Finding a job in Gran Canaria

Home » Jobs

Finding a job in Gran Canaria

A comprehensive guide on how to find a job in Gran Canaria. How to find a job in Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and Las Palmas.

So you want a job, read our guides below to see what jobs are available and how to get them

Jobs in the north (mainly teaching)

Jobs on the South Coast (tourism, bar, PR etc.)

Taxes!

Jobs in the North (Las Palmas, Telde etc.)

Once you arrive in Gran Canaria you will find that most English speaking people in Las Palmas are teachers, so logically most of the jobs for English people are in schools. If you don’t want to be a teacher you’ll probably have to head south to find a job as there aren’t many non-school jobs on the north coast.

Teaching There are four types of teaching jobs each one requiring different qualifications and offering different pay.

  1. English schools – To see a list of English schools click here. These schools, most of the time, require a PGCE however it is not unheard of for unqualified people to get jobs.  Send in your CV and see what happens. If you’re lucky they will need a teacher straight away.  Monthly salary 1200€-1400€ depending on the school and job.
  2. Bilingual schools – To see a list of bilingual schools click here. These schools don’t usually require PGCE qualified teachers but a TEFL qualification helps. They pay less and working conditions aren’t as good, but you get the long holidays.  Salary approximately €1200.
  3. Teaching assistant – These jobs are in the Gran Canarian state sector and are in high demand as they pay relatively well and do not require any formal qualifications – just first language English. The job is to support the Spanish English teachers.  The pay is 600€ a month working approximately 4 mornings a week. To find out more email us for more info.
  4. Language schools – To see a list of all language schools click here. Language schools pay less and the working hours can be quite unsociable however they pay well enough to live a nice life here and can be flexible with working hours if you’re lucky.  Salary/hour 9-15€.

Saturday Schools All the English Schools and the American school offer Saturday schools for children and adults. They pay very well €60-€80 9am -1pm. If you are interested contact the schools well before the course starts in October as teaching posts are rapidly filled. TEFL is preferred but it is not uncommon for non-EFL teachers to get work.

Translation If you speak two languages fluently it is worth sending out your CV to the translation companies, however jobs are not that common.

Private classes If you are a qualified TEFL teacher this will be the best way to boost your salary. Post notices in the main English bookshops, Idiomatika (Plaza Ferray and Triana) and Canary Books (Triana) and outside the University, and you’ll get classes. English teachers generally charge 15-20€ / hour.

Random work in Las Palmas Non-Spanish speaking work is hard to come by but labouring work can sometimes be found within the English community. It's not easy to come by, but leave a messsage on the jobs page and something may come up.  Other jobs that English people have had in Las Palmas include STEP / Aerobics instructor, bar work, cleaning and there was once a medical rep.

How to get work in the north

Assuming you want to teach, the only real way to get work is get yourself known. Send your CV to all the schools / language schools you're interested in and then phone them (v.important) to make sure they've received your CV. Also contact Trevor Doble on the teaching assistants scheme as there are often jobs at the start of the school year and sometimes during the year. If you want to teach private classes put posters up around your area and advertise yourself in the English bookshops Idiomatika and Canary Books and on the Internet at www.tusclasesparticulares.com.

Jobs in the south

There are plenty of jobs in the South but you will have to look for them, and as Gran Canaria is such a great place to live there are plenty of people looking. To be precise, 9000 people will be arriving and looking for work in the next year.

Websites / Press Jobs are not often advertised but before you begin your long trek around the thousands of bars in the south it is worth having a look at

PR If you think you're a good salesman with experience of any kind and you speak English, Dutch, German or any Scandinavian language your best bet is find a job as a PR. These tend to be on the street directly selling to passers by. You could be selling restaurants, bars, tours or timeshare. If you’re good you can earn good money, if you’re not you’ll soon be looking for another job! Salaries can be commission only or with a basic set wage. To find a job, the best thing you can do is go and ask. Try bars and restaurants and for timeshare jobs find a current PR on the street and ask for the personnel office.

Bar work and restaurant work There are jobs for bar staff, waiters, cooks, entertainment, bouncers and PR – they are rarely advertised and again just go around and ask. Don’t expect to make your millions this way, the minimum wage in Spain is 6.25€ and you’ll be lucky to get more than that. On average workers in the South will earn about 1050€ a month which is plenty to survive on and have a reasonably nice time.

How to get work in the south

There is work in the south of the island but there are more people looking for jobs than there are jobs, so to find work you have to stand out above the rest. Prepare a GOOD cv. Make sure it is very well prepared and sells your skills well, if you want to work in a bar make sure you have all your bar work on it. Secondly give your CV to as many places as possible by hand. Speak to the owner and try to sell yourself, it will be much easier for them to call you if they know who you are so make sure there's a photo on your CV. If you haven't heard anything for a couple of weeks visit all the bars again and let them know you're still looking for work. Also get to know people in the British community many jobs are by word of mouth and personal recommendation so if you are known you will have more chance of finding work. Beware finding a job may take a long time, so prepare yourself financially and don't blow all your savings thinking you'll get work quickly. If you have patience you will get work eventually but prepare to print out hundreds of CVs and many kilometres from place to place. While you're waiting try to learn Spanish it will really help your job opportunities. Have a look at our learning Spanish section for more info.

The best time to find work for English speakers is at Easter before the Summer season, unless you speak German or Scandinavian when the work is in the winter.

Taxes!!!!

Most jobs you get will offer you a contract and they will pay your taxes for you (about 20%). However if you are self employed or are receiving cash in hand, legally you have to pay autonomous contributions. These are about 225€ a month and cover your social security. Most people do not pay for wages they receive cash in hand and it is unlikely the tax office will catch up with you but it is illegal. For more information about being self employed see our self employed section. At the end of the year everyone has to their tax return (RENTA). See our guide on how to do your RENTA without going mad!! Jobs in the South – most employers will give 3 month rolling contracts. However, by law, after a year employers are obliged to give fixed contacts. To avoid this most employers will dismiss their staff after a year and then re-employ them 6 weeks later. For a much more detailed review of taxes and contracts and employment law have a look at our detailed tax section.

Work permits Residents of the EU do not need work permits you just need to get an NIE number (see paperwork section). For other countries outside the EU there are different laws, check with your embassy.

Your Comments If you have any ideas of where people can look for jobs or you run a business and are looking for English speaking employees, please let us know either by commenting on this ariticle or checking the jobs section of this website.

Healthcare and IT professional wants to move to Las Palmas

Submitted by josh7863 on Sun, 05/02/2012 - 07:20.

I am a reputed healthcare and IT professional based out of Dubai and looking for work in Las Palmas. I have experience in building hospitals or healthcare facilities from ground up. Qualifications include - MBA, Pharmacy, Information Systems, Enterprise Architecture, Technology, Hospital Commissioning and OPerations
If anyone knows of suitable positions - please drop me a mail josh7863@gmail.com

I will need to get the necessary work permits as well

Search internet for job

Submitted by bjhe on Wed, 11/01/2012 - 22:28.

I would recommend searching the Internet for job in Gran Canaria. For example GranCanariaJob. If you live in the GC may be okay to ask for different jobs if they need manpower. Looking for a job that paid more than minimum wage may want to seek active on the Internet.

jobs

Submitted by sophie01 on Fri, 28/10/2011 - 18:31.

hi me and my husband are thinking of moving to gc next year im looking for any job and hes looking for security door superviser job or close protection work can anyone help?

Job in Gran Canaria, Playa del ingles

Submitted by Ada Hudakova on Wed, 19/10/2011 - 17:26.

Hello my name is Andrea and i am looking for job in Gran canaria. I am 24 years old and i am very experienced person. I was working as a waitress, housekeeper in hotel and i was working in Juice Bar as a Supervisor.after finding job could move out within a two weeks.
My email adress is adahudakova@zoznam.sk and my phone number is 00353 86 662 7289 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              00353 86 662 7289      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you

Hi

Submitted by ARP on Wed, 16/11/2011 - 08:49.

Hi Andrea,

My name is Aaron and I'm from Sydney, Australia. I'm looking at moving to the Canary Islands next May and wanted to see how hard/easy it has been for you to find work in the islands.

Thank you for your time,

Regards,

Aaron

Veterinarian looking for job

Submitted by koka_attila on Tue, 18/10/2011 - 18:17.

Hy, I am a young veterinarian, I have finished my studies 2 years ago! In my student periode I have worked in the USA for a veterinary clinic (Agate Bay Animal Hospital). Now I am working as a vet for a German company, but I would like to live and work in Gran Canaria, and therefore I am loking for a job. I speak German, English, Hungarian, Romanian, and little Spanish (but try to improve).
Any advice would be much appreciated,
Thank you in advance
If there should be something please contact me at:
koka_attila@yahoo.com

Massage Therapist looking for work

Submitted by paul2011 on Fri, 01/07/2011 - 08:51.

Im 25 years old male and I do Holistic Swedish relaxing and Lymphatic massage I have done my ITEC course in United Kingdom and I coming to Maspalomas on 5th of July I also have good knowleadge about human body as I did Anatomy and Phisiology course in Exeter (UK)and I worked as Personal Trainer in the Gym and I really enjoyed that, I have good experience in products sale ... nutrition body gainers , essential oils, creams..etc I got my own transport and driver licence (car , motorbike and forklift truck licence)
If there is any job for me please contact me at :
quitsmokingnow@hotmail.co.uk

Thank You Paul

English nurse seeking work

Submitted by pkelly190 on Thu, 02/06/2011 - 08:22.

hi could anyone advise, my name is kelly. My partner steve and I are due to move to GC next year along with our fdamily of 1 boy and 2 girls. I am a nurse with experience of general nursing, renal/dialysis and community ie clinics, skin care etc. My partner steve is a control and restraint insructor along with conflict resolution and breakaway techniques we are both employed by the NHS and can provide cleaming CV's and references. We would both be willing to look for other general types of work until suitable permenant vacancies are available. We are currently in the process of learning spanish as a family. And have just returned from a very informative visit to Puerto Rico, thanks to all who helped with providing us with valuable info!!
Any further info for the above would be gratefully recieved
Kind regards

Kelly and Steve

Hello folks, me and a friend

Submitted by dsquared27 on Wed, 20/04/2011 - 20:42.

Hello folks, me and a friend have decided to make a trip out to gran canaria in june, and are planning on staying for the summer. I know junes a little to late as most of u go in early may but work commitments stand in the way. We both do sales/retail, very good with people an both have great personalities. I also am lvl 2 barber, and any work in them areas would be ideal. But we are willing to do any type of work, bar, pr work, anything goes. Oh and it would be great also to meet friends, for future possible apartment shares etc. Hope to hear from anyone with information. Many thanks. Chris and kate ;op x

Looking for Bar work from 8th of May onwards for whole summer

Submitted by Dkanderson on Wed, 16/03/2011 - 21:31.

Hi Im Darren,
22 :) outgoing, good fun!
looking for BAR WORK from beginning of May, coming out with freinds for 2 weeks for Gay Pride and want to stay for the summer!
Have bar expierence and also managerial expierence will consider anything~all imput helpful

Also any body else doing same thing post back looking for somewhere to live and some mates will be great :)

cheers Darren :)

Actually cant wait for Pride 2011!!!!!!!!!

hey

Submitted by sean g on Tue, 21/06/2011 - 20:36.

hey i was wondering if you actualli got work out there im comin out soon was there for pride was amazing sure let me no

Fwwweennndddssss!! haha :D

Submitted by Twoody on Fri, 08/04/2011 - 00:22.

Hola Darren!! :D

Im going out to GC the end of this month....Im bored of my life in shitty Essex and so Im taking a risk and all that jazz hehehe

Im also looking for bar work AND I am also looking forward to Pride!!!.....never been before & so Im extra excited! hehe

Im going by myself ( I have friends that are visiting in June) so it would be very very nice to know a few people when Im out there!! :)

I arrive the beginning of May....Ill be staying in a hotel for the first week but then I also need to find a place to live.

I'll be there before you so Ill keep my eyes and ears out for you job/apartment wise!! :)) Muchas Besos x x x

Id rather burn out then fade away :D

Hi

Submitted by ARP on Wed, 16/11/2011 - 08:43.

Hey,

My wife is from Canary Islands and I'm Australian. We are currently living in Sydney but my wife wants to move home next year - Las Palmas.

I just wanted to see how easy or difficult it was for you to find work?

Thanks for your time and I hope everything worked out for you.

Regards,

Aaron

hotel entertainer, receptionists, tour leader,waitress from June

Submitted by agatapoland on Mon, 07/03/2011 - 20:28.

hola!

My name is Agata and i come from Poland. I've been several times to Gran Canaria and that island seducted me so much that i'd like to work there starting from June. I've been working for 4 years as the tour leader/tour guide all over the europe. Moreover, I graduated from the international hotel animator course this year.
I speak fluently polish, english (FCE exam), french (master degree), basic but communicative spanish and a bit german.
I've been dancing in a modern dance group winning a lot of prizes in polish, european and world championships. That's why I love all kind of fitness - especially zumba! :) I enjoy working with people and all the activities i mentioned before I do with passion because I like it !
Don't hesitate to look at my CV enclosed, where you will find all the informations needed.
hopefully see you soon on GC ! regards,
Agata

any kind of work for hard worker.??? :D

Submitted by filippos frafer on Fri, 04/03/2011 - 14:52.

Hola hello hello ????

I will right a few things about me I am looking for any kind of job from 15 march till the end of summer.

My name is Filippos 23 years old and I am from Greece. Speak English (excellent) Spanish and German (good level) I am in the end of my studies in international trade. The last 6 months I live in Barcelona because I am doing my Erasmus. I think that I have fell in love with the atmosphere of Spain and I don’t want to go back to Greece ( as you know is very difficult to work , no future for young people).

However I would like to visit more cities of Spain and more the canary islands because I love the sun the beaches so I decided to work somewhere in Spain and more in canary islands to improve my Spanish , working with Spanish people and people all over the world

The last three years I have worked at various levels in the sales industry, because I was working as a sales agent .My experience also includes, representation new women firms in Greece, promote them and I was responsible for :

· Contact with new customers

· Sales and after sales service for old and new customers

· Presentation of the collection

· Taking care for the customers payments

I can work in all kinds of work.

· Waiter (bar or restaurant)

· Promoting parties

· Entertainment of the kids

· Helping in all works at the hotel

· Cleaning the pool etc

I am a hard worker and I prefer to work with the sun and to communicate with people, I am social honest and always with a big smile. You can take a look at my cv, I know that is not the best one but is written be honesty.(is easy to right a big and so interesting cv I prefer to be true as i am)

If you are interest about me and you thing that you have a place for me don’t hesitate to send me an email lasonsk@hotmail.com

or call me at 693594024

I can be at the Canary Islands when after 15 of march and stay all the summer season.

Sincerely

Filippos dendrinos

Dog Training in grand canaria?

Submitted by carlG01 on Fri, 04/02/2011 - 11:49.

Hello,
Me and my girlfreind are thinking of moving to porta rico. I am 22 and I work as a dog trainer in England. I am just wondering how much work their is for an english speaking dog trainer in grand canaria.If you could name a couple of domestic or security/ prottection company I would be most greatfull. Thank you.

dog trainer english speaking

Submitted by silverteaspoon on Sun, 18/09/2011 - 11:26.

Hi,

I am currently looking for an english speaking dog trainer for my retriever 1 year old. If you are already in GC, please reply my message for further contact.
Kind regards

looking for work as anything

Submitted by smallville on Mon, 24/01/2011 - 13:23.

Hi I am
a 31 year old I.T. graduate with 9 years experience working on a helpdesk and 2nd line support so I have a high emphasis on excellent customer service.
I am looking to move to gran canaria as soon as possible and am looking for work as anything to get my foot in the door.
I am available immediately and looking to move ASAP
I am very good at find ing property and believe I can find somewhere in 2 days.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Tom

Afternoon

Submitted by Drakie on Fri, 01/07/2011 - 14:49.

Hi Tom

I'm in a very similar position to you, I am 30 years old and with 10 years experience working on a helpdesk and 2nd line support and wanting to make a life changing move.

Have you had any success in finding work, especially in the IT field? Or are you still in the UK?

Regards

Steven

Facebook\email steven.p.drake@hotmail.co.uk

Looking for a job

Submitted by Bogdan Popa on Tue, 28/12/2010 - 17:32.

Hi ! My name is Bogdan Popa. I am from Romania . I graduated a faculty (Social Communication and Public Relations), I am 26 years old and I have a driving licence. I would like to work in a hotel as a waiter or bartender (I am also available for some other jobs). I speak English very well , French , a little Italian , Greek and Spanish. Until now , I have already worked for some newspapers and in a company as sales agent. Thank you ! Gracias !
My contact address is bogdanpopa1984@yahoo.com

fitness instructor/personal trainer job wanted!

Submitted by personaltrainer on Fri, 29/10/2010 - 11:54.

I am an EREPS level 4 accredited personal trainer and and fitness instructor with Europass certification job-hunting in Gran Canaria.

Languages: fluent English, intermediate Spanish and German, basic Swedish.

Professional appearance, excellent interpersonal skills, over 2 years spent in the industry.

E-mail: lomagine@gmail.com

Thanks,
Matt

any one need a mechanic???

Submitted by girlracer on Wed, 15/09/2010 - 15:59.

my self and my husband are thinking of moving to GC but we need security 1st as we also have 5 young chikdren all boys, i ahve already put up a post somewhere lol asking how we would go about the move but thought i would also post here to see if anyone would need a car mechanic as i have not seen anything on here for a mechanic lol

Mechanic

Submitted by madscot on Tue, 21/09/2010 - 09:42.

It is very difficult to get a job unless you are on the island and in the right place at the right time. All of the English mechanics I know or have heard of work for themselves and to be honest are rip-off merchants so generally dont stay in business too long. You would need some serious savings to set you up and live while building the business up from nothing. With 5 children you would need at least 700 euros per month for a 3 bedroom apartment, and to start with another 700 for a deposit, that´s 1400 euros before you take into account the actual cost of moving out here. The government wont help you as before you can claim any benefits here you have to pay into the system for at least a year. Sorry to be so blunt but I dont want you making an expensive mistake

can you recommend a bank that treats its clients fairly in GC?

Submitted by theresacoe on Wed, 11/08/2010 - 10:43.

Hi there. I´m so fed up with Banco Santander and their attitude of doing their clients a favour by managing our money. Does anyone know of a bank or building society equivalent here which charges little or no management costs, even to those who don´t have a 'nomina' to pay in monthly, and is actually grateful to have you as a client?
Theresa Coe, theresacoe@gmail.com

I don't think such a thing exists ...

Submitted by Gran Canaria Gu... on Thu, 12/08/2010 - 19:54.

However I have found if you open your bank in a small branch, they treat you like kings here. La Caja de Canarias is OK and so is Caja Rural, but it is really important to choose a small branch where they'll remember your name. The big banks like Santander and BBVA are v.poor in my opinion unless you have a tonne of cash deposited.

work

Submitted by lauraleighones on Fri, 16/07/2010 - 20:33.

Hi my name is laura jones, i have decided that i would like to work abroad and as i have been to gran canaria and know what a lovely place it is i have decided to choose here...
I have previous experience of working in a busy bar back in Birmingham/England which i did for 4 years and loved it.
I also have 5 years retail experience, having worked in both mens and ladies clothes shops which also means that i am very confident when it comes to handling money and dealing with complaints.
I am looking for any kind of bar/hotel/waitress work and after finding a suitable job could move out within a month.
Professional, happy and friendly in everything i do.
So any help with this matter would be really appreciated.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Laura.

skilful Slovak jobseeker

Submitted by ajatomas on Wed, 18/11/2009 - 17:48.

Hi Ms,
I m English speaking Slovakian girl looking for job as waitress,chambermaid,housekeeper,general assistant or other support staff. I ve already got a lot of experience in these job areas. There s no problem to send CV if it s required.Please don t hesitate to contact me for further information if you re seriously interested in my working potential and job skills.
Any reply would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

..

Submitted by purman1 on Tue, 28/06/2011 - 19:44.

..

Hello

Submitted by purman1 on Tue, 28/06/2011 - 19:47.

..

Hi my name is Leah and I am

Submitted by leahchampionhair on Wed, 21/01/2009 - 23:20.

Hi my name is Leah and I am seeking advice on Hairdressing work in Gran Canaria.
I have a NVQ level 2 in hairdressing and have been qualified for approximately 3 years. For the last year I have been self employed. I am experienced in both male and female hairdressing.
I speak little spanish but will be taking lessons to ease communication with clients. I am looking for full time work and was wondering the average pay for a stylist at my level in Gran Canaria.
I hope to move within the year and have 2 weeks booked in April to come and look for appropriate accomadation and jobs.
Any advice would be much appreciated
Thanks in advance