Spain wants you to work remotely from paradise

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With its sunny climate, award-winning gastronomy and the thousands of plans it offers, Spain has become one of the favorite destinations for foreigners to telecommute. Because yes, the way we do our work has changed. According to data from the National Telecommunications Observatory (ONTSI), more than 3.8 million people work remotely in Spain, a large percentage of them foreigners.

Since the digital nomad visa was approved in 2023, more than 10,000 applications have been submitted, according to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, with an approval rate of more than 85%. Everything points to Spain becoming one of the best European hubs for remote work.

Why remote workers are flocking to Spain

Over the years Spain has been modernizing according to the needs and changes demanded by technology. Cities like Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid have changed their way of seeing the world and have invested in coworking spaces, becoming digital cities and a destination with support networks for foreigners.

In addition to that, Spain is one of the countries with the lowest cost of living, especially if we compare it with Germany, United Kingdom or the United States. Living in Spain represents the possibility of increasing your quality of life without sacrificing your international career.

Can you legally work remotely from Spain?

The common myth: “I can work remotely on a tourist visa”

Many newcomers assume that they can stay in Spain for 90 days on a tourist visa and work for their foreign company without any problem. However, this is not legal. The tourist visa does not allow for employment activities, even if the employer is in another country.

The reality: Work permits and tax obligations apply

However, the reality is different. If you want to work in Spain, either remotely or on-site, you have to be subject to the labor and tax legislation of the country. You have to take into account that if you reside more than 183 days, you have to declare your income to be considered as a tax resident, which is different from the non-resident tax in Spain.

Who qualifies as a remote worker under Spanish law?

Here’s how to qualify as a remote worker under Spanish law:

  • You work remotely or is self-employed in a company outside of Spain.
  • You do not perform economic activities for Spanish companies or clients.
  • You can demonstrate a stable and sufficient income, equivalent to at least 200% of the minimum wage (SMI).
  • You have private health insurance
  • You do not have a criminal record in your country of origin or in the countries where you have resided during the last five years.

The digital nomad visa: Spain’s legal gateway for remote work

Get the digital nomad visa with Pellicer & Heredia by fulfilling the following points.

Who it’s for

This visa is intended for non-EU professionals who work remotely for companies outside Spain or who have their own business with international clients. Immediate family members such as spouse and children can also benefit.

How to apply

The application can be made from outside Spain (at the consulate) or directly from the country with a stay visa. It is required:

  • Employment contract or proof of professional activity
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Private medical insurance
  • Proof of income and bank statements
  • Translated and legalized documents

Benefits

  • Residence permit for up to 3 years, renewable.
  • Right to register, open a bank account and rent housing.
  • Access to the Beckham Law (if requirements are met).
  • Possibility to bring the family from the beginning.
  • No investment or local contract required.

What you’ll need to work remotely from Spain

In order to obtain a visa that allows you to work in remote from Spain you will need to fulfill the following points.

Foreigner ID number

To carry out any formalities in Spain, such as paying taxes or registering with public services, you must have a Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE).

Proof of income and employment

To become a digital nomad in Spain, the authorities need to check your employment and financial situation to prove that you have an income. They will do this thanks to the contracts, payslips, invoices and bank statements that you include in your application.

Private health insurance

Since you are not initially covered by the public health system, you must have private health insurance with no co-payments that covers you throughout Spain.

Legalized and translated documents

All documents issued outside Spain must be apostilled (or legalized) and translated by a sworn translator authorized in Spain.

Expat lawyer assitance

During this process it is important that you have the help of a lawyer specialized in expatriates to manage the whole process of the application, to avoid mistakes that may prevent the approval of the visa and to represent you legally in case you are not in the country.