Bizkaia Talent, a non-for-profit funded by the provincial Government of Biscay and the Basque Government, is seeking to attract Basque and Spanish talent back by running a series of events across the EU over the next few months, aimed at tempting highly qualified professionals – particularly those working in tech – to relocate.

Last week [23 March], an event took place in Dublin, which was attended by 40 professionals – many from Ireland’s tech sector – where Ivan Jimenez (pictured), director general of Bizkaia Talent, was the main presenter.

The Basque Country’s efforts to attract back talent follow the human capital loss it suffered after 2008 financial crisis, according to Biskaia Talent. Ireland was one of the top destinations for Spanish and Basque talent-seeking opportunities after 2008. The Spanish population in Ireland increased by 78% from 2011 to 2016 as a result, the highest percentage increase among all nationalities in Ireland.

With the current 10% industry-wide layoffs in tech, remote working culture leaving Dublin office blocks empty, and an increasing employee emphasis on ‘work-life balance’, the Basques believe that many Basque professionals working in Ireland may be reconsidering their options. The Basques believe a raft of tax incentives, a post-pandemic interest in well-being and work-life balance, and a vibrant business ecosystem could attract skilled professionals.

“The Basque Country is well placed to accommodate skilled talent and is on its way to becoming a global hub of innovation and growth,” Bizkaia Talent said in a statement. “It is already home to a number of business giants… With a high percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP) dedicated to research and development (R&D), it offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals looking to grow further in their careers.”

Tech industry experts report a high demand for engineers and tech professionals of all kinds in the Basque Country, as well as people with experience in the energy industry. 

In the tech sector particularly, Bizkaia Talent says there is a need for people with specialisations in data management and data analytics, algorithms, encryption, security, the internet of things (IoT), and virtual and mixed reality, according to the conference speakers. For instance, GAIA, a cluster association of applied knowledge and technology industries in the Basque Country, currently has 1,500 positions that they are struggling to fill. 

The Biscay government has recently introduced a new income tax rebate of 50% for up to 11 years. A flat 30% tax exemption and a further 20% of their income can be tax deductible for relocation expenses including housing, flights to their home country and local language learning. A person with a net salary of €50k (£44k), benefitting from the total deduction offered by the tax break, could save up to €8,045 a year, mounting to €88,495 over the course of 11 years that the tax break is applicable.

Bizkaia Talent offers to facilitate the return of skilled professionals to the Basque Country, including networking opportunities, relocation services, a Career Development Centre offering industry insights and a 700-large pool of job offers currently available in the Basque Country.

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