Remote work in Spain for foreigners: a practical guide

Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations for international professionals who wish work remotely while living in the country Thanks to its quality of life, climate, and digital infrastructure, more and more foreigners are choosing Spain as a base to work remotely for companies in other countries.

In addition, since 2023 there has been a specific permit called digital nomad visa, which allows foreign citizens to live legally in Spain while working remotely.

In this guide we explain how to work remotely in Spain as a foreigner, what requirements exist and what legal options are available for residing in the country.

Table of contents

1. What does it mean to work remotely from Spain?
2. Who can work remotely in Spain
3. Digital nomad visa in Spain
4. Requirements for working remotely from Spain
5. Taxes for foreign remote workers
6. Advantages of working remotely from Spain
7. Popular cities for remote workers
8. Frequently asked questions about remote work in Spain

What does it mean to work remotely from Spain?

Working remotely from Spain means living in the country while working online for companies or clients located outside of Spain.

This model is common among:

1. Employees of international companies
2. Freelancers or digital self-employed
3. Consultants or developers
4. Content creators or digital professionals

The work is done usingdigital, computer or telematics media, without needing to visit an office in Spain.

Who can work remotely in Spain

The conditions depend primarily on the nationality and immigration status.

Citizens of the European Union

People from EU countries can live and work in Spain without a special visa. They only need to register as residents if they stay for more than three months.

Citizens from outside the EU

Citizens of countries not belonging to the European Union need a residence permit or specific visa to work remotely from Spain.

In many cases, the most commonly used option is digital nomad visa.

Digital nomad visa in Spain

The digital nomad visa officially called international teleworking visa It was created under the Startup Act to attract international talent and remote workers.

This visa allows foreigners to:

1. Living in Spain while working for foreign companies
2. Do freelance work with international clients
3. Staying in the country for several years

The initial permit usually allows you to resideup to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

Requirements for working remotely from Spain

To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, certain requirements must be met.

Minimum income

The applicant must demonstrate sufficient income from their remote work.

The requirements usually require approximately 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, which is equivalent to about €2,300 to €2,800 per month, depending on the year and the updates to the minimum wage.

International employment relationship

The worker must demonstrate that:

1. She works for a foreign company the
2. Has international clients

In the case of freelancers, Spanish clients cannot represent more than 20% of total revenue.

Other usual requirements

Applicants typically need:

1. Valid passport
2. Private health insurance
3. Criminal record certificate
4. Professional experience or university degree
5. Employment contract or proof of professional activity

In addition, the applicant must be of legal age and not be in an irregular situation in Spain.

Taxes for foreign remote workers

The tax situation depends on the amount of time spent in Spain.

If a remote worker remains more than 183 days a year in Spain, normally becomes tax resident and must declare their income in the country.

However, some expatriates may benefit from special tax regimes such as the Ley Beckham, which allows a reduced tax rate to be applied for several years.

Advantages of working remotely from Spain

Spain offers numerous advantages for international remote workers.

Quality of life

The climate, the gastronomy and the Mediterranean lifestyle are some of the factors most valued by expatriates.

Competitive cost of living

Although it depends on the city, the cost of living is usually lower than in many European capitals.

International connectivity

The main cities have international airports and good digital infrastructure.

International community

Cities like Barcelona or Valencia have very active communities of digital nomads and expats.

Popular cities for remote workers

Some Spanish cities stand out particularly among international remote workers.

Barcelona

1. Large international community
2. Technology ecosystem and startups

Madrid

1. Business and financial center
2. Wide range of career opportunities

Valencia

1. More balanced cost of living
2. High quality of life

Malaga

1. Growth of the technology sector
2. Relaxed seaside lifestyle

These cities combine digital infrastructure, coworking spaces, and an international community.

Frequently asked questions about remote work in Spain

Can a foreigner legally work remotely from Spain?

Yes, a foreigner can work remotely from Spain as long as they hold an appropriate legal permit, such as the digital nomad visa or EU residency for citizens of the European Union. Without one of these permits, the stay and remote work are not considered legal.

How much do you need to earn to apply for Spain's digital nomad visa?

To apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain, the income requirement is usually around 200% of the minimum wage (SMI), which equals approximately €2,300 to €2,800 per month, depending on the year and SMI updates.

Can you work for a Spanish company while holding the digital nomad visa?

Generally, no. The digital nomad visa requires that the main activity be carried out for foreign companies or clients. However, it is allowed to invoice up to 20% of total income to Spanish clients or companies.

How long does Spain's digital nomad visa last?

The initial digital nomad visa in Spain permit lasts up to three years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the income and remote work requirements continue to be met.

Can you obtain permanent residency in Spain with the digital nomad visa?

Yes. After five years of continuous legal residency in Spain, it is possible to apply for long-term residency, allowing you to secure your stay in the country beyond the digital nomad visa.