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Country shape es

Your global agency guide to...

Spain

Spain boasts a GDP of $1.58 trillion, ranking as the 15th largest economy globally. Key industries include tourism, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. With a moderate unemployment rate of 12.1%, Spain shows a labor market with challenges. Recruitment is supported by a medium agency number amid a balanced working population.

Spain'S

AGENCY LANDSCAPE

3.7K

Agencies operating in Spain

A high number of agencies indicates a mature recruitment industry, marked by strong talent demand, established labor laws and economic stability.

15-20%

Typical fee range

Countries with higher fees imply finding talent is harder to find whilst lower fees indicate a high-volume, commoditized market.

Spain'S

FEATURED AGENCIES

IKONS Ibérica

Hanbai

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Spain'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) RATING

15

WORLD RANKED

Spain ranks 15th in the world by current economic output

$1.6T

NOMINAL GDP (US$)

GDP reflects the overall size and economic strength of the country’s economy.

6

EMEA RANKED

Spain is the 6th biggest GDP in EMEA out of 109 countries in the region

GDP GROWTH (%)

The above chart compares how Spain's GDP has grown, compared to the rest of the world and the EMEA region in the last 7 years.
Positive growth indicates an expanding economy, while negative growth or recession signifies economic contraction. Strong growth can encourage hiring, but slower growth might lead to freezes or layoffs, influencing talent sourcing as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Spain'S

CURRENCY AND CODE

Country currency

ESP

Country ISO code

Spain'S

INFLATION RATE

2.7%

CURRENT RATE

▼0.7% REDUCTION

Inflation represents the rate at which prices rise and purchasing power diminishes. High inflation may prompt employees to seek higher wages, potentially impacting company profitability. This situation could lead to budget constraints or hiring freezes, which might influence talent availability and sourcing strategies.


Spain'S

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING INDEX EXPLAINED

The cost of living has a direct impact on salary expectations and the competitiveness of compensation packages. It can influence the appeal of certain locations-while high-cost areas may attract highly skilled professionals looking for higher salaries, lower-cost areas can appeal to companies looking to minimize salary expenses or candidates seeking a better work-life balance.

Spain'S

LABOUR STATISTICS

47M

POPULATION

With a population of 47,400,798, Spain is a medium sized country by global standards. Spain's youth population is just below the world average, indicating it may face challenges in labor market sustainability over time. The working population in Spain is close to the world average, suggesting a stable labor market that can adequately meet the economy's demands. Spain's elderly population is just above the world average, suggesting a growing dependency ratio, which may strain the labor market.

Spain'S

RELIGION

Religion

In religiously diverse countries, a broad sourcing and engagement approach whilst appealing to inclusive practices resonates with this candidate market. In contrast, in a homogeneous religious environment, understanding dominant cultural norms is often more important when engaging with talent.

Spain'S

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

12.1%

CURRENT PERCENTAGE

▼0.77% REDUCTION

Spain has a severly unhealthy unemployment rate, signalling there is significant economic problems. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a moderate decrease, suggesting a positive shift toward better economic stability and improvement in job availability

Spain'S

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES

Top performing companies

Banco Santander
Prosegur
Telefónica

Top industries

Automobiles
Tourism
Chemicals

Spain'S

GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

RATIO OF MALES TO FEMALES (BY AGE)

LABOUR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER (%)

63 / 53

Male | Female

In Spain there is a medium gap in participation rates between males and females, indicating moderate inequality with some progress towards gender parity.

Spain'S

WORKING LIFE

$31K

Average gross annual wage (US$)

This figure represents yearly income before taxes. Higher wage countries are above $50,000 USD. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average compensation may be required for in-demand skills.

$2.6K

Average gross monthly wage (US$)

This figure represents monthly income before taxes. Higher-wage countries typically exceed $4,000 USD per month. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average monthly compensation may be necessary for in-demand skills.

Spain'S

WORKING LIFE

12DAYS

Minimum annual holidays

Minimum annual holidays reflect mandated leave. Hiring in countries with high allowances (over 25 days) will require emphasizing work-life balance when recruiting. In countries with fewer holidays (under 15 days), offering additional leave can enhance recruitment and set the organization apart.

40HRS

Average working full time week

Standard work hours are 8 per day, 40 per week; max 9 hours daily unless agreed. Overtime is capped at 80 hours/year, with mandatory extra pay for hours beyond the regular schedule.

Spain'S

TOP BENEFITS

16WEEKS

Maternity leave

Spain's Permiso de Nacimiento grants parents 16 weeks of leave at full pay, with 6 weeks compulsory post-birth. Eligibility requires a 6-month Social Security contribution within 7 years.

365DAYS

Sick leave

Employees with 180 days of Social Security contributions in the last 5 years get paid sick leave for 365 days, extendable by 180 days. Initial 3 days unpaid. Days 4-15 is 60% salary by the employer, and from day 16, Social Security pays 60-75%.

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