Every quarter, Spain's public employment service publishes a list of occupations that employers struggle to fill, province by province. For someone moving from abroad, it is one of the most useful documents there is.
Why the list matters
Hiring someone from outside the EU normally means the employer has to show that no suitable candidate is available in Spain. When the occupation is on the list for that province, that step is skipped. The hire gets simpler, faster and more likely.
What tends to be on it
The list changes, but some patterns repeat:
- Health: doctors and nurses in several regions, especially outside the big cities.
- Technical trades: specialised mechanics, electricians and installers.
- Sea and transport: many maritime roles, from deck officers to engineers.
- Sport: professional athletes and coaches, a long-standing entry.
Software roles are rarely on the list itself, yet they are among the most in demand. They usually go through the highly qualified professional route or the EU Blue Card instead.
How to read it
- Find the province where the job is, not only the region.
- Check the exact occupation, since close titles can be treated differently.
- Look at the latest quarter: an occupation can enter or leave the list.
How Spainward uses it
When Spainward ranks roles for you, a match with the list counts in its favour, along with the visa route the role fits. You see why a role was picked before anything is sent.