M\u00e1laga is once again placing itself at the centre of Europe\u2019s technology map with DES 2026 \u2013 Digital Enterprise Show, which will take place from 9 to 11 June 2026 at FYCMA. The event will bring together around 15,000 professionals, more than 400 technology companies and over 500 international experts in areas such as artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, quantum computing, retail tech, digital marketing, start-ups and digital business.<\/p>\n
But beyond the impact of the event itself, DES 2026 reflects a much deeper trend: M\u00e1laga has consolidated its position as a strategic gateway for technology companies, start-ups and international investors looking at Spain as a growth market.<\/p>\n
In this context, the conversation should not be limited to innovation, artificial intelligence or digital transformation. For a foreign company to enter Spain successfully, it also needs a solid legal, tax, corporate, employment, regulatory and data protection structure.<\/p>\n
This is where the concept of soft landing in Spain becomes especially relevant.<\/p>\n
In recent years, M\u00e1laga has strengthened its position as one of southern Europe\u2019s leading technology hubs. The city combines quality of life, connectivity, talent, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the presence of major technology companies and a growing ability to attract foreign investment.<\/p>\n
This evolution has allowed M\u00e1laga to move beyond its traditional image as a tourist or residential destination and become an attractive environment for technology companies, start-ups, scale-ups, innovation centres, software companies, artificial intelligence projects and digital businesses.<\/p>\n
Certus has already analysed the growth of M\u00e1laga\u2019s technology ecosystem as a business reality with legal, tax and strategic implications for companies looking to set up in Spain.<\/p>\n
DES 2026 reinforces this idea: M\u00e1laga is not only hosting international events; it is becoming a place where technology, investment, talent and business come together.<\/p>\n
For a foreign technology company, opening up the Spanish market is not simply a matter of renting an office, hiring local talent or attending an international event.<\/p>\n
Before starting operations, it is advisable to address key questions such as:<\/p>\n
Poor planning at this stage can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, tax risks, corporate disputes or compliance issues. This is why legal and tax advice for technology companies should be part of the process from the outset.<\/p>\n
One of the main themes of DES 2026 will be artificial intelligence. This is no coincidence. AI is no longer just a trend; it is now integrated into business processes, digital products, automation, customer service, data analysis, marketing, human resources and decision-making.<\/p>\n
However, this technological evolution is taking place alongside growing regulatory demands. The EU Artificial Intelligence Act came into force on 1 August 2024 and establishes a common framework across the European Union based on risk levels, with specific obligations for developers, providers and deployers of AI systems.<\/p>\n
The Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence also states that the regulation classifies AI systems according to their level of risk and imposes obligations on providers and those responsible for deploying these technologies in the European single market.<\/p>\n
This means that companies looking to operate in Spain with AI-based solutions will need to pay attention to aspects such as:<\/p>\n
For start-ups and technology companies, regulatory compliance should not be seen as an obstacle, but as a way to build trust, reduce risk and compete more effectively in the European market.<\/p>\n
Alongside artificial intelligence, any technology company looking to operate in Spain must review its compliance with data protection, privacy and information security requirements.<\/p>\n
This is particularly important for companies working with SaaS platforms, marketplaces, apps, automation solutions, analytics tools, e-commerce, business software, cloud services or digital products aimed at European users.<\/p>\n
In practice, many companies arrive in Spain with solutions that have already been developed in other markets, but without having fully adapted their documents, processes and policies to European requirements. This can affect contracts, terms and conditions, privacy policies, cookie management, international data transfers, data processing agreements or the use of technology providers.<\/p>\n
For this reason, the legal landing of a technology company should also include a full review of its data model and regulatory obligations.<\/p>\n
The process of setting up in Spain usually begins with a fundamental decision: how to incorporate the company and which legal structure to use.<\/p>\n
There is not always a single answer. It will depend on the type of business, the country of origin, the relationship with the parent company, expected activity levels, the financing structure, plans to hire a local team and growth objectives.<\/p>\n
At this point, working with a firm that combines legal, tax and corporate advice helps companies make safer decisions from the very beginning. Common areas include:<\/p>\n
For a start-up, a foreign technology company or an international investor, these decisions are not merely administrative. They can shape the scalability of the project, its ability to attract investment, its future tax position and its legal certainty.<\/p>\n
Soft landing refers to the comprehensive support a company needs to enter a new market with less friction and greater certainty.<\/p>\n
In Spain, this process may cover everything from company formation to tax design, contract review, data protection, applicable regulation, team hiring, relationships with local partners and preparation for future investment rounds.<\/p>\n
For technology companies coming to M\u00e1laga because of its innovation ecosystem, soft landing should not be seen as a formality, but as a market-entry strategy.<\/p>\n
A well-planned entry makes it possible to:<\/p>\n
DES 2026 is an opportunity to look beyond the event itself and understand the moment M\u00e1laga is experiencing. The city is attracting companies, talent and investment in sectors where regulation, taxation and legal certainty are becoming increasingly important.<\/p>\n
In this scenario, Certus Legal Firm supports technology companies, start-ups, investors and foreign companies looking to set up in Spain with an integrated legal, tax, corporate, regulatory and business perspective.<\/p>\n
The aim is not simply to incorporate a company or deal with isolated formalities, but to help each project enter the market with the right structure to operate, grow and meet its obligations from day one.<\/p>\n
Because in an environment shaped by artificial intelligence, digitalisation, data and international investment, innovation needs more than technology: it needs a solid legal and tax foundation.<\/p>\n
DES 2026 once again shows that M\u00e1laga is playing an increasingly relevant role in Europe\u2019s technology conversation. But the real value for companies lies not only in attending the event, but in understanding the opportunities that are emerging around this ecosystem.<\/p>\n
For technology companies considering entry into the Spanish market, M\u00e1laga can be a natural gateway. And for that entry to be secure, efficient and sustainable, legal and tax support is essential.<\/p>\n
At Certus Legal Firm, we help companies, start-ups and international investors structure their entry into Spain with legal certainty, tax insight and an understanding of today\u2019s technology environment.<\/p>\n
Is your company considering setting up in Spain or exploring opportunities in M\u00e1laga? At Certus Legal Firm, we can help you design a market-entry strategy tailored to your project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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