What is the average and minimum salary in Spain in 2021

Current standard of living in the country

The Spanish economy is considered one of the best in Europe. As of 2021, it ranks 5th in the EU in terms of the development of production and trade systems. To assess the standard of living of this state, it is enough to know that its citizens, on average, live to be more than 82 years old.

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Tatiana

I've been living in Valencia for five years

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However, wages in Spain are not the highest in the world: even within the European Union, this state ranks only 15th in terms of average wages.

Unemployment problem

Finding a job in Spain is difficult. Unemployment in this country is one of the main problems of the economy. More than 13% of citizens live on benefits. The shortage of vacancies affects young people most acutely: 30% of people under 35 cannot find work.

Unemployment in Spain is one of the most pressing problems in the country's economy.

Most often, it is possible to officially find a job quite quickly, but 5.2% of citizens cannot find a vacancy for a long time. Almost 3 million people compensate for this through part-time work.

Minimum salary threshold

In Spain, there is a lower threshold for the amount that an employer must pay an employee every month. The state is constantly raising payments. So in 2021, the minimum wage was increased by 22.3% - this was the largest increase since 1980. Now every year workers must receive a minimum of €13,300. This amount must be paid for 14 or 12 salaries. In the first case, €950 is credited to the employee’s account monthly, in the second – €1,108.

Special requirements have been established regarding the minimum wage for pensioners. According to Spanish legislation, the employer must make any 2 accruals out of 14 possible in double amount to persons of disabled age. Most often, increases are given in summer or winter so that people have enough money for holidays and vacations.

Average earnings by region of Spain

When choosing a city to move to, you need to take into account your income and compare it with mandatory expenses. For example, salaries in Madrid are higher than 24,713 per year, but rental housing in this region costs more.

The highest salaries are in Madrid, the figures are current for 2021.

Same prices in:

• Catalonia;
• Basque Country;
• Navarre;
• Asturias.

Even with high salaries, people in these areas prefer to rent apartments rather than buy them. People under 30 years of age in most cases join together to rent housing. Even a small studio here costs an average of €800 per month. Although salaries in these regions are higher than in others, after paying rent and utilities, holes appear in the budget.

In winter and summer, a minimum of €300 for electricity is added to the mandatory payments, because... The Spaniards cannot do without air conditioning.

Salaries by region are reduced in proportion to the cost of rent. So in Aragon, Andalusia, Cantabria, Rioja and the Balearic Islands, local residents on average earn from €20,500 to €22,500 per year. The minimum price for renting an apartment here is €300.

Even in regions where people earn the least, salaries are almost 2 times higher than the minimum wage.

These areas include:

• Galicia;
• Castile-La Mancha;
• Murcia;
• Extremadura;
• Valencia;
• Canary Islands.

Employment of CIS residents

The unemployment rate in the country is higher than in other countries, so competition in the labor market creates difficulties for foreigners to find employment. Unskilled employees or seasonal workers for a few months are the most popular option among immigrants. Most often, immigrants from the CIS work in heavy and low-paid industries:

• cleaner;
• housemaid;
• loader;
• handyman;
• nanny;
• waiter.

If you have a higher education and knowledge of Spanish and English, you can get a job in the field of information technology and management. The country needs specialists in finance and investment, and there are many foreigners involved in this sector. Scientists, engineers, and doctors are also required.

Features of working in Spain

The state has a high percentage of unemployment, corruption and illegal labor migration, which the authorities are actively fighting. Official employment provides social protection and a stable salary. A foreigner requires a permit to work.

Spain tries to provide local residents with vacancies, therefore it gives preference to its citizens when applying for positions.

If no resident is suitable for the employer, then he can hire a migrant.

Professions for citizens of the country with income level

Below is a table with positions and approximate salaries, since these figures vary from region to region.

Doctors and pharmacists are always in demand in the country. The state is trying to actively attract engineers, developers, and biotechnologists.

What is remarkable about the profession of a deputy is that a salary of 3,000 euros per month is not all, he can also compensate for all expenses for transport and business trips abroad including hotel, taxi and food, but not more than 150 euros per day.

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Statistical summary

According to the world ranking, Spain is in 28th place in terms of average wages in dollars (USD). The monthly income of residents of this state is about 1,749 euros per person.

Of the EU countries, the following were able to get ahead of Spain:

• Italy;
• Sweden;
• Austria;

• Netherlands;
• France;
• Belgium;

• Germany;
• Luxembourg;
• Denmark.

Average salary in European countries.

Legalization of work in Spain

Over the past 10 years, many migrants have arrived in the Pyrenees. And not only from Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Romania, Moldova), but also from North Africa. In this regard, the issue of legalizing their stay is very relevant.

According to current legislation, employment in Spain is possible with a work visa or residence permit. In the absence of these documents, a foreigner can apply for political asylum. Pending consideration of his question, the applicant will be granted temporary status, which allows him to stay in the country legally.

What taxes are withheld?

Every resident of Spain has tax obligations to the state. Mandatory contributions to the country's budget do not depend on income. The average salary in Spain allows you to pay all the necessary bills and not suffer from a lack of money.

Taxation exists at 3 levels:

1. State. Applies to earnings of legal entities and individuals. Mandatory payments include IVA (value added tax) and IS (enterprise activity tax).
2. Regional. Provides for interest charges on financial transactions, purchase and sale transactions, preparation and registration of legal documents.
3. Local. Such taxes apply to transport, real estate, economic activity, and construction work.

Income deduction

Its amount depends on:

• quantity and value of real estate owned;
• the presence of a registered mortgage, the need and amount of payments;
• family composition, number of dependents.

Income tax is paid on the income of individuals and legal entities.
Income deductions vary by region. They range from 21% to 52%. The funds received by the state are distributed in equal parts between the autonomous and federal budgets. Persons whose annual income is less than €22,000 are not required to pay the tax.

Contributions to social services

The state collects 29.9% from the salaries of Spaniards every month. These funds are transferred to the Pension Fund.

In addition, tax fees are intended to pay:

• unemployed;
• trade unions;
• large families;
• disabled people

Tax levies are intended to help large families.

Why taxes are not collected

There is no need to pay mandatory contributions for profits received:

• from the sale of part of a foreign company;
• outside the borders of Spain;
• through business restructuring in the European Union.

Salary in relation to living costs

Today the state is actively raising the minimum wage. If this trend continues for a long period, the country's economy and most areas of business will continue to develop.

Today, the main problems of citizens are related to renting housing. Not every employee can rent an apartment. Along with raising the minimum wage, the solvency of citizens increases. Because of this, the demand for purchasing and renting living space is growing. Developers are more willing to take on new projects, and real estate prices are falling.

At the moment, the main problems of citizens are related to rental housing.

How much you will have to pay for housing and communal services depends on which region you choose to move to. On average, every year you need to pay about €60 from your income for water supply and electricity. Charges are not based on usage, but additional invoices may be issued for overuse. For example, for each cubic meter of water above the norm you will have to pay €0.44.

Heating is the most expensive: in winter you will have to pay at least €200 monthly for an apartment with 3 rooms.

Using air conditioners is more expensive, but many people choose this heating method because... The devices are great for surviving the hot summer months.

Renting and maintaining real estate

Housing rents vary depending on the area. Thus, in the popular neighborhoods of Gracia, El Born or the Gothic Quarter, you are most likely to find a run-down apartment for an indecently high price. In addition, for example, the Gothic Quarter - the center of tourist crowds during the daytime, late in the evening turns into an area with not the most favorable criminal situation.

In the areas of Les Corts or Sagrada Famila, despite the very favorable geographical location, rental prices are slightly lower. The Eixample area, part of Derecha y Izquierda, is also popular, but it is also quite expensive.

On average in the city, apartments with one or two bedrooms can be rented for €550-€850.

If renting a separate apartment is not a fundamental issue, then you can rent one room in the apartment. In this case, the budget for renting a roof over your head will be €250-€400 per month. For €900-€1000, married couples can rent an apartment of 70-80 square meters. m with two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

For long-term rentals in Barcelona, ​​the legal requirement is to pay a deposit equal to two months' rent. This deposit must be deposited with a government organization and will be returned after the end of the lease agreement. Additionally, you will have to pay for the services of a realtor, and this is the equivalent of paying for an apartment for one month or in the amount of 10% of the annual fee.

Thus, the first month of rent turns out to be triple or even quadruple the amount of the down payment.

Also, the expenses should include the monthly payment of utility bills, which is about €135 more for electricity, heating, water supply and garbage collection.

Financial assistance from the state and medicine

Due to many obligations, the state has to take into account the needs of citizens. Some categories of Spaniards can apply for social insurance.

The following have this right:

• civil servants;
• members of cooperatives;
• students;
• self-employed;
• wage-earners.

Social insurance is a structured system of cash benefits.
Even visitors can receive free medical care in Spain. However, this will require registration. With such a document, Russians have the right to the help of doctors, even for medical examination. Illegal immigrants can see doctors only in an emergency.

Peculiarities of work mentality

Citizens of Spain are good-natured and open; they will never treat foreigners or representatives of blue-collar professions, cleaners, and migrant workers with contempt. From one to four in Spain, siesta is an afternoon rest. At this time, traffic on the streets freezes; even employees of large companies have the legal right to a long break. In addition, the Spaniards are not known for their punctuality. You should not expect that an employer, having set a meeting or a deadline, will show up or accept work on time.