8 tips for relocating to Madrid
In this post, Software Engineer Juan Manuel Meza tells us of his experience relocating from Colombia to Madrid and shares valuable tips for making the jump across the Atlantic.
My Relocation Story
It may sound strange to hear that a decision as important as relocating to another continent started as a joke, but that’s the truth in my case. Back in 2019, my wife and I travelled around Europe together. Everywhere we visited was beautiful, but Madrid genuinely stood out to us. Jokingly, we both agreed that we would be happy to move there if we had the chance. Of course, we didn’t know that a pandemic was about to come and that we would be spending the majority of the following year at home. We also had no idea that our throwaway European fantasy might actually come to pass.
I’ve always been happy to make adventurous choices. Though I studied electronics in my home city of Barranquilla, Colombia, I took the opportunity to enter the world of software development shortly after graduation. After six months of learning new skills, I was offered to work for a year developing new software for the public sector in Brasilia, and — though I had never left Colombia before– I took it. I saw the job as a chance to confirm to myself that software development was the right career for me. It also allowed me to experience another culture entirely, which is vital for personal growth.
With this experience in mind, as the pandemic rolled on and every day seemed identical to the last, the idea of living and working somewhere brand new became increasingly attractive. After discussing the idea with family and friends, my wife and I decided to start applying for jobs, and we soon found ourselves here in Madrid, beginning a whole new chapter of our lives. Here is what I learned along the way.
1. Prepare for time differences
Taxfix was one of many companies I applied to once my wife and I decided to relocate. I liked what I saw in the job posting — a fast-growing company looking to expand horizontally and vertically, with plenty of opportunities to try my hand at different projects. And, even better, I saw there is an office in Madrid. Thinking of actually living in the city we enjoyed so much during our previous travels appealed to me, and I sent in my application. The Taxfix Talent Acquisition team got back to me quickly, and we began the interview process. There were three rounds of interviews. The first concerned coding fundamentals, while the second was a functional demo of my skills. Finally, there was a cultural interview.
Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Barranquilla, and to keep the process as quick as possible, I decided I would happily take interview time slots even if they were out of regular business hours. In fact, one interview began at 4:30 AM, though I was prepared by heading to bed early the night before. Because of time differences, the call informing me about my offer also came early, at around 6 AM. Usually, a call at that time might be bad news. But in fact, I’d got the job! It was a great way to start the day.
2. Prepare for the emotions
It feels fantastic once you get the call and know that you are on the cusp of a great adventure. You just want to organize things and prepare for your new life half a world away. But while you’re assembling your massive to-do list, it can be easy to forget that moving country can be a very emotional experience. You will be leaving behind family and friends you’re used to being in close contact with and whom you may not see for some time.
Dealing with bureaucracy is a long process; what may be of more immediate value is making sure you spend time with your loved ones before you depart. It is best to ensure you’re setting off on your journey feeling good about your decision and that those around you are still in your thoughts as you make this important change.
3. Make the best use of what you have…
Once your offer from Taxfix has been confirmed, and you have agreed to relocation, one of the first things the company will do is put you in touch with a relocation agency. They specialise in helping future Taxfix employees at every step of their relocation and ensuring their move is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. It is easy to tie yourself up in knots, googling Spanish bureaucracy, and trying to solve everything yourself to speed up the process. But the agency has your back when it comes to relocation and negotiating the complicated overseas paperwork candidates must provide. Be sure to lean on their expertise and to communicate with them regularly.
As well as technical information about the relocation process, you’ll get a dossier that shows you all about your new home city. Everything from Madrid culture and cuisine to profiles of different neighborhoods you might want to live in is included; it’s very useful and a great starting point for getting your bearings in the Spanish capital.
4. …But start your paperwork early
However, just because you have help doesn’t mean you should leave everything until the last moment. At the beginning of the relocation process, you will be told the documents you require to ensure your visa application and relocation go smoothly. Request any documents you will need as soon as possible, so you don’t have the stress of waiting for other people to respond with a deadline looming over you.
5. Make the most of the Taxfix relocation bonus
One of the good things about relocating to Madrid to join Taxfix is that the company foots the bill for expenses relevant to the process of moving. Flights, shipping, hotels, and meals on the journey are covered by Taxfix, with the costs reimbursed to you entirely through a relocation bonus when you arrive.
However, you won’t get the money straight away. Keep all your receipts, give them to the People team, and your expenses will be reimbursed in the form of a bonus that will arrive in your bank account alongside your first month’s salary.
6. Be patient
Though you’ll be excited to start your new life as soon as possible, relocation is a long process. Patience is key. I applied to Taxfix in the summer, but only arrived in Madrid in November and took up my role in December. Pace yourself, especially if you are balancing a full-time job and relocation admin simultaneously. It is also important to remember that your relocation journey is far from over, even once you have arrived in Madrid. You will still have plenty of admin to do, such as applying for a Spanish bank account and securing a place to live. Make sure you find time to relax and recharge throughout.
7. Be adaptable
Starting a career in a new country can be a big culture shock, both in terms of your everyday interactions and the new working practices you will be expected to adopt. Colombia and Spain have a lot in common, with the shared language being a large part of that. But there are still subtle differences: rules of politeness in the speech that you might not necessarily be aware of, even as a native Spanish speaker. It’s essential to be adaptable to better integrate into local customs. This is equally true in your working life. For example, Taxfix has a relatively flat management hierarchy, which is rare in Colombia, and I had never encountered it before. The benefits include greater trust and agency within your role and the absence of micromanagement. This means you have to be prepared to take on more responsibility from day one.
8. Get to know Madrid
Madrid mirrors Taxfix in having a culture where relaxation is encouraged and celebrated. The city has many good places to unwind after work if you know where to go. My favourite place to recharge is the beautiful Retiro Park, a huge green space in the city’s heart. Madrid is a great city to explore, but the best way to get to know a place is through the people, and thankfully Madrid is one of the friendliest and most welcoming capital cities. Be sure to network and make friends both within and outside of work, and soon you’ll know the place like a local.
Taxfix in Madrid
The team in Madrid is fantastic, not only because of how welcoming they’ve been but also because my colleagues are all incredibly talented. That makes teamwork easier. We celebrate our victories and help each other out when we face obstacles. In the end, it is all about trusting each other and not leaving anyone behind. So far, the decision to relocate has been the best I’ve ever made. Now I feel that I can continue to grow in a best-in-class startup, while Madrid gives both my wife and me many opportunities to meet new people and encounter different cultures and ways of living. I recommend joining Taxfix in Madrid to anyone wanting to expand their world vision, challenge themselves professionally, and have a great time doing so.
Curious to learn more? Explore our career page and get in contact with our team.
Special thanks to Samuel Flannagan for helping us put this story together.
