tefl teacher teaching abroad in spain and portugal

Are you a newly certified (or soon-to-be) TEFL teacher dreaming of sunny coastlines, rich culture, and the excitement of European living? Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad. But which one is the right fit for your first job?

To help you decide, we’ll compare the job market, salaries, cost of living, and lifestyle in both countries so you can confidently step into your first international teaching job. You could be teaching abroad within the year.

The Job Market Where New Teachers Find Work

Your first big concern is job availability. Where will you actually get hired?

FeatureSpainPortugal
Overall DemandHigh. Spain has one of Europe’s largest ESL markets, with plenty of roles in private academies, government programs, and tutoring.Moderate and growing. The market is smaller and less saturated but expanding in Lisbon, Porto, and the business sector.
Best Jobs for NewcomersLanguage Assistant programs like Auxiliares de Conversación plus private academies.Private schools in Lisbon and Porto, along with private tutoring.
Peak Hiring SeasonsSeptember (assistants) and September/January (academies).September and January.
Visa Path for Non-EU CitizensBureaucratic but clear. The student visa route, which often allows part-time work, is reliable.More difficult. Work visas are rare. Most non-EU teachers use student visas or contractor status.

Takeaway: Spain has a larger, more structured market with clear visa options, making it less overwhelming for first-time teachers. Portugal is promising but requires more hustle and in-country job searching.

Money Matters Salary and Living Cost

Neither country is the place to build wealth, but both allow for a comfortable lifestyle. Teaching in Iberia is more about living richly in experiences (and your salary supports that comfortably.)

FeatureSpain (Madrid or Barcelona)Portugal (Lisbon or Porto)
Average Salary€1,000–€2,000 in academies/international schools or €700–€1,000 in Language Assistant programs.€700–€1,200 in language schools.
Tutoring Rates€15–€25 per hour, a key way to increase savings.€10–€18 per hour, often necessary to balance expenses.
Monthly Costs (excluding rent)€600–€800€500–€700
Rent (1-bed in city center)€800–€1,200+€800–€1,200+
Saving PotentialBreak even to modest savings with tutoring.Break even to modest savings; Portugal is cheaper day to day, but salaries are lower too.

Takeaway: Portugal costs less outside the main cities, but Spain’s higher demand and tutoring rates mean more ways to supplement your income.

Requirements and Qualifications

Most schools in Spain and Portugal expect similar credentials.

RequirementSpainPortugal
TEFL CertificationEssential. A 120-hour accredited certificate is standard.Essential. A 120-hour accredited certificate is expected.
Bachelor’s DegreeOften required, especially for visa programs.Commonly preferred in private schools.
Native English SpeakerHighly preferred for government and private programs.Highly preferred.
When to ApplyMany programs allow applying from abroad, especially for assistantships. Private schools often hire in person.Most jobs require arriving in person and applying during September or January hiring seasons.

Takeaway: A 120-hour TEFL certificate + a degree will be your key to opening doors to major opportunities in both countries.

Lifestyle and Culture. Which Vibe Fits You?

Your decision doesn’t come down to just employers and wages. Daily life, culture, and pace matter too.

Spain

  • Pace of Life: Energetic and social. Expect late dinners, buzzing nightlife, and siestas in smaller towns.
  • Culture: Regional and diverse, from flamenco and tapas to world-class art and festivals.
  • Climate: Hot summers inland, mild and sunny coasts.
  • Travel: Excellent trains and budget airlines make Europe highly accessible.
  • Language: Spanish is helpful for daily life, and essential in some outside tourist areas.

Portugal

  • Pace of Life: Relaxed and reflective, though Lisbon and Porto are lively. Life runs slower than in Spain.
  • Culture: Fado music, seafood, tiled streets, and warm, welcoming communities.
  • Climate: Mild and pleasant year-round, especially on the coast.
  • Travel: Slightly more isolated but Lisbon and Porto connect easily with budget flights.
  • Language: English is widely spoken in cities, but Portuguese is key outside tourist hubs.

Takeaway: Spain suits those craving energy, variety, and a lively social scene. Portugal is ideal for a calmer pace with deep traditions and coastal beauty.

How to Decide

Both Spain and Portugal are excellent starting points for a TEFL career. The best choice depends on your priorities:

Choose Spain if you:

  • Want a large job market with many entry routes.
  • Prefer a clear visa path through Language Assistant programs.
  • Thrive in an energetic, social, late-night culture.
  • Plan to boost earnings through tutoring.

Choose Portugal if you:

  • Prefer a lower cost of living and slower pace.
  • Want a smaller, tight-knit teaching community.
  • Value coastal living and a gentler climate.
  • Enjoy the idea of learning Portuguese while living in a historically rich culture.

Take Your First TEFL Step

No matter where you land, teaching in Iberia is a fantastic way to launch your career abroad. Get TEFL certified with Teach Away and start applying for jobs today.

Explore TEFL job openings in Spain and Portugal to begin your adventure.