Digital Spain 2025: Impact on Global Mobility and Employer Responsibilities

Spain is investing heavily in its digital future. For employers, this opens up new opportunities and new expectations when hiring and relocating international talent.

Digital Spain 2025, the country's national roadmap for digital transformation, has the potential to reshape how Spanish companies hire and relocate international talent. From enhanced digital infrastructure to accelerated upskilling and easier remote work setups, the changes are relevant to any employer building a globally competitive team in Spain.

Growing Demand for Digital Talent

Spain’s digital transformation strategy directly targets one of the main issues for employers today: the ongoing shortage of highly skilled digital professionals.

Under Digital Spain 2025, the government plans to train:

• 250,000 digital specialists for roles in data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge technologies​
• 7 million students in advanced digital skills through updated university and vocational training systems​
• 8 million workers with digital competencies adapted to workplace needs, especially in regions with low population density or high unemployment​

Despite progress, the country is still facing a significant talent gap:

• Digital specialists make up only 3.2% of the workforce in Spain, compared to the EU average of 3.9%​
• 36% of Spain’s workforce still lacks basic digital skills, rising to 55% among the unemployed​

These gaps mean employers will continue to rely on international talent to fill essential roles, especially in technical and leadership positions related to AI, software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

For companies hiring internationally, this creates:

• More competition for digital professionals with specialised experience
• A need to act faster when extending job offers
• An advantage for employers that can help with relocation and career development in a tech-focused environment

While the government plans to train 250,000 digital specialists, filling positions in technical roles will still depend on international hiring, especially in senior or highly technical positions.

A More Supportive Environment for Startups and Tech Companies

Digital Spain 2025 includes specific goals to make Spain more attractive for startups and entrepreneurs. Some of these measures include:

• Easier business setup through online systems
• Public-private support for digital projects
• Growing digital ecosystems beyond just Madrid and Barcelona

This creates better conditions for international hiring in smaller regions and new sectors. In combination with existing immigration routes—such as the Highly Qualified Professional permit—this broader support makes it more viable to relocate skilled professionals to Spain.

Spain’s effort to bring in international expertise and entrepreneurial energy is also reflected in immigration pathways like the Startup Visa (Entrepreneur Visa). Aimed at foreign nationals who want to launch an innovative business in the country, this visa allows approved applicants to live and work in Spain for an initial one-year period. Renewals are available for two-year terms and, if the business continues to meet requirements, this visa can lead to long-term residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Better Digital Infrastructure, More Flexible Relocation

Digital Spain 2025 includes major investment in high-speed broadband and nationwide 5G coverage, seeking to bring advanced connectivity to 100% of the population, especially in areas with low population density or limited infrastructure.

For employers relocating international professionals to Spain, this means:

• More location flexibility: Teams no longer need to be based only in major cities. Relocated employees can live and work in smaller or less central regions, without compromising on connectivity or access to digital tools.
• Attractive relocation options: Employers can support talent looking for a better work-life balance or lower living costs in smaller cities, while still maintaining productivity.
• Remote work policies with real coverage: Reliable digital infrastructure means hybrid and remote models are easier to implement across regions, supporting business continuity and employee satisfaction.

This added flexibility is especially relevant for companies relocating families or professionals seeking permanent residence in Spain. But with this comes a need to review tax obligations, residence registration, and social security contributions when choosing work locations.

How Jobbatical Can Help

Digital transformation brings faster hiring needs, more flexible work models, and new legal details for employers to keep track of. We’re here to make those parts easier to manage.

If you’re hiring from abroad or supporting employees already in Spain, our team is ready to help you: 

• Apply for the right visa or work permit for each international hire
  Handle residence registration, tax ID setup, and social security
• Support remote and hybrid workers with local compliance
• Guide employees and their families through their move to Spain

We combine local knowledge with an easy-to-use platform, so your team can focus on growing, while we take care of the relocation. Talk to us for a personalized solution.