Spain cityscape and landmarks - tech worker relocation guide

🇪🇸 Move to Spain

Tech Worker Relocation Guide

Median Tech Salary

$45,000

vs US Salary

38%

Quality of Life

4/5

Safety Index

8/10

🌟 Why Move to Spain?

  • Exceptional quality of life with Mediterranean climate
  • Affordable living costs compared to Northern Europe
  • Rich cultural heritage and vibrant social life
  • Digital Nomad Visa and Beckham Law attract tech workers

📄 Visa Options

Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Requirements: Job offer for highly qualified role + university degree
Processing: 1-3 months
Duration: 2 years (renewable)

Digital Nomad Visa

Requirements: Remote work for non-Spanish company + income 200% of min wage (~2,520 EUR/month)
Processing: 2-3 months
Duration: 1 year (renewable to 3)

Entrepreneur Visa

Requirements: Viable business plan + sufficient funds
Processing: 2-3 months
Duration: 2 years (renewable)

💷 Tax Overview

Income tax 19-47% (varies by region). Social security ~6.5% employee. IVA (VAT) 21%.

Special regime: Beckham Law: Qualifying new residents can opt for flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income (up to 600,000 EUR) for 6 years instead of progressive rates.

📚 Practical Tips

banking

Openbank (Santander digital), BBVA, or CaixaBank. NIE (foreigner ID number) required. Apply at police station or consulate.

housing

Idealista.es, Fotocasa, Habitaclia. Expect 1-2 months deposit. Empadronamiento (municipal registration) needed after moving in.

healthcare

Register with local health center for public care. Private insurance (Adeslas, Sanitas) ~50-100 EUR/month, much shorter wait times.

phone

Movistar, Orange, Vodafone. Budget MVNOs: Pepephone, Lowi, Simyo from 8-15 EUR/month with generous data.

🏙 City Guides