Moving from Chile to Spain to Work: Visas, Salaries, Cost of Living, and Taxes in 2026

What visa and residency pathways do Chileans usually consider to work in Spain?

For a Chilean citizen, entering Spain as a tourist does not allow them to legally carry out work activities. Therefore, obtaining administrative authorization and the corresponding visa before leaving Chile is an indispensable step. The specific requirements, processing times, and required documents vary substantially depending on the applicant's profile, qualification level, whether they have a prior job offer, or if they intend to work independently.

It is important to emphasize that immigration regulations in Spain undergo regular updates. Specific requirements and interpretations can vary depending on nationality, contract type, previous residence, and the type of permit. Therefore, the information in this guide should be taken as an informative reference, and you are advised to confirm the final steps with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation or the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

Below are the most common residency and work pathways evaluated by professionals emigrating from Chile:

1. Residence Permit for Highly Skilled Professionals (PAC)

This is one of the fastest and most widely used options for Chilean engineers, software developers, executives, and specialized technical profiles. It is aimed at professionals who have a job offer in Spain for a management position or one that requires a university degree (or equivalent proven experience of several years).

• Advantages: Its processing is usually fast (typically resolved in about 20 business days under the Large Business Unit) and allows the spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, to simultaneously obtain a residence and work permit.
• Requirements: The job offer must meet minimum salary thresholds that vary by position and sector, generally starting above €40,000 - €54,000 per year for technical and managerial roles.

2. Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Law)

Since the Startup Law came into force, the international telework residence visa has become a highly popular alternative. It is designed for individuals working remotely for companies located outside of Spain (for example, companies in Chile, the US, or Canada).

• Requirements: Prove employment with the employers for at least three months, show that the company permits remote work, and have a minimum monthly income equivalent to 200% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) in Spain (which translates to approximately €2,600 to €3,000 per month, depending on the updated SMI for 2026).
• Typical profile: Programmers, copywriters, marketing consultants, or translators who want to live in Spain while keeping their clients or employer in Chile or other countries.

3. Regular Employment Visa (Cuenta Ajena)

The standard employee visa requires a company in Spain to sponsor the Chilean worker. However, this process faces the filter of the "National Employment Situation", managed by the State Public Employment Service (SEPE). This means the company can only hire from abroad if they cannot find suitable candidates already in Spain or if the profession is listed in the Catalogue of Hard-to-Fill Occupations (dominated by maritime, athletic, or shipping sectors).

The key benefit for Chileans: Spanish citizenship in two years

Unlike other nationalities that require ten years of continuous residence, citizens of Ibero-American countries—including Chile—can apply for Spanish citizenship by residence after completing only two years of continuous legal residence in Spain. It is vital to note that time spent under a student visa or short-term stay does not count towards this two-year period; full legal residence is required (such as that obtained through a highly skilled professional permit, regular employment, or a digital nomad visa).

Salaries in Spain compared to common benchmarks in Chile

One of the biggest mistakes when evaluating an international job offer is doing a direct currency conversion using the daily exchange rate, without comparing income tax brackets or the actual purchasing power in the destination country. When moving from Chile to Spain, you will notice that nominal salaries in euros are usually higher than those in Chilean Pesos (CLP) for equivalent positions, but social security and income tax burdens also differ.

To understand Spanish salary dynamics, it is highly useful to consult our detailed analysis on the average salary in Spain in 2026. Additionally, it is recommended to analyze what constitutes a good average salary in Spain depending on your household size and the cost of living of your chosen city.

Disclaimer: All net salary estimates, currency conversions, and tax simulations in this article are presented for illustrative and statistical purposes. Actual personal income tax (IRPF) deductions vary according to individual region (Comunidad Autónoma), family situation, dependents, and other personal factors. It is recommended to use official tools from the Agencia Tributaria for precise net salary calculations.

Below is an estimated comparison of average annual salaries in euros (EUR) across various sectors for mid-to-senior level positions in Chile (converted to EUR for ease of comparison) and Spain in 2026:

As observed in the chart, while in sectors like Engineering (especially linked to mining and energy in Chile) salary differences with Spain tend to narrow, in areas like technology, software development, and corporate finance, salaries in the Spanish market generally offer a higher annual gross income margin compared to the average formal market in Chile.

Cost of living differences between Chile and Spain

For many middle-class families and professionals in Santiago, Concepción, or Viña del Mar, the cost of daily life has risen significantly in recent years. Spain, while also experiencing recent inflationary pressures, presents structural differences that change the monthly spending perception.

Housing and Renting

The price of rent is, by far, the greatest financial challenge in both countries. In the center of Santiago de Chile, a family apartment can vary widely but is typically cheaper than in the central districts of Madrid or Barcelona. In Spain's major capitals, housing places a heavy burden on the monthly budget. However, in mid-sized Spanish cities (such as Valencia, Zaragoza, or Malaga), it is possible to find highly competitive options with top-tier public transport systems that eliminate the need to own a car.

Food, Utilities, and Education

• Groceries: The basic food basket (fruits, vegetables, olive oil, meat, and fish) is often perceived as similar or even slightly cheaper in Spain's supermarkets compared to high-income areas of Santiago de Chile, thanks to abundant local agricultural production and strong supermarket competition.
• Education and Healthcare: This is where the balance tips substantially in favor of Spain. While middle-to-high-class families in Chile allocate a high percentage of monthly income to private health insurance (Isapres) and private school tuition, Spain's public healthcare is universal and excellent, and public or subsidized ("concertada") schools significantly reduce child-rearing costs.

Which Spanish cities should you consider to live and work?

Choosing the ideal city depends primarily on your industry sector and whether you are moving alone or with your family. Spain has a very balanced urban landscape, but the primary economic hubs are clearly defined.

Below is the latest population data according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), showing the main provincial capitals that attract international talent:

Analysis of the main options:

• Madrid and Barcelona: These cities concentrate the vast majority of corporate and multinational jobs. If your goal is to work in corporate banking, strategic consulting, or global software product development, your natural destination will be one of these two metropolises. In exchange, you will need to allocate a larger percentage of your salary to rent.
• Valencia and Malaga: These have emerged as magnets for digital nomads and tech professionals. Malaga, in particular, hosts development hubs for massive global tech firms and offers a highly coveted coastal lifestyle with great flight connections to the rest of Europe.
• Zaragoza or Seville: These are excellent choices for industrial, logistics, or engineering profiles looking for a quieter pace of life and a much lower cost of living, allowing for a higher monthly savings rate.

When to compare net salary, rent, and family budget before moving

To avoid financial surprises after landing, it is vital to build an integrated budget before accepting any offer in Spain. This exercise requires crossing three key variables: real net salary after taxes, monthly housing costs in your preferred area, and the fixed costs of your family structure.

The impact of taxes and net salary calculation

In Spain, job offers are always negotiated and stated in terms of gross annual salary. The gross salary is typically divided into 12 or 14 payments (12 ordinary monthly payments plus 2 extra payments, usually in summer and Christmas). Social Security contributions (approx. 6.35%) and IRPF (progressive income tax) withholding are deducted from this gross amount.

If you want to dive deeper into how life in Spain is structured, entry-level taxation, and initial relocation costs, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide to moving to Spain, covering taxes, visas, and cost of living.

What is the Beckham Law, and how can it benefit certain profiles?

For Chileans moving to take up highly qualified technical or managerial roles with high salaries, or under the digital nomad framework, it is highly recommended to look into the Special Tax Regime for Displaced Workers, commonly known as the Beckham Law.

This special tax regime allows you to pay a flat tax rate of 24% on the first €600,000 of employment income, instead of being subject to the progressive IRPF tax brackets (which can exceed 45% at high levels). To understand requirements, deadlines, and who can apply, you can consult our detailed guide to the Beckham Law in Spain.

Practical tips for building your relocation budget:

1. Request a net salary simulation: When receiving an offer in Spain, ask the hiring company for an approximate simulation of the monthly net salary (taking into account your family status, children, and whether it is paid in 12 or 14 payments).
2. Research school zones and commuting: If you have school-aged children, evaluate whether you will choose public education (free), subsidized ("concertada"), or private international schools. Rental prices usually drop in the outskirts, which is highly viable if public transport connects well with your office or if you work remotely.
3. Budget for upfront rental deposits: In Spain, renting a property usually requires one month of deposit ("fianza"), an additional guarantee month, and sometimes bank guarantees, plus the first month of rent upfront. Make sure to prepare this significant initial capital outlay from your savings in Chile before traveling.

Planning your transition from Chile to Spain based on realistic economic data and getting the right guidance on work visas is the best guarantee that your international experience will be a complete professional and personal success.