Advisory services throughout Spain · Remote work
International teleworking (digital nomad) residence
Eligibility checks, document preparation and application coordination for professionals wishing to live in Spain while working remotely.
Spain’s digital nomad residence: eligibility, documents and process
International teleworking residence is available to eligible non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies based outside Spain. Eligibility depends on the employment or professional relationship, financial evidence and the applicable social security arrangements.
Who can apply?
This route can be available to employees of overseas companies and independent professionals providing services to foreign clients. Their work must be possible entirely through information and communication technologies.
Salaried workers may work only for employers based outside Spain under this permit. Independent professionals may provide services to Spanish clients within the statutory conditions, provided this does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
Main eligibility conditions
- The overseas company must have been genuinely and continuously active for at least one year.
- The relevant employment or professional relationship must generally have existed for at least three months, with proof that remote work is permitted.
- Relevant higher education/vocational qualifications or at least three years of related professional experience.
- Sufficient financial means, required criminal-record evidence and appropriate healthcare/social security arrangements.
The principal applicant’s income threshold is based on 200% of Spain’s current minimum wage (SMI) per month, with additional requirements for family members. Exact figures must be checked against the applicable SMI and individual circumstances.
Typical supporting documents
- All pages of a valid passport and the relevant application form.
- Employment or professional-services contract, evidence of the foreign company’s activity and an employer letter authorising remote work from Spain.
- Recent payslips or invoices and matching bank records showing payment.
- Qualifications or evidence of experience, criminal-record certificates and declarations where applicable.
- Social security and healthcare evidence, plus applicable application-fee documentation.
Foreign public documents may require legalisation or an apostille, together with sworn translations. The final checklist depends on your circumstances.
Social security and healthcare
For salaried employees, the overseas employer may need to register with the Spanish social security system as an overseas entity without a workplace in Spain before enrolling the employee in the general scheme. Self-employed professionals are generally assessed under the self-employed (RETA) scheme.
International coordination rules may apply where a valid certificate of applicable legislation has been issued under the relevant agreement. Private health insurance alone does not necessarily replace social security contribution obligations.
How the application works
- Initial assessment: we check your work model, income, immigration status and supporting evidence.
- Preparation: we organise your documents, translations and social security pathway.
- Submission: applicants outside Spain generally apply for a visa through the relevant Spanish consulate; those legally in Spain who meet the requirements can apply for residence through UGE-CE.
- Follow-up: we assist with additional document requests and subsequent administrative steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while I am in Spain?
If you are legally in Spain and meet the conditions, a residence application through UGE-CE may be possible. Applications made from abroad generally follow the consular visa route.
How long is the permit valid?
The consular visa can last up to one year. An initial residence authorisation may be granted for up to three years, with possible two-year renewals where the conditions continue to be met.
Can family members apply too?
Eligible spouses or partners and certain dependent children and ascendants may apply under the relevant family provisions. Supporting family documents and financial resources are assessed.
May I also provide services to Spanish companies?
The answer depends on whether you are employed or independently providing professional services. The law permits certain Spanish-client services for independent professionals up to 20% of total professional activity; employees face different restrictions.
Official sources and legislation
Let’s review your eligibility
We can assess your work arrangement, evidence and the most suitable application route.