How to Hire Logistics Professionals in Spain

Hiring logistics talent in Spain is becoming increasingly competitive. Distribution and transport (logistics) is forecasted to be Spain’s fastest-growing employment sector at 1.6% annual growth through 2030. This surge in demand means companies must vie for a limited pool of skilled drivers, warehouse operators, and supply chain staff.

Spanish employers are also expanding their search globally to fill logistics roles. In fact, work permit applications jumped 46% in the first half of 2025 as firms turned to foreign talent for hard-to-fill positions. Many blue-collar logistics jobs now even qualify for fast-track visa sponsorship under Spain’s shortage occupation list, helping employers hire non-EU workers more easily.

How to Hire Logistics Professionals in Spain

Spain’s trade, transport, and logistics sectors are booming, creating intense competition for qualified professionals. Employers need to understand market trends and candidate expectations to stand out in this high-demand field.

Labor reforms in Spain discourage excessive temp hiring, with only ~18% of contracts now temporary. Offering permanent contracts with full benefits (social security, health coverage, growth opportunities) is key to attracting and retaining logistics talent.

Shortage occupation visas make it easier to sponsor non-EU logistics workers, skipping labor market tests for in-demand roles. Using an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify cross-border hiring and ensure 100% compliance with Spanish labor laws.

1. Understand the Demand in Spain’s Logistics Sector

Spain’s logistics and supply chain roles are in high demand. Recent forecasts show that distribution, transport, and related services will account for much of the country’s job growth up to 2025. Booming e-commerce, manufacturing, and trade activities have led to talent shortages in roles like truck drivers, warehouse supervisors, and inventory managers. Local talent pools for these blue-collar positions are shrinking, which means employers often struggle to fill vacancies domestically. 

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Start by researching the local labor market understand which logistics skills are scarce in Spain, regional hiring trends (e.g. high demand around major ports or hubs like Barcelona and Valencia), and competitor offerings. This insight will help you set realistic hiring goals and craft attractive job offers that appeal to Spain’s logistics professionals. (For companies recruiting in multiple markets, explore our hiring guides for other regions like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to compare demand and strategies.)

2. Offer Competitive and Stable Employment Contracts

To attract logistics professionals in Spain, prioritize long-term, stable employment terms. Spain’s recent labor reforms have tightened restrictions on temporary contracts, encouraging employers to favor permanent hires. Today only about 18% of employment contracts are temporary in Spain a dramatic shift toward stability. Logistics workers, often in blue-collar roles, value job security as much as competitive pay. Offer indefinite (permanent) contracts whenever possible, rather than short-term or freelance arrangements. 

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Ensure your contracts include all legally required benefits: registration with Spanish Social Security, proper overtime compensation, and ample paid leave (Spain mandates 22 days of paid vacation, plus public holidays. A stable contract signals to candidates that your company invests in its people for the long haul. It also helps you comply with Spanish labor laws avoiding fines or an unwanted conversion of an improper temp contract into an indefinite one by default. In short, a secure job with growth opportunities and full benefits will give you a competitive edge in hiring logistics staff.

3. Leverage Spain’s Shortage Occupation List for Visa Sponsorship

If local recruiting isn’t enough, consider tapping into international talent. Spain maintains a Shortage Occupation List (“catálogo de ocupaciones de difícil cobertura”) that includes many in-demand logistics roles for example, heavy truck drivers, machine operators, and other transport workers. Positions on this list qualify for fast-track hiring of non-EU candidates. 

Fast-Track Work Visas and New Blue-Collar Pathways

Employers can sponsor a work visa for foreign logistics professionals without needing a labor market test (proof of no suitable EU candidate) if the role is on the shortage list. This significantly streamlines the visa process and approval times. In 2025, Spain even launched special Blue Collar visas to make it easier to bring in non-EU workers for sectors facing labor shortages.

Compliance, Demand, and Candidate Relocation Support

Before you sponsor a candidate, draft a compliant contract that meets visa criteria (e.g. aligning with minimum salary thresholds). Keep in mind that work permit demand is high applications for work visas surged sharply in early 2025 so begin the process early and ensure all documentation is in order. Offering relocation assistance, language support, and housing guidance can make your overseas job offer more attractive.

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4. Simplify Hiring with an Employer of Record (EOR)

Navigating Spanish employment laws and payroll can be complex, especially if you’re hiring from abroad or don’t have a legal entity in Spain. An Employer of Record service is a convenient solution to hire in Spain without setting up a local company. 

Hire in Spain Without Setting Up a Local Entity

Navigating Spanish employment laws and payroll can be complex, especially if you’re hiring from abroad or don’t have a legal entity in Spain. An Employer of Record (EOR) allows you to hire logistics professionals in Spain without establishing a local company, making market entry faster and risk-free.

EORs Handle Payroll, Contracts, and Legal Compliance

With an EOR, a third-party organization becomes the legal employer of your hired staff in Spain. They manage employment contracts, employee registration, payroll processing, tax withholdings, and compliance with Spanish labor lawsallowing you to onboard talent in days instead of months.

Reduce Legal Risk While Scaling Logistics Teams

An EOR ensures employees receive all mandatory benefits, including social security, overtime pay, and statutory protections. This model is ideal for remote logistics roles, cross-border hires, or sponsoring foreign workers, giving employers peace of mind while focusing on operational growth.

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5. Use a Leading Recruitment Platform to Find Talent

Finally, success in hiring often comes down to finding the right candidates efficiently. Leverage a specialized recruitment platform like Qureos a leading recruitment solution in Spain to connect with top logistics talent. Qureos is a top-rated recruitment platform (an AI-powered talent marketplace) that helps employers source, screen, and hire professionals faster than traditional methods. 

It offers features like smart candidate matching and automated outreach, allowing you to reach qualified forklift operators, fleet managers, or supply chain analysts in a fraction of the time. By using a platform built for modern hiring, you tap into an extensive network of both active job seekers and passive candidates who have the exact logistics skills you need.

Also Read: Top Hiring Platforms for Recruiters in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Conclusion

Hiring logistics professionals in Spain requires a strategic blend of local savvy and global reach. By understanding the Spanish market dynamics and offering what candidates want stable employment, competitive benefits, and clear growth paths you’ll make your jobs more attractive in a crowded field. At the same time, tapping into international talent pipelines (through visa sponsorship and global platforms) can help fill roles that local recruiting can’t. 

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Always ensure full compliance with Spain’s labor laws, either by mastering the regulations or partnering with experts like EOR services. In a nutshell, companies that offer security and embrace smart hiring solutions will secure the best logistics talent available. Put these steps into action and you’ll build a resilient logistics team that keeps your business moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can companies sponsor visas for logistics professionals in Spain?

Yes. Spanish employers can sponsor work visas for non-EU logistics workers, especially for roles listed on Spain’s Shortage Occupation List. Jobs such as truck drivers and warehouse technicians often qualify for fast-track approval. As long as the job contract meets legal and salary requirements, companies can legally hire foreign logistics talent.

Q2: Are temporary contracts common for logistics jobs in Spain?

Not anymore. Due to recent labor reforms, most logistics roles in Spain are now offered as permanent (indefinite) contracts. Temporary contracts are limited to specific short-term or seasonal needs. For full-time logistics roles, permanent contracts are both the legal standard and preferred by candidates.

Q3: How can I hire in Spain without opening a local office or entity?

You can hire through an Employer of Record (EOR). An EOR acts as the legal employer in Spain, handling contracts, payroll, taxes, and compliance. You manage the employee’s work, while the EOR manages all legal and administrative requirements, allowing you to hire quickly without setting up a Spanish entity.

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