Thinking about relocating to Spain or Romania? This comprehensive Spain vs Romania comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional comparing international options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
-72.1%
Romania pays more
Spain
€31,000
avg. salary
Romania
RON 111,000
avg. salary
Spain vs Romania Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€31,000RON 111,000Median Salary
€23,000RON 94,000Minimum Wage
€17,094RON 50,250Top 10%
€60,000RON 200,000Work-Life Balance: Spain vs Romania
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime
Annual Leave
22-30 days (22 minimum)
20 working days minimum
Public Holidays
14 days
16 days
Sick Leave
12-18 months (60-75% salary)
Medical leave commonly paid at 75-100% depending on diagnosis, usually up to 183 days/year
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
126 calendar days maternity leave
Paternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course
Spain vs Romania for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Spain
Why Work in Spain
Excellent Quality of Life
Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoyment and social connections.
Lower Cost of Living
Housing, food, and daily expenses are significantly cheaper than Northern Europe.
Growing Tech Scene
Barcelona and Madrid have thriving startup ecosystems with increasing international opportunities.
Equal Parental Leave
Both parents receive 16 weeks of fully paid leave, among the most equal in Europe.
Generous Holidays
Up to 14 public holidays plus 22+ vacation days means ample time for rest and travel.
Challenges of Living in Spain
Lower Salaries
Average salaries are significantly lower than in Germany, Netherlands, or France.
High Unemployment
Spain historically has higher unemployment rates, especially among young professionals.
Language Barrier
Spanish is essential for most roles; English-only positions are mainly in multinational companies.
Late Work Hours
Many offices work until 7-8 PM, which may not suit those preferring early finishes.
Temporary Contracts
Temporary employment contracts are common, providing less job security.
Romania
Why Work in Romania
Strong Tech Hubs
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi have deep software, outsourcing, and engineering labour markets.
EU Labour Market Access
EU and EEA citizens can work without a work permit, and non-EU employees use established work authorisation routes.
Lower Cost Base
Housing and services are generally cheaper than in Western European capitals, especially outside Bucharest and Cluj.
Flat Income Tax
A 10% salary income tax makes the tax structure easier to understand than many progressive systems.
Growing International Employers
Multinationals in IT, finance, automotive, telecom, and shared services continue to hire English-speaking professionals.
Challenges of Living in Romania
High Employee Contributions
CAS and CASS together take 35% of gross salary before income tax is applied.
Regional Salary Gaps
Bucharest and Cluj pay much more than many counties, so national averages can overstate typical local pay.
Bureaucracy
Immigration, residence, public services, and paperwork can still require patience and local-language support.
Infrastructure Differences
Transport, healthcare access, and public services vary significantly by city and region.
Inflation Pressure
Recent wage growth has often lagged inflation, reducing real purchasing power for many workers.
Tax Rates Spain vs Romania
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Spain
- Progressive tax system from 19% to 47%
- Regional variations in tax rates
- Social security around 6.35% for employees
- Special regime for expats (Beckham Law)
- Two extra salary payments (14 payments/year)
Romania
- Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income
- Employee CAS pension contribution is 25% of gross salary
- Employee CASS health contribution is 10% of gross salary
- Employer CAM work insurance contribution is 2.25% on top of gross pay
- Personal deduction applies only at the main job and phases out above minimum wage plus RON 2,000/month
- 2026 minimum wage relief excludes RON 300/month in Jan-Jun and RON 200/month in Jul-Dec when conditions are met
Best Cities to Work in Spain and Romania
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Spain
Romania
How to Find Jobs in Spain vs Romania
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Spain
Romania
Large Romanian job platform covering office, technical, sales, healthcare, and remote roles.
Recruitment Agencies
Hays, Adecco, Manpower, Randstad, and local specialists are active in IT, engineering, finance, and shared services.
Work Visa Options: Spain vs Romania
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Spain Work Visas
Highly Qualified Professional Visa
For skilled workers with job offers in Spain meeting salary thresholds.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
Entrepreneur Visa
For entrepreneurs planning to start or move a business to Spain.
EU Blue Card Spain
For highly qualified workers with degree and high-salary job offer.
Romania Work Visas
Permanent Worker Work Permit
Standard employer-sponsored route for non-EU citizens hired under a Romanian employment contract.
Highly Qualified Worker / EU Blue Card
Route for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher-education qualifications and a qualifying salary.
Seasonal Worker Permit
For temporary seasonal employment, commonly in agriculture, hospitality, and related sectors.
Intra-Company Transfer / Posted Worker
For employees assigned to Romania by a foreign employer or group company.
Trainee Worker Permit
For non-EU workers undertaking a fixed training placement with a Romanian legal entity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Spain vs Romania
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Spain vs Romania?
The average salary in Spain is €31,000 per year, while in Romania it is RON 111,000 per year. This represents a 72.1% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Spain or Romania?
Spain offers 22-30 days (22 minimum) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week. Romania offers 20 working days minimum annual leave and 16 public holidays with a 40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime work week.
How does parental leave compare between Spain and Romania?
In Spain, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary. In Romania, maternity leave is 126 calendar days maternity leave and paternity leave is 10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course.
Is it better to work in Spain or Romania as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Spain offers: Excellent Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Romania offers: Strong Tech Hubs, EU Labour Market Access. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Spain and Romania?
Spain: Progressive tax system from 19% to 47%. Romania: Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Spain 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Romania 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Spain or Romania
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
