CarWay Migrate at the Opening of the Eurasian Section
Last week, our team at CarWay Migrate, together with our CEO, Carmen Custura, attended the opening of the Eurasian Section of the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM).
This high-level institutional event marked an important milestone in strengthening legal, economic, and investment ties between China, Spain, and the broader Eurasian region.
The gathering brought together legal professionals, institutional representatives, and international stakeholders to discuss the future of foreign investment, cross-border cooperation, and international mobility. Madrid was positioned at the center of this strategic dialogue.
Madrid as a Strategic Bridge Between Europe and Asia
Madrid continues to consolidate its position as a key international hub for investment, legal cooperation, and global mobility.
The city serves as a natural entry point for investors and professionals seeking to access European, African, and Latin American markets. Its infrastructure, connectivity, and institutional support make it highly attractive for international business.
Institutional Presence and Diplomatic Relevance
The event was honored by the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Madrid, Yao Jing, emphasizing the diplomatic and economic importance of the China-Spain relationship.
This participation highlighted the growing interest in reinforcing bilateral cooperation and establishing stable frameworks for long-term investment and business development.
The opening of the Eurasian Section reflects the Madrid Bar Association’s commitment to internationalization and its support for legal professionals managing complex cross-border matters between Asia and Europe.
China–Spain Investment Flows: Why Madrid Matters
One of the main topics discussed during the event was the structure of Chinese investment flows into Spain, especially from Hong Kong.
According to insights shared by Invest in Madrid, presented by Diego De Arístegui Laborde, Investment Director, approximately 70% of investment from Hong Kong into Spain is channeled through Madrid.
Beyond this, Invest in Madrid highlighted why Madrid is the economic engine of Spain:
- Contributes nearly 1 in every 5 euros to Spain’s GDP (19.8% in 2024), with a growth rate of 3.6%.
- GDP per capita: €44,755, 37.1% above the national average.
- Leader in new company creation: nearly 1 in 4 new Spanish companies (68 per day in 2023).
- 3rd region in the EU for technology-related employment: 40% of high-tech jobs created in Spain over the last decade are in Madrid.
- Receives over half of Spain’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 67.7% of total FDI in 2024.
These factors make Madrid:
- The primary gateway for Asian investment into Spain and Europe
- A leading financial and legal hub for international business
- A magnet for foreign investment, innovation, and international talent
Madrid actively attracts investment through public-private collaboration, institutional support, and a competitive business environment.
Geostrategic Location, Infrastructure and Connectivity
Madrid’s appeal for investors is closely tied to its strategic location and top-tier infrastructure.
Transport and Logistics
- Over 17,500 km of roads and highways connecting Madrid with Spain and Europe.
- 3,900 km of high-speed rail, with a planned €12 billion investment for expansion.
- A logistics ecosystem integrated with Spain’s main ports and commercial hubs.
A Reference Airport in Europe
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport:
- 3rd largest in the EU, 15th worldwide
- 83 airlines connecting 182 destinations in 67 countries
- Strategic gateway between Europe, Latin America, North Africa, and the Middle East
Digital Infrastructure and Data Centers
- Nearly 100% fiber-optic coverage in the region
- 85% of Spain’s data centers located in Madrid
- Positioned as a strong alternative to the FLAP-D hubs for digital connectivity
Key Sectors for Chinese Investment in Europe
The discussions highlighted the sectors where China is increasingly interested in investing in Europe:
- Technology and innovation
- Renewable energy and sustainability
- Infrastructure and logistics
- Mobility of professionals and corporate relocation
- Strategic services linked to international expansion
These sectors require not only financial investment, but also legal frameworks and immigration solutions to enable executives, skilled professionals, and teams to move seamlessly.
Tax Incentives and Competitive Business Environment
Madrid offers one of the most competitive fiscal frameworks in Europe:
- 20% deduction in the regional IRPF quota for foreign investment
- Deflation of regional IRPF brackets
- Corporate tax rate: 25%, among the lowest in major European economies
These incentives, combined with legal certainty and institutional support, make Madrid highly attractive to investors.
Immigration and Mobility: The Role of CarWay
Investment is not only about money — it’s about people.
At CarWay, we focus on:
- Immigration solutions for investors and entrepreneurs
- Mobility of executives, highly qualified professionals, and international teams
- Structuring legal pathways aligned with business expansion
- Ensuring compliance with Spanish and European immigration regulations
We closely monitor regulatory developments and aim for an increasingly cooperative European framework that supports foreign investment while ensuring transparency and legal certainty.
International Legal Cooperation and China Desks
The event allowed CarWay to connect with international colleagues working in China Desks, emphasizing the value of legal networks across borders.
These connections are essential for efficient cross-border operations, sharing best practices, and offering coordinated legal solutions for clients operating between China and Europe.
Madrid Chamber of Commerce: A Long-Standing Presence in China
The Madrid Chamber of Commerce shared its 20+ years of experience in Shanghai, demonstrating Madrid’s credibility as a neutral, reliable, internationally recognized arbitration hub.
This highlights Madrid’s ability to provide dispute resolution mechanisms for cross-border transactions.
Talent, Education and Quality of Life
Madrid combines a skilled workforce, world-class education, competitive labor costs, and high quality of life, making it a strategic hub for business, investment, and international mobility.
A Global Talent Hub
Madrid is leading job creation in Spain, generating 1 in every 4 new jobs in the last year.
- Active workforce: 3.7 million people
- Technology sector: 260,000 professionals, representing 32% of Spain’s total tech workforce
This makes Madrid a magnet for highly qualified professionals and a natural destination for companies seeking talent for international operations.
Educational Excellence
The region provides a comprehensive education ecosystem that supports innovation, business, and workforce readiness:
- 19 universities: 7 public, 12 private
- 6 international university centers
- Three business schools ranked in the global Top 20
- Vocational training programs aligned with labor market needs
- Mandatory bilingual education at elementary levels
Madrid’s educational system ensures a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of global investment and professional mobility.
Competitive Labor Costs
Madrid offers one of the most cost-efficient labor markets in Europe, balancing talent quality and business expenses:
- Employment costs in Spain are 20% lower than the EU average
- Average hourly labor cost: €24.6 (EU-27 average: €31.8)
- Madrid hourly labor cost: €27.49 (~14.5% lower than European average)
- Average total salary cost: €2,632 (Q3 2024)
This makes the city highly attractive for foreign companies expanding operations in Europe.
Quality Public Services and Safety
Madrid provides high-quality public services, ensuring a stable environment for residents and professionals:
- Excellent hospitals and healthcare
- Strong educational infrastructure
- One of the safest major European capitals
These factors make Madrid an ideal city for relocation, business mobility, and long-term investment.
International Business Ecosystem
The region hosts 14,025 subsidiaries of foreign companies from 92 countries, with leading origins from:
- United Kingdom (14.0%)
- France (11.6%)
- United States (11.3%)
- Luxembourg (9.6%)
- Netherlands (9.4%)
- Germany (8.8%)
Madrid is a proven hub for international business, supporting global investment and corporate operations
Culture, Leisure and Lifestyle
Madrid is not just a business hub; it’s a vibrant city to live and grow:
- Cultural powerhouse with museums, theaters, and historic heritage
- Tourism and gastronomy: over 14.5 million visitors in 2023, 7.8 million international
- Rich urban lifestyle combined with natural surroundings
This makes Madrid a balanced destination for both work and life, ideal for expatriates and international teams.
Madrid’s International Projection and Future Outlook
The opening of the Eurasian Section of the Madrid Bar Association confirms Madrid’s role as a global investment, mobility, and legal hub.
- Economic strength, connectivity, and talent pool position Madrid as a strategic gateway between China, Europe, and international markets
- Events like this strengthen institutional ties and create opportunities for collaboration, sustainable growth, and global expansion
Immigration and Mobility: The Role of CarWay
Our team at CarWay Migrate brings over 8 years of experience providing tailored immigration and mobility solutions for both corporate clients and individuals.
Our team has successfully advised leading technology and industrial companies such as Siemens, Scania, Gobant, and many others, ensuring seamless global mobility, compliance, and relocation solutions.
With this extensive experience, we are fully prepared to address the needs of international investment projects, assisting businesses and professionals navigating Spain’s legal and immigration framework.
We understand that investment moves with people, and our mission is to facilitate the smooth movement of executives, highly skilled teams, and entrepreneurs while ensuring full compliance with Spanish and European regulations.
CarWay Reflection & Call to Action
At CarWay, we combine:
- The best global legal and immigration knowledge network
- Practical, results-driven solutions for investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams
- A deep understanding of Madrid’s legal, economic, and talent ecosystem
🌐 Contact us today to discover how we can support your global mobility, international expansion, and investment projects, ensuring that your people and business move seamlessly.
