Spain is the nearest destination, with many tech vacancies in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga. Official information: administracion.gob.es.
When you arrive
- EU citizen registration and NIE: if you stay more than three months you apply for the EU citizen registration certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión), which includes the foreigner identity number (NIE) needed to work, open a bank account and rent a home. In many cities you must book an appointment in advance (cita previa).
- Empadronamiento: registration with the municipality where you live; asked for by many services.
- Social security: you need an affiliation number, usually arranged with the employer.
Tax
- There is a special tax regime for people moving to Spain to work (known as the "Beckham Law"), with its own conditions and deadlines. Check with the Agencia Tributaria whether it applies to you and ask your employer.
- Income tax has a national and a regional part: take-home pay varies between regions.
Housing and language
- Madrid and Barcelona have high rents for local salaries; compare in the simulator.
- Spanish is not always required in tech, but it helps a lot.