gems like Granada where the cost of living is lower but the quality of life is high.

Use tools that save time and streamline your work.
Schedule your lessons with apps like Calendly or Google Calendar, manage payments through Wise, PayPal, or Revolut, and keep lesson notes and resources organized using Notion, Google Docs, or Canva. The smoother your workflow, the more time you’ll have to enjoy life in Spain.

Focus on long-term student relationships.
Platforms like Preply and italki are great for getting started, but the most stable income comes from loyal students who book regularly. Ask for referrals, offer personalized learning plans, and consider moving high-value students off-platform once trust is built (where terms allow).

Understand the legal and tax landscape.
If you plan to stay in Spain long-term, especially as a non-EU citizen, get familiar with the autónomo system. That includes invoicing, paying social security, and filing taxes. It may seem daunting, but working with a gestor (local accountant) can make it manageable and keep you compliant.

Is This the Right Path for You?

If you’re looking for a base that combines meaningful work, cultural richness, and Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain checks a lot of boxes. It’s ideal for:

• EU citizens who want to live and work freely
• Digital nomads seeking a European base with infrastructure and community
• New TEFL teachers who want to start slowly—maybe take a course, teach in-person, and move into online work

Whether you’re supplementing income while on a student visa or teaching full-time online from your apartment in Valencia, Spain gives you room to grow, move, and enjoy the ride. It’s not the cheapest place to live, and there are some bureaucratic hurdles—but for many, the lifestyle more than makes up for it.

Useful Resources and Next Steps

• Teach English in Spain – Learn about in-person teaching opportunities, schools, and visa options.
• English Teaching Jobs in Spain – Explore current job openings for teachers in Spain.
• Teach English Online Guide – Compare online platforms, teaching tools, and income strategies.