The decision of the IMEC research centre, a world leader in microelectronics, photonics, and nanotechnology, to establish a headquarters in Málaga is a milestone in the development of the innovation ecosystem in southern Europe. This initiative reinforces the city's geostrategic position as an emerging node within the international advanced research network, generating positive dynamics in terms of attracting qualified talent, foreign investment, scientific mobility, and institutional synergies.
The choice of Málaga is due to a combination of key factors: a privileged location, a growing innovative ecosystem, public policies to promote R&D+i and a consolidated academic-technological network. This new headquarters not only increases the international visibility of IMEC but also strengthens Spain's role within the European semiconductor landscape, which is essential for continental technological sovereignty.
The basic question is: How can technology companies -especially international ones- take advantage of this context to establish themselves in Malaga with guarantees of sustainability, operability and scalability?
Malaga: innovation ecosystem with European projection
The arrival of IMEC signifies the establishment of the first centre of excellence in advanced microchips on Spanish soil, in line with the European Digital Agenda. A relevant investment in scientific infrastructure is expected, as well as the generation of qualified employment in STEM areas such as data science, quantum electronics, and materials engineering.
This player joins a dynamic local ecosystem comprising startups, innovation centres, sectoral clusters, and headquarters of large technology companies. Entities such as the National Digital Content Pole, the Technological Park of Andalusia (PTA) and Malaga universities provide the knowledge, talent and structure necessary to consolidate Malaga as a reference technological hub in southern Europe.
In addition, this environment is driven by European financing instruments, such as the Next Generation EU funds and the strategic PERTE, as well as by increased public-private cooperation aimed at developing disruptive solutions.
Getting established in Spain: key challenges and requirements
The implantation of foreign companies in Spain requires overcoming several structural challenges, including legal and fiscal adaptation, sectoral regulatory compliance, access to talent, establishing local alliances, conducting feasibility analyses, and securing financing. All this requires precise planning and expert knowledge of the national and European legal and administrative environment.
Therefore, the key is not only to identify opportunities but to know how to approach them strategically. That's where Certus Legal Firm offers differential value.
Certus Legal Firm: experts in international business implementation
Certus Legal Firm is positioned as a strategic partner for foreign companies that wish to establish themselves in Spain with legal guarantees, operational efficiency and vision of the future. Our approach is comprehensive, flexible, and personalised, tailored to the needs of each organisation and the evolving environment of global innovation.
Our support encompasses all phases of the process, from the initial analysis of the project to the consolidation of business activities in the Spanish market.
1. Structured landing and full soft landing
We advise on the choice of the most suitable corporate vehicle, set up companies and branches, draft partner agreements, and manage the obligations arising from the commencement of activity.
The soft landing </45> service includes the relocation of the international team, covering visa processing, residence permits and NIE, housing search, insurance, legal advice, and coordination with key local suppliers such as banks, real estate agencies, and HR agencies.
2. Ongoing tax, legal and employment advice
Our accompaniment does not end with the constitution. Certus provides long-term legal and tax support:
- Submission of tax returns and tax planning.
- Accounts, official books and annual accounts.
- Registration, deregistration and payroll management.
- Application of the tax regime for displaced workers and resolution of tax residence issues.
This monitoring enables operation with legal security and administrative efficiency from the first day.
3. Comprehensive support for tech startups
We specialise in accompanying startups through the seed, growth, and consolidation phases. Our services include:
- Constitution and design of the most appropriate legal structure.
- Writing of statutes and shareholders' agreements.
- Assistance in investment rounds, search for financing and processing of public aid.
- Protection of intangible assets through the registration of trademarks, patents and intellectual property rights.
We understand the evolving needs of emerging business models and design legal solutions that support their growth and scaling.
4. Specialized digital consulting and regulatory compliance
In an increasingly complex digital environment, Certus offers advanced digital consulting services:
- Privacy and data protection: adaptation to the GDPR and LOPDGDD, risk analysis, drafting of clauses and legal texts.
- Cybersecurity: identification of risks, action protocols, response to incidents.
- Blockchain and crypto economy: legal advice on smart contracts, token taxation, drafting of whitepapers, NFTs and crypto assets.
- Technology contracting: preparation and review of digital-based contracts, licenses, NDAs, domain management and intellectual property.
All this from a legal-technical approach that guarantees safety, compliance and adaptability to innovation.
Malaga: strategic node for international technological expansion
Malaga represents one of the main gateways to Europe for global technology companies. Its dynamism, quality of life, expanding ecosystem and proximity to European decision centres make it a fertile territory for innovation.
Certus Legal Firm acts as a catalyst for this process, integrating its legal expertise and knowledge of the local environment to facilitate the successful implementation of foreign companies, anticipate risks and turn legal challenges into competitive advantages.
Do you want to set up your company in Spain with guarantees?
At Certus Legal Firm, we specialise in supporting international business projects with a strategic vision. If you are considering starting operations in Spain, particularly in the innovative environment of Málaga, please contact our team.
We take care of the complex so you can focus on the essentials: growing your company.
