How to Work and Immigrate to Spain as a Software Engineer?

Would you like to work in one of the most attractive European countries, Spain? The largest country in southern Europe, vibrant and energetic with a rich culture and enchanting nature, is a great destination. In this article, we will specifically check the details of immigration and the life of a software engineer in Spain. Hence, if you plan to immigrate to Spain as a software engineer, follow the contents carefully.

How to Immigrate to Spain as a Software Engineer?

Here are the crucial steps to immigrate to Spain as a software engineer:

Step 1. Job Offer

You first need a job offer from a Spanish company or employer; then, you can apply for a visa. You can find a job offer in Spain with one of the following methods:

• Online Job Portals. Platforms like InfoJobs, Tecnoempleo, Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are suitable for finding jobs.
• Company Websites. To find job offers at companies you’re interested in, check their websites, including Indra Sistemas, Telefonica, and Amadeus.
• Job Fairs. Attend events like the Barcelona Tech Job Fair and Madrid Tech Job Fair to interact directly with employers.

Step 2. Visa Application

The second step after finding a job offer is to apply for a work visa. The most suitable visa for software engineers is the “Highly Qualified Professionals” visa.

“Highly Qualified Professionals” visa process in simple words:

• Company Application. Your employer or the company where you are going to be employed applies to the UGE-CE and justifies your employment
• Collect the required documents such as job contracts, passports, educational certificates, and criminal record certificates.
• Visa Application. Once the UGE-CE is approved, apply for a visa to the Spanish embassy or consulate and submit the application form and required documents.
• Visa confirmation. After visa confirmation and visa stamp in your passport, you can travel to Spain.
• Residence Permit. To formalize your residency, apply for a foreigner’s identity card.

Step 3. Documentation

Standard documents required for the HQP visa usually include:

• A valid passport
• The job contract
• Completed visa application form(s)
• Criminal record certificate
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Spain

But if you plan to immigrate to Spain as a software engineer, you will also need the following documents:

• Proof of experience. Provide letters of recommendation from your previous jobs, and also prepare a suitable portfolio of the projects you have worked on.
• Submit diplomas and certificates in computer science, software engineering, or related fields.
• Professional certifications. Related certifications include certificates from technology companies like AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle or specific technologies such as SCRUM, Python, Java, etc.
• Translate all your documents into Spanish and confirm their international validity.
• Create a professional CV or resume emphasizing your technical skills, programming languages you’re proficient in, projects you’ve worked on, etc.

Step 4. Visa Appointment and Application

After receiving the HQP confirmation, immediately book your visa appointment through the official website of the Spanish Embassy. Translate and prepare the necessary documents, including a suitable photo, completed visa application form, valid passport, HQP confirmation letter, educational qualifications, job contract, health insurance, and criminal record certificate. Submit the collected documents at the appointment, pay the visa fees, and you may also have an interview beforehand; in addition, consulates usually require biometric data such as fingerprints.

Step 5. Arrival in Spain

Once your visa is approved and you immigrate to Spain as a software engineer, you need to make sure that you do the following:

• You must have your travel and visa documents available and present them at the border.
• Foreigner Identity Number (NIE). The NIE is essential، apply at the local police station with your valid passport, visa, job contract, and completed EX-15 form.
• Social Security Affiliation. It is vital for health care and other benefits. Register at the nearest TGSS with your NIE, passport, work contract, and TA.1 form. Your employer should help with this.
• Residence Card (TIE). TIE is your official Spanish ID. Apply for your TIE within one month of arrival by presenting your passport, visa, proof of residence, EX-17 form, payment receipt, and photos at the police station.
• Healthcare Registration. To access healthcare services, register with your Social Security number, NIE, and passport at your local health center.
• Bank Account. Open a Spanish bank account.
• Accommodation Registration. Register at your local town hall with your NIE, passport, rental contract, home deed, and completed application form.

Step 6. Compliance and Renewals

You must comply with all the visa conditions while in Spain and follow up when you need to renew your visa.

• Residence and Work Permit Renewal. Apply at least 60 days before your work and residence permit expires with your passport, proof of ongoing employment, TIE, social security compliance, and a renewal form.
• Social Security Contributions. Make sure that both you and your employer contribute to the Spanish social security system.
• Tax compliance. Fulfill your tax obligations if you qualify as a tax resident.
• Updated Personal Information. In case of changes in your personal information, such as job, place of residence, or marital status, be sure to update it.
• Health insurance. Keep your health insurance valid.

Step 7. Permanent Residency and Citizenship

If you want to apply for Spanish citizenship or permanent residence, you must have lived and worked in this country for at least 5 years. You can get your residency if you meet the conditions such as financial stability, integration into the Spanish community, passing the Spanish language/culture/society test, etc.