19.10.2026 13:32
Spain's construction sector is seeking approximately 700,000 new workers due to an aging workforce and declining interest among young people in the profession. There is a particular need for bricklayers, electricians, and plumbers, while annual gross salaries can exceed 1.6 million TL. The labor shortage also creates an opportunity for Turkish citizens, while those who want to work in the country must obtain the necessary work and residence permits.
Spain's construction sector has faced a serious staffing shortage due to increasing housing demand and the aging workforce. Declining interest among young people in the sector and experienced workers retiring have accelerated companies' search for new labor.
700,000 NEW WORKERS ARE NEEDED
According to estimates by the Spanish National Construction Confederation (CNC), the sector will need approximately 700,000 new workers in the coming years.
Finding trained personnel is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in bricklaying, electrical installation, plumbing, and other technical fields. Companies continue to seek qualified workers both to complete ongoing projects and to keep up with new housing demand.
SALARIES EXCEED 1.6 MILLION TL
Wages offered to workers in the sector, where the labor shortage is growing, also draw attention. Annual gross salaries, which vary by professional experience, expertise, and region of work, are as follows:
- Entry-level workers: 20,000-23,000 euros (approximately 1 million 114 thousand-1 million 281 thousand TL)
- Experienced and skilled bricklayers: over 28,000 euros (approximately 1 million 560 thousand TL and above)
- Expert personnel with responsibility: over 30,000 euros (approximately 1 million 671 thousand TL and above)
These figures refer to annual gross wages. The net salary workers receive varies after tax and social security deductions. In addition, wages are not applied at the same level in all companies.
IT COULD ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TURKISH WORKERS
The staffing need in Spain also creates potential job opportunities for Turkish citizens who want to work abroad.
It is stated that people with experience especially in fields such as bricklaying, formwork, welding, electrical installation, and metal assembly can apply for suitable job postings.
However, Spain's need for workers does not directly grant Turkish citizens the right to work or reside.
A WORK PERMIT AND VISA REQUIREMENT APPLIES
People from countries outside the European Union who want to go to Spain to work must complete the necessary legal procedures.
In general practice, the employer must apply for a work permit, and after the application is approved, the employee must complete visa procedures.
Therefore, it is important for applicants from Turkey to examine not only salary offers but also the employer's conditions regarding the employment of foreign workers.
THE HIRING PROCESS CAN BE EASIER IN SOME OCCUPATIONS
The Catalogue of Difficult-to-Fill Occupations, updated every three months in Spain, identifies occupations and regions where employers have difficulty finding personnel.
If the occupation applied for is included in this catalogue in the relevant region, it can facilitate the work permit process for foreign workers.
However, work permit applications can also be made for occupations outside the catalogue, provided the necessary legal conditions are met.
WORKERS WITH THE MOST TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE SOUGHT
Professional experience and technical qualifications particularly stand out in the construction sector's labor shortage.
Having experience in occupational groups such as bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, welders, and formwork carpenters can increase the chance of finding a job.
Knowledge of Spanish is important both for communicating with employers and for understanding safety instructions in the work environment.