If you don't speak the local language, you are more or less limited to jobs in the tourist areas, or working with and for those in the expat community. Even then, there is the issue of meeting local standards and filings for social security and taxes in order to be completely "street legal."

It's a risk. If you find a job where your employer speaks your language and can be trusted to set you up legally, you're in great shape. If your employer is hiring you under the table, you could wind up in trouble. But if you're trying to go into business for yourself you'll have to deal with the local bureaucracy in the local language for such things as VAT, taxes and national insurances.
Cheers,
Bev