If you don't speak Spanish, David, then the best you're likely to get is a job in a bar at 6 euros an hour. Even if you do speak the language, it won't be easy to find something unless you have certain in demand skills or have the ability to spot business opportunities and implement them. My advice would be to make sure you have enough money to live on for your 6 months before you try it.

I agree with Bawbee, but would add that even with "in demand skills" most large reputable companies like to take people on who have already settled on the island/s. This is because so many come out here to live the dream only to realise within a matter of weeks that its not for them and return to blighty leaving the company to start their recruitment all over again!!

You would need your NIE before being able to take a job with a contract and that can take up to 4 weeks to obtain here in Tenerife(not sure about Lanzarote).

I am a so called IT expert and It took me 6 months to find the right job, 3 before I got the wrong one!

Bring some money to live on for half a year and don't bring your car. (that's another story!)

Hey thanks both for your answers..... to be honest, we would come across with enough cash for 6 months, then even if we just took bar jobs we would be ok.... ultimately it is a bar we would like to purchase, but rather than jump whole hog, we are contemplating trying life for 6 months with the children in spanish school etc etc, and making sure we will settle.... plus while you are there opportunities can become available if you are in the right place / right time

Thanks again !

Hi David,
Is your Avatar a photo of you? if so you could probably get a job at the Loro Parque.

Only kidding, are you really sure you want to buy a bar in Tenerife? In my experience you have to make sure you buy one in the right location, there are hundreds of bars but so many of them are really quiet, what part of Tenerife are you looking at?

Nigel

I have slightly less hair - but same amount of chins

Anyway... location, location, location - you are absolutely correct - to be honest we were in Lanzarote in Sept and saw many an empty bar for sale. That's not to say you cannot fill it with the right offerings - especially towards the family market which is what we would aim for as opposed to the younger evening crowd.

We have no specific location in mind because that will give us more options, though having decided we are aiming for a family orientated market in the daytime / early evening, then we need something close to the beaches, on a main throughfare etc where there is plenty of passing trade.

To be honest, we are confident of succeeding as we have plenty of ideas and a strong resolve - doesn't everyone I am sure, but it won't work unless that location is right.

Have you any thoughts / input yourself mate - be greatly appreciated.... and anyone else of course !!

Hi David
I only really have experience of Torviscus/Fanabe area in Tenerife, (although we have just bought an apartment in Los Cristianos).
Obviously these are the 2 busiest resorts, both I would say are good for family orientated bars. (Just make sure you stay clear of Veronicas/Patch/Starco in PDLA).
You are spot on when you mention 'passing trade' -I have 3 newsagent businesses in the UK & know from experience (thankfully not mine), if you are in the wrong spot you will not get the custom.
Even the slightest things like some steps or just around the corner from the main drag can make a huge amount of difference. (I know for example if I leave my shop front door open so many more people will come in than if it was closed, may sound silly buts it's a fact).
The rent will be more expensive in the busy areas, but you will find you will be able to charge more. As long as the quality is there, people will return.
If I can be any more help please let me know.