Digital nomad: Spain’s International teleworker residence visa

We explain what the authorization to telework in Spain as a foreigner (“digital nomad”) consists of

What is teleworking?

It is any work or professional activity that is carried out remotely, thanks to the use of digital resources, such as, for example, the Internet, intranet, email, computer applications. The particularity of teleworking is that it is not necessary for you to be physically present in a work center, but you can do it from home, or any other place with a network connection and a terminal (a computer or a mobile phone).

What is an international teleworker? (“digital nomad”).

As we explained before, the teleworker does not have to be physically present in the company for which he provides his services, he can even reside in another country and continue to perform his duties as a “digital nomad”. An international teleworker would then be one who provides teleworking services from one or more countries other than that of the company that hires him/her.

Teleworking internationally from Spain

 On December 22, 2022, the Startup Law came into force in Spain, which, among other aspects, regulates this modality. This legal text regulates the granting of a visa, or a residence permit, to non-EU citizens who wish to establish their residence in Spain and continue teleworking for one or more companies located outside Spanish territory. The content of this law establishes the characteristics that each of those involved in international teleworking in Spain must present, as we will explain below.

Can I telework for any company?

Yes, as long as the contracting company had been in operation for at least one year and its headquarters are outside Spanish territory. Additionally. Additionally, the company must write a report describing the profile of the teleworker and also authorizing the teleworker to provide their services from Spain. The services can be provided either as an employee or as a self-employed person, that is, as a freelancer.

In fact, if the teleworker is self-employed (“autónomo”, as she/he is called in Spain), they may also provide the professional services to a Spanish company, as long as this does not represent more than 20% of his/her activity. Whether you work remotely as an employee or as a freelancer, you must have a minimum of 3 years of experience and demonstrate at least 3 months of seniority in the company that hires you.

How long can the digital nomad stay out of Spain once he/she gets the visa?

The regulations establish that the teleworker in Spain has lo actually live in Spain for a minimun of 6 months per calendar year to maintain the visa or permit.

If I work remotely in Spain, can I move there with my family?

Yes, your close family members can also obtain a visa or authorization.

What family members qualify: spouse, de facto partner (civil law partner), children younger than 18 years old and older if depend on you, as well as parents under your economic or physical support. These family members may obtain a residence and work authorization in Spain if requested.

Other requirements to obtain the international teleworker or digital nomad visa or permit

-Not to be livng in Spain as an irregular immigrant when applied for the visa or permit.
-To Have no criminal record either in Spain or in the country or countries where you have resided in the last five years prior to the application.
-To be a beneficiary of health insurance with an insurance company that operates in Spain (if you register with Social Security – as a self-employed person, for example – you will not need to contract a private health insurance).
-To have sufficient financial resources to support you and your family during your residence in this country.

Is it necessary to demonstrate financial resources to obtain a digital nomad visa or permit?

The answer is yes. To obtain an international teleworking visa or residence permit, you must prove that you have the financial resources to support yourself and your family:
Holders of visas and residence authorizations: amount that represents 200% of the minimum interprofessional salary (SMI) monthly. For 2026 the SMI is 1,221.oo euros a month in 14 monthly payments (17,094.oo a year).
Family members that include two people counting the titular person and the reunited person: at least 75% of the SMI. 25% of the SMI will be required for each member additional to the two mentioned people.
These amounts can be accredited, among others, with the contract, payroll, certificate of the displacing company, etc.

If you think this visa or permit fits you, contact us!