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Residence and nationality

Residence for international remote work (digital nomad)

Residencia para teletrabajo de carácter internacional (nómada digital)

What it is

It is a permit under Law 14/2013 for adult third-country nationals who work remotely for companies based outside Spain using exclusively telematic means. You apply to the Large Companies Unit (UGE) if you are legally in Spain or hold the telework visa (in that case, within the 60 days before it expires); from your home country you apply at the consulate for the visa, which allows you to live and work for one year. You must prove at least three months of employment or professional relationship with the foreign company and that it has been actually operating for at least a year; a company letter authorising remote work from Spain; a university, vocational or prestigious business school qualification, or three years of experience; income of at least 200 % of the minimum wage (SMI) per month (for a two-person family unit, holder and family member, at least 75 % of the SMI, plus 25 % of the SMI for each additional member); no criminal record; and health insurance if not paying into Spanish Social Security. Registration with Spanish Social Security (general or self-employed scheme) is compulsory unless covered by an agreement. Employees may only work for the foreign company; freelancers may also work for Spanish companies up to 20 % of their activity. The initial fee is €73.26.

Official wording
Titulares de los visados y autorizaciones de residencia: cantidad que represente mensualmente el 200% del salario mínimo interprofesional (SMI).

Official sources

Where it applies
All of Spain

Official information

Official sources

Go to the official website: Remote workers at the Large Companies Unit

When

If you are already legally in Spain or entered with the telework visa. With the visa, and if you want to keep living here, within the sixty calendar days before it expires.

Official wording
que estén interesados en continuar residiendo en España, en el plazo de sesenta días naturales antes de la expiración del visado.

Official sources

Steps

  1. Step 1: Legalise and translate documents

    Foreign public documents must be legalised or apostilled, and those not in Spanish translated by a sworn translator.

    Official wording
    Los documentos públicos emitidos por una autoridad extranjera deben de presentarse debidamente legalizados o apostillados.

    Official sources

  2. Step 2: Pay the fee

    You pay online and get the NRC, which you give when applying; you must attach the receipt.

    Official wording
    obteniendo el NRC (Número de referencia completo que se deberá consignar en la presentación)

    Official sources

  3. Step 3: Submit the application

    You apply yourself or through a legal representative (with the document giving them that power). It is advisable to add a note explaining the documents, especially if they do not exactly match what is required.

    Official wording
    La solicitud se podrá presentar personalmente o mediante representante legal.

    Official sources

    Go to the official website: Remote workers at the Large Companies Unit

  4. Step 4: Register with Social Security

    Once authorised, and before starting work in Spain, register in the General Scheme (employees) or self-employed scheme (RETA). If you do not register, the permit may be terminated.

    Official wording
    El incumplimiento de esta condición puede ser causa de la extinción de la autorización.

    Official sources

  5. Step 5: Report changes

    If anything affecting the permit conditions changes during its validity, you must report it within 30 days.

    Official wording
    en el plazo de 30 días desde que se produjo dicha modificación.

    Official sources

Documents

Your ticks are saved on this device only.

🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)

Fees

Fee of €73.26 for initial applications, for both the holder and family members; paid online in advance (card, direct debit or Bizum).

Official wording
La tasa, 73,26 € para las solicitudes iniciales tanto del titular como de los familiares

Official sources

FAQ

I am outside Spain

You cannot apply for the permit from abroad: you must apply at the Spanish consulate for the teleworker visa, which allows you to live and work for one year.

Official wording
que autoriza a residir y trabajar en España durante un año.

Official sources

Can I switch from non-lucrative residence?

No: non-lucrative residence does not allow work, so you cannot claim to have been working remotely before.

Official wording
No, la autorización de residencia temporal no lucrativa no autoriza a trabajar

Official sources

Which health insurance is not accepted?

Travel insurance, reimbursement-only policies and those with co-payments or waiting periods are not accepted.

Official wording
No se aceptan seguros de viaje, seguros basados únicamente en el reembolso de gastos médicos, seguros con copagos o períodos de carencia.

Official sources

Can my family come and work?

Spouse or partner, minor children (or dependent adult children) and dependent ascendants can apply at the same time or later, and may work without restrictions.

Official wording
autorizan a residir y trabajar sin restricciones

Official sources

Related procedures

Terms used on this page