I'm a UX designer from the U.S., living in Valencia through Deel as my Employer of Record. I opted for an EOR arrangement because my company didn't have a legal entity in Spain. I wanted the security of a proper local contract with social security contributions and health coverage, without dealing with the complexities of registering as self-employed. I chose Valencia for its perfect balance—more affordable than other major Spanish cities, beautiful Mediterranean climate, and a welcoming expat community. My onboarding experience with Deel was surprisingly straightforward. Everything happened online—uploading documents, verifying my identity, and signing contracts. The one unexpected element was how quickly I needed to navigate Spanish bureaucracy for social security registration, but Deel's local HR partners handled this seamlessly. Understanding my employment terms was refreshingly simple. My contract, tax obligations, and benefits were presented clearly in both English and Spanish. I especially appreciated having a dedicated account manager explain Spanish income tax rates, how to read my payslip, and how vacation time accrues. The main difference from traditional employment is that on paper, the EOR is my employer rather than the company I actually work for. In practice, it feels identical—my salary, benefits, and compliance requirements are all managed without hassle, plus I get an extra resource for questions about local labor laws. For anyone considering this path, I recommend: * Selecting an EOR with strong local expertise and responsive support teams * Getting clarity on how your benefits align with Spanish employment law * Understanding your tax situation early, particularly if you have multiple income sources Using an EOR has made my transition to working in Spain straightforward and stress-free, allowing me to focus on my job while enjoying my new Mediterranean lifestyle.