According to Statista, in 2023, more than 28% of employees worldwide would work remotely at least partially. In addition, more and more people are deciding to start a new life away from home looking for a place with a better quality of life and that gives them the possibility to telecommute.
Spain, with its good weather and its 1000 plans to do, has become one of the main destinations for digital nomads. Are you thinking of moving to this country and need more information? In this article you will find everything you need to know to work remotely from Spain.
Why choose Spain for remote work?
Spain is one of the countries with the best quality of life in Europe. A country full of life, where the mountains and the sea come together to make digital nomads can enjoy their work while they are in this country.
In addition, Spain has:
- High-speed Internet
- Access to high quality public utilities and health services
- More than 300 days of sunshine in many regions
- A new remote work visa for Spain
Do you need a visa to work remotely from Spain?
Many people have the doubt if they need some kind of visa to be able to access telework in Spain. The answer would be “it depends”.
EU/EEA citizens
Those living in the European Union or European Economic Area do not need a visa. However, if they intend to stay more than 90 days they need a NIE, register at the town hall and register as residents.
Non-EU citizens (including UK and US)
Citizens of non-EU countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, do need a visa to work remotely from Spain.
They can either apply for the digital nomad visa, the self-employed visa.
Tourist visa limitations
The Schengen tourist visa (or visa-free stay of up to 90 days for many countries) does not allow you to work remotely if you generate income for a foreign employer or clients.
Spanish digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa is one of the most recent visas to arrive in Spain.
Who is eligible
In order to be eligible for a visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must work for a foreign company
- They must have more than 3 months of experience in their current job.
Income requirements
Regarding the economic requirements, they must demonstrate that they have a minimum monthly income of:
- €2,646.75 (equivalent to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage in 2025).
- If traveling with family members, the income requirement increases to approximately €994 for the first dependent and €331 for each additional dependent.
Duration and renewal
- Valid initially for 1 year (if requested from outside Spain).
- Renewable up to a maximum of 5 years.
- May give access to long-term residence or even permanent residence after 5 years.
How to apply
The application can be submitted at a Spanish consulate in the country of origin or from Spain if the applicant is legally in national territory. The estimated resolution time is approximately 20 working days.
The Beckham Law for remote workers in Spain
The Beckham Law in Spain is designed so that digital nomads can have benefits in the Special Tax Regime for Impatriates. With this regime:
- Foreigners can opt to be taxed as non-residents for a maximum of 6 years.
- This implies a flat tax rate of 24% for income up to €600,000, instead of the progressive regime (which can reach up to 47%).
- Income obtained outside Spain (such as dividends, capital gains or rents abroad) is not taxed in Spain under this regime.
Other legal requirements for a digital nomad in Spain
Other requirements that a digital nomad in Spain must have are:
Getting a NIE
This document is important to open a bank account, sign apartment rental contracts or contract basic services. It can be obtained at the police station or at the Spanish consulate.
Registering your address
All residents must register in the municipal register at the local town hall. This certificate will open the doors to the Spanish public health system and other basic services.
Health insurance
In addition, another requirement for digital nomads would be that they must have private health insurance that has coverage throughout Spain.
Pellicer&Heredia helps you to work remotely in Spain
In Spain, Pellicer & Heredia, have become one of the leading international lawyers to process visas for foreigners and make it easier for them to re-enter the country to be able to work.
They offer a 100% personalized treatment and advice on tax planning and registration in the Beckham Law, company incorporation and registration as self-employed or continuous legal support for expatriates.
