Outsourcing to Spain: A Guide to the Spanish IT Market

When businesses think of software outsourcing, Spain often flies under the radar. Yet this country is rapidly gaining momentum as a top choice for companies seeking high-quality IT services.

Spain has everything your business is looking for:

• Skilled professionals: 760,000 people work in the Spanish ICT industry for domestic and international companies.
• A rich tech stack: JavaScript, TypeScript, React and Node.js dominate the market, with PHP and Python catching up.
• Digital innovation: The AI adoption rate among Spanish businesses is 36%, while cloud adoption is at 32% and is projected to grow as Amazon Web Services plans to invest over $17 billion in Spanish data centers.
• Strong government support: The Digital Spain agenda, developed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, is an ambitious roadmap to exploit new technologies for more intense and sustained economic growth.

Outsourcing to Spain is like exploring its vibrant landscape — there’s something exciting at every turn. Spain’s IT sector offers the perfect balance of tradition and cutting-edge solutions. You will encounter new possibilities in every project, just as you will encounter new experiences on Spain’s bustling streets and serene beaches.

Ready to embark on this tech journey? Let Intellias guide you step by step in discovering Spain’s most promising outsourcing opportunities.

Step 1: Getting acquainted with the country, or why Spain is a great place for IT software development outsourcing

Beyond its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Spain has emerged as a powerhouse in the IT outsourcing market. The country offers a unique blend of innovation, diverse talent and cost-effective solutions.

Step 2: Exploring the Spanish IT ecosystem

Spain’s IT sector is on a roll. With a thriving economy, a fast-growing talent pool and skyrocketing digital innovation, Spain is a powerhouse in the making. From global tech giants to ambitious startups, businesses are flocking to Spain to take advantage of its booming IT scene and outsource IT services to Spanish companies.

A flourishing economy

The Spanish economy outpaced its eurozone peers with a growth rate of 3.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, the Bank of Spain predicts continued strength and economic health, with 2.5% GDP growth expected in 2025.

What’s driving this momentum? A surge in foreign investment, a growing startup ecosystem and a strong push for digital transformation across industries.

A dynamic IT industry

By 2025, the Spanish IT services market is set to hit $28.94 billion, with IT outsourcing services in Spain leading the charge at $11.62 billion. And this is just the beginning — by 2029, Spain’s IT market is projected to grow to $34.79 billion, with steady 4.71% annual growth.

Source: Statista

Spain is also riding the wave of digital transformation. The country’s digital market, worth $35.29 billion in 2024, is expected to more than double to $80.56 billion by 2029. That’s a staggering 17.95% compound annual growth rate — one of the fastest in Europe. Cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI are the top drivers of this surge.

Why does this matter? Spain is becoming a tech magnet, attracting major players like Google, Microsoft and Amazon, all of which have expanded their cloud and AI operations in the country. The Spanish government is also investing billions in AI research, 5G networks and blockchain technologies.

A growing talent pool

An IT industry is only as strong as its workforce. And Spain has one of the deepest talent pools in Europe. There are over 47,000 IT and software development companies in Spain, and this number is growing by 4.7% annually. The demand for skilled professionals is rising, and Spain is accepting the challenge.

The computer programming industry alone boasts over 47,000 businesses with almost 350,000 specialists.

Computer programming in Spain: Market size, analysis, and forecasts

Source: Market Research

Spain is committed to education, particularly in STEM fields. The country’s focus on nurturing talent ensures a steady output of qualified graduates who are ready to contribute to the tech industry.

Spanish universities, such as the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and the University of Madrid, generate thousands of highly skilled IT graduates every year. Many specialize in AI, software development and cybersecurity — fields that are in high demand globally.

Moreover, six Spanish business schools rank among Europe’s top 20, and three Spanish MBA programs are listed among the top 10 MBA programs in Europe.

Global MBA ranking 2024

Source: Invest in Spain

But Spain has more than just local talent. Thanks to its quality of life, competitive salaries and digital nomad visa policies, Spain is attracting IT specialists from across Europe and Latin America. Madrid and Barcelona are now major hubs for remote and hybrid tech workers.

Spain’s unique culture emphasizes work–life balance. The result is highly motivated and productive employees. The country’s focus on quality of life, reflected in its relaxed pace, also helps foster creativity and innovation in the workplace. This balance allows you to build productive long-term relationships when outsourcing software development to Spain.

Business-friendly environment

Spain’s regulatory framework is modern, flexible and transparent

The country’s corporate tax rate is a moderate 25%, and various incentives and exemptions can reduce the tax rate to around 20%. The government offers up to a 42% corporate income tax credit for R&D activities, tech startups and international investors. Plus, Spain boasts one of the most advantageous patent box regimes in the EU, with up to a 60% exemption on net income from certain intangible assets.

The tax system in Spain is appealing to international businesses. The country has 94 agreements to avoid double taxation, in particular with Latin American countries. Plus, its participation exemption allows companies to avoid taxes on dividends and capital gains from foreign subsidiaries. This makes Spain a great choice for global companies looking to expand and for those considering IT outsourcing to Spain.

Step 3: Finding your way around the IT hubs

Spain’s booming IT industry is powered by several major tech hubs that make Spain one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital innovation. These cities are home to global tech giants, fast-growing startups and research centers.

Barcelona: Spain’s startup capital

In 2024, Barcelona topped the rankings of Spanish cities for its startup ecosystem. It is also recognized within Europe, ranking among the region’s top 10 startup hubs.

• Barcelona is home to over 2,000 startups, with a particular focus on AI, FinTech and eCommerce.
• Major players like Amazon, Microsoft and HP have established innovation centers in Barcelona.
• Tech Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest digital hubs, supports startups and international companies looking to scale.

Barcelona is a magnet for entrepreneurs and IT professionals looking to work in one of the most dynamic tech ecosystems in Europe. Companies choose the city for its world-class universities, business-friendly environment and access to venture capital.

Madrid: An IT outsourcing services destination

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a heavyweight in IT outsourcing and enterprise technology. As the country’s second-largest IT hub, the city attracts multinational corporations and IT outsourcing services providers.

• Madrid hosts over 3,000 technology companies, from innovative startups to corporate R&D centers.
• Global firms like Google, IBM and Oracle have significant operations in Madrid.
• Madrid is home to Spain’s largest cloud and cybersecurity companies, making it a leader in Spanish software development outsourcing.

As Spain’s financial and business hub, Madrid offers connectivity, talent and government-backed tech initiatives, making it an ideal location for offshoring and nearshoring.

Málaga: A rising star in tech innovation

Málaga is quickly becoming one of Spain’s most exciting new tech hubs. Once known primarily as a tourism hotspot, the city is now a major player in the digital economy, with companies like Google and Oracle setting up innovation hubs there. Intellias opened its office in Málaga in 2022. The company was ranked as one of the top workplaces in Málaga in 2023, claiming the 2nd position in the 10 to 100 employee’s category.

• Málaga’s Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (the Andalusia Technology Park) hosts over 600 companies and 24,000 professionals.
• The city specializes in AI, software engineering and cybersecurity, attracting both startups and global enterprises.
• The cost of living in Málaga is significantly lower than in Barcelona and Madrid, making it an attractive location for IT professionals and remote workers.

Thanks to its rapidly growing digital economy, Málaga is set to rival Spain’s traditional tech hubs in the coming years.

Valencia: A digital transformation hub

Valencia is an emerging center for eCommerce, digital transformation and software outsourcing in Spain.

• Valencia’s startup ecosystem projects record-breaking investment and strong government support for innovation.
• The city is home to AI-powered logistics and fintech startups, which are driving Spain’s digital shift.
• Tech accelerators like Lanzadera provide early-stage startups with funding and mentorship.

Valencia is gaining recognition for its growing economy and strong focus on innovation.

Bilbao: A smart and sustainable tech destination

Bilbao may not be as famous as Madrid or Barcelona, but it is quickly establishing itself as a leader in smart city technology, sustainability and digital innovation.

• The city is home to multiple green tech and AI-driven urban development projects.
• Bilbao focuses on blockchain and cybersecurity, making it a hotspot for specialized IT services.
• The Basque government actively supports tech startups by offering funding and incentives for companies that specialize in sustainable and digital solutions.
• Bilbao’s Basque Tech Cluster focuses on advanced manufacturing and robotics, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

As more companies prioritize eco-friendly technology and smart city initiatives, Bilbao is set to play a key role in Spain’s IT future.

Step 4: Going techseeing

With a rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, Spain is committed to digital transformation and advanced technologies. And with €12.25 billion investment in the Digital Spain agenda, the country is making significant strides in AI, cloud adoption and data center expansion.

IT outsourcing companies in Spain are benefitting from the country’s digital transformation, as Spanish businesses are seeking advanced technological solutions to enhance their operations.

Artificial intelligence

Spain is AI-obsessed, and the country aims to become a leading AI innovation hub in Europe. Its AI market is expected to skyrocket, with revenue projected to jump from around €2.6 billion in 2024 to over €11.5 billion by 2030.

Revenue of the AI market in Spain, 2020-2030

Source: Statista

Spain has already mobilized €600 million in AI investments, focused heavily on various industries, cities and digitalization.

In May 2024, the Government of Spain approved the Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2024 and 2025, a continuation of earlier initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s technological landscape. The strategy outlines the government’s commitment to integrating AI into Spain’s both private and public sectors, with a focus on transparency, ethics and humanism.

The plan includes a €90 million investment in the MareNostrum supercomputer, one of the world’s most powerful, to support AI research and its application in industry. An additional €1.5 billion investment will drive the development of sustainable digital infrastructure and support education and research initiatives.

The AI strategy also promotes the ALIA initiative to encourage the use of AI in Spanish and co-official languages by providing resources such as open and transparent language models.

The strategy’s ethical approach extends to supporting the private sector, including SMEs and self-employed individuals, through initiatives like the Kit Consulting program. A key component of the strategy also includes the creation of a data governance model to ensure data security, quality and interoperability across public administrations. Additionally, the government seeks to strengthen AI-related cybersecurity through the upcoming Cybersecurity Law, which will address risks of AI misuse.

Cloud & data infrastructure

Other areas with major investment are cloud computing and data infrastructure. Analysts project the Spanish public cloud market to expand from $10.1 billion in 2024 to $22.3 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust CAGR of 16.2%.

Yet, with only 32% of Spanish businesses currently using cloud services, there’s huge opportunity for growth.

Major tech players are seizing this opportunity, helping to turn Spain into Southern Europe’s largest data center hub. Blackstone has already invested $8.2 billion in Aragón, and Microsoft has committed $2.1 billion to its new Spain Central cloud region in Madrid. Meanwhile, Oracle is pouring $1 billion into a third cloud region in Madrid.

These investments promise real impact across industries. For example, Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure is anticipated to add $10.7 billion to Spain’s GDP and create approximately 77,000 jobs by 2030. Meanwhile, Oracle’s new cloud region aims to support key sectors like financial services and offer tailored solutions for regulatory needs.

Cybersecurity

Spain’s cybersecurity industry is also booming. Its revenues should hit $3.34 billion in 2025 and grow at an annual rate of 6.65% through 2029 as businesses respond to the increase in cyber threats, including AI-powered attacks.

At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Oscar López, Minister of Digital Transformation and Civil Service of Spain, spoke about cyber threats, security priorities and how the country’s Ministry of Defense, Police & Internal Affairs, and Institute of Cybersecurity collaborate effectively to ensure cyber resilience.

Spanish companies prioritize protecting sensitive data and complying with strict data privacy regulations. The Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), or the Spanish Agency for the Protection of Data, enforces Spain’s Organic Law on Data Protection and Digital Rights (LOPGDD) and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In short, the AEPD enforces data privacy laws in Spain and ensures individuals’ data rights are respected while holding organizations accountable for violations.

With the country’s continual investment in digital transformation, Spanish IT outsourcing companies are well-positioned to support businesses in AI, cloud services and cybersecurity, driving further innovation in the region.

Step 5: Defining the place of software development outsourcing in Spain within the global IT market

Spain offers a balanced alternative in the global IT outsourcing services market. Its relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, skilled talent, and rising economy make Spain an attractive proposition for businesses seeking quality and affordability.

Top 5 destinations for expatriates to live and work

Source: Invest in Spain

While countries like India have long dominated the outsourcing sector, Spain’s strategic location within Europe provides a significant advantage in terms of time zone alignment and cultural compatibility with Western markets. This proximity ensures seamless collaboration, which is often challenging with more distant outsourcing hubs.

Robust infrastructure and a commitment to technological innovation also make Spain a powerful player in the IT services arena. The country’s focus on research and development, coupled with a growing emphasis on cybersecurity, positions it as a forward-thinking partner for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the digital age.

Step 6: Choosing Spain for its major attractions

If you’re looking for skilled tech specialists, competitive costs and a favorable business environment, Spain is calling your name. Here’s why companies worldwide are choosing Spain as their go-to IT outsourcing destination:

Diverse talent pool

Spain’s strong educational system produces some of Europe’s best software engineers, AI specialists and cybersecurity pros. Plus, most Spanish IT professionals are multilingual and speak fluent English, making communication smooth and hassle-free.

Cost advantage

Why pay Silicon Valley prices when you can get the same quality at a fraction of the cost? Spain offers highly competitive rates compared to Western Europe and North America, giving you access to top-tier tech expertise without blowing your budget.

Cultural and geographic proximity

Need a team that syncs with your schedule? Spain’s prime location in Southern Europe means minimal time zone differences with the rest of the continent. Plus, strong cultural and business ties with Latin America make Spain an ideal hub for expanding into Spanish-speaking markets.

High-quality infrastructure

Another perk is well-developed technological infrastructure. High-speed internet, modern data centers and advanced cloud capabilities ensure your outsourced IT operations run like clockwork. Reliable communication systems and access to digital technology help outsourcing companies in Spain provide efficient and scalable solutions to meet diverse business needs.

Economic stability

Spain is a politically and economically stable country backed by European Union regulations. That means strong data protection, compliance with the latest security standards and a solid legal framework — all of which are essential for businesses handling sensitive IT operations.

Step 7: Examining potential challenges of outsourcing software development to Spain

While IT outsourcing in Spain offers numerous advantages, businesses should be mindful of potential challenges:

• High demand for talent: Competition for top professionals can delay hiring.
• Regional differences: Regulatory differences across regions may require careful research.

Choosing the right IT outsourcing company can help mitigate these challenges and ensure a smooth outsourcing process.

Step 8: Relying on Intellias as your IT outsourcing partner

At Intellias, we’re not just part of Spain’s booming tech market — we’re helping to shape it. Our Málaga office is a hub for cutting-edge solutions, delivering high-quality IT services to global industry leaders.

Intellias’s Spanish developers collaborate with top-tier companies to build the future of tech:

Finance:

• A global financial institution that provides credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and commercial loans — Developing high-performance solutions with dedicated Scala engineers
• A financial services company that offers prepaid debit cards — Driving innovation with the modern, microservices-based platform

Digital:

• A global producer of consumer lifestyle goods — Elevating an eCommerce platform to ensure seamless digital experiences
• An AI software (AI SaaS) company — Empowering our client with an AI-driven business intelligence tool for big pharma

Spain is the future of IT outsourcing, and Intellias is leading the way.

Ready to ideate and scale with us? Intellias offers end-to-end software development, from strategy to execution, with an eye out for the tech of tomorrow. Get in touch!