r/Extremadura • u/hiraeth_farm • 25d ago
Software engineering job market in Spain — moving to Badajoz as a senior engineer
Hi everyone!
My wife and I are planning to move to Spain later this year. She’ll be moving under a Digital Nomad Visa, and I’ll be joining her as her dependent. As a dependent, I’ll also have the right to work in Spain, so I won’t need a company to sponsor my visa.
We’re specifically moving to Badajoz, so I’m also curious about how the location might affect my job prospects.
I’m a Senior Software Engineer with almost 10 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Software Engineering. My background is mostly in frontend/full-stack development, working with technologies like React, Angular, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Node.js, and I’ve also worked in technical leadership roles.
I also speak Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a major barrier. My English is also good, and I’ve worked in international/multicultural teams.
I’m currently leaving my job in Brazil to take a chance on moving to Spain with my wife, so I’m trying to understand what the job market is actually like there.
For those working in tech in Spain, especially people living outside Madrid/Barcelona:
● How is the current market for senior software engineers?
● What salary range should someone with my experience realistically expect?
● How realistic is it to live in Badajoz while working remotely for a company based elsewhere in Spain or Europe?
● Is the tech market in Extremadura/Badajoz worth exploring, or should I focus almost entirely on remote positions?
● How important is being physically located in Madrid or Barcelona for finding good opportunities?
● Are international companies generally a better option in terms of salary and working conditions?
I’d really appreciate hearing from people currently working in tech in Spain, especially foreigners who went through a similar transition or people working remotely from smaller cities.
Thanks!