IT Contracting in Spain: Living & Working

Profile written by Matt Walters of Capital Consulting (October 2008).

Spain is a very popular destination for European contractors in both the IT and other sectors due to its relative proximity to the UK, its Mediterranean climate and the wealth of travel and tourism opportunities that it offers.

Public holidays in Spain include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Labour Day (May 1), Assumption of Mary (August 15), Hispanic Day (Columbus Day) (October 12), All Saints' Day (November 1), Constitution Day (December 6), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Day (December 25). Each region also has its own distinct public holidays up to a total of 14 per year including the government-imposed nine.

I. Languages

While the official language of Spain is Spanish, English is relatively widely spoken. For the English-speaking contractor, the employment opportunities in Spain are many and varied, and the language barrier can be surmounted with some effort.

For purposes of local administration, it can be helpful to have a grasp of Spanish, and a foreigner making an effort is always welcome!

II. Accommodation

Renting a property for the duration of your contract is relatively easy in the main cities, although short-term properties become hard to find during the tourist season, especially in the south.

Prices for accommodation will of course vary depending on size and location, but a guideline figure of EUR 1200-2000 per month may be quoted for a small apartment in central Madrid.

III. Travel

One of Spain's key advantages in the view of many contractors is its natural and cultural diversity (from rolling green hills in the north to Moroccan landscapes in the south, from Roman ruins to Moorish palaces and Renaissance cathedrals) and its copious air travel links with the UK.

i. Air

The key airports of Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat and Malaga provide speedy links to all key UK airports by Iberia, British Airways and easyJet amongst others.

ii. Rail

The rail journey from London to Madrid via Paris takes about 17 hours.

iii. Road

The drive from London to Madrid is about 1'071 miles and, using the Eurotunnel, takes about 17 hours.

iv. Ferry

Ferries depart regularly from Portsmouth to Bilbao. From the south of Spain you can easily go by ferry to the Balearic Islands, Morocco and Ceuta.

Capital Consulting is an international payroll and contract-management company providing tailor-made tax planning services to contractors working overseas. For more detailed information on your personal situation, please contact Capital on +41 32 732 97 00.