Can You Work Remotely in Spain?

With the possibility of working from anywhere in the world with just a computer and wifi connection, many people wonder, “Can you work remotely in Spain?” 

As a digital nomad living a location-independent lifestyle, you take advantage of working from anywhere. However, this can become complicated with tough bureaucracy and visa laws surrounding remote work. 

Fortunately, the government of Spain recognizes the value and potential of this new generation of digital nomads and has introduced the Spain digital nomad visa, so you can work remotely in Spain legally while becoming an official resident of the country. 

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. 

By the end of this article, you will understand if you can work remotely in Spain and how to relocate there as a digital nomad. 

Digital Nomads and Spain

Spain has become the most popular digital nomad destination in Europe in the last year. 

With a variety of landscapes, including large metropolises such as Madrid and Barcelona, beach towns, countryside villages, and sun-soaked islands, there is something for everyone in Spain. 

Digital nomads love the convenience of public transportation throughout cities and countries. The affordable cost of living is also a refreshing benefit to many digital nomads’ wallets, especially those from the US and UK. 

Remote workers staying in Spain find it easier to achieve a work-life balance and even improved health. 

Spain truly is a digital nomad’s paradise. 

Can You Work Remotely in Spain? 

Yes, you can work remotely in Spain. 

Whether you choose to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa and work remotely as a legal resident or visit the country with a tourist visa, you may work remotely for entities established outside of Spain. 

How Long Can You Stay and Work Remotely in Spain?

The time spent in Spain working remotely is a determining factor of the situation’s legality. Due to taxes and visas, working remotely in Spain may not be as easy as you think. 

If you decide to live the nomadic lifestyle and hop from country to country, living on tourist visas, then it’s important to be aware of how long you can stay and work remotely in Spain. 

Typically, a tourist who can enter Spain visa-free can stay in the country for 90 days in a 180-day period. Check to see if your passport allows visa-free entry to Spain.

If you plan to stay and work remotely in Spain for longer than a tourist visa allows, then you may apply for a digital nomad visa and live in the country for 12 months to three years. 

Spanish Visa Options for Remote Workers

For those remote workers who fall in love with this beautiful European country, there are two visa options that allow them to relocate there permanently. 

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

In 2023, Spain introduced a visa dedicated to remote workers. The Spain digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to five years before they can apply for permanent residency.  

To be eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements. 

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport valid or at least 12 months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must prove you are a freelancer with foreign clients, a startup owner or entrepreneur, or an employee of a foreign company located outside of Spain and have held your position for at least one year before applying for the visa
• Earn 2,646€/month – You must meet the income requirement, which is double the national minimum wage in Spain
  • For couples, this amount increases to 3,641€ per month
  • The minimum income requirement increases by 335€ for each child dependent applicants bring with them
• Have a Degree – You must have an undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, or business school degree and be considered a highly qualified professional
• 3 Years of Industry Experience – If you do not have a degree, you must prove you have worked in your industry for the last three years

• 3 Months of Remote Work Experience – You must have worked remotely in your current position for at least three months before applying
• 1 Year of Operation – Your company or business must have been established at least one year ago outside of Spain
• Have Not Lived in Spain for 5 Years – To be eligible for the Spain digital nomad visa, you must not have lived in the country for the last five years or be there illegally

For those passport holders who can enter Spain visa-free, you can apply directly for a Spanish residence permit as a tourist. So, you can completely bypass applying for the visa at a consulate from abroad. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Spain’s digital nomad visa, request Nomads Embassy’s free eligibility assessment. 

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

If you earn money through passive income, collecting rent, dividends, pensions, or investments, then you may be eligible for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa.

While you technically cannot work remotely with this visa, it does allow those who earn income without traveling to an office to live in Spain. 

To be eligible, you must earn at least 2,460€ per month in passive income. 

What is it Like to Work Remotely in Spain?

It is extremely comfortable and easy to work remotely in Spain as a digital nomad. 

Throughout the country, there are digital nomad-friendly cafes and coworking spaces. Plus, going to these spaces can help you to network with other digital nomads in the area. 

With an estimated 125,000 digital nomads traveling and living in Spain, it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular and remote worker-friendly destination. 

Wifi Speeds in Spain

According to Ookla Speed Test, the median download speed in Spain is 219 Mbps and the upload speed is 160 Mbps.

You will find many free hotspots in major cities, cafes, and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi to customers. 

Will You Owe Taxes if You Work Remotely in Spain?

This is where things can get a bit tricky. 

If you spend 183 days out of the year staying and working remotely in Spain, then you will become a tax resident and owe local taxes. 

Digital nomads who spend less than 183 days in Spain will not owe taxes. 

Is it Legal to Work Remotely in Spain?

Yes, it is legal to work remotely in Spain as a digital nomad. 

Always remember to have the proper visas figured out, whether that is a tourist visa or a digital nomad visa. It’s also important to consider whether or not you will owe taxes in Spain, which is determined by your residency status and how long you’ve been in Spain during the year. 

When you take these considerations, then you’ll be able to legally work remotely in Spain. 

Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa with Nomads Embassy

Is it your dream to work remotely in Spain for a year or more as a digital nomad?

Your dream can come true with Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads! 

We’ve partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist you with your Spain digital nomad visa application. With our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service, you can have dedicated personalized help with your application to ensure all of your documents are compliant and more. 

Want to see if Spain is the right country for you?

Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment today!