Everything non‑EU professionals and companies need to know about Spain’s International Remote Worker permit under the Startup Law framework (Law 28/2022 and Law 14/2013).
1) Introduction
The residence permit for digital nomads (also referred to as International Remote Workers) in Spain is a pioneering initiative designed to attract international talent and catalyze innovation. Introduced within the Startup Law (Law 28/2022 of 21 December, to foster the startup ecosystem), it entered into force on 1 January 2023, marking a milestone in Spain’s talent‑attraction policy.
This authorization is aimed specifically at non‑EU professionals who perform their duties for companies located outside Spanish territory and exclusively through IT, telematic and telecommunications means. It covers a wide range of profiles such as software developers, graphic designers, writers, consultants, data analysts and digital marketing professionals, among others.
By facilitating residence for qualified professionals working remotely, Spain seeks to position itself as an international hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, adapting to the new realities of work in the digital era. The program leverages knowledge transfer and international networking while boosting the digital economy and diversifying the labor market—aligning Spain with other European countries that have implemented similar schemes.
Given the growing interest in this residence and work permit, MigratioLex has prepared this guide covering its key features, specific eligibility requirements, benefits, and how the residence authorization relates to the corresponding visa—providing a clear, end‑to‑end pathway for professionals considering Spain as their next remote‑work base.
2) What is the International Remote Worker (Digital Nomad) Permit?
The International Remote Worker permit is a special residence and work authorization for non‑EU nationals who carry out their professional activity remotely from Spain for employers or clients located abroad. It sits within the framework of Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneurs Law) as amended, and the Startup Law (Law 28/2022), with procedural rules refined by Royal Decree 1069/2023.
3) Main Features
- Legal residence status: Full legal residence in Spain, with access to public services and rights similar to other legal residents.
- Counts toward permanence: After 5 years of legal residence you may apply for long‑term residence; periods also count toward nationality by residence.
- Who it’s for: Non‑EU professionals working remotely for foreign employers/clients. Both employees and self‑employed are eligible (with limits for local clients—see below).
- Duration: Initial authorization up to 3 years, renewable for 2‑year periods if conditions remain.
- Family: Spouses/registered or unregistered partners, minor (and dependent adult) children, and dependent ascendants may accompany; family members are generally authorized to work.
- Mobility: Facilitates short‑term travel across the Schengen Area (27 countries) without additional visas.
- Processing: Electronic filing via UGE‑CE; decision target 20 business days with positive administrative silence.
4) Key Requirements
- No criminal record: Police clearance covering the country of origin and any countries of residence during the last five years.
- Remote‑capable role: Evidence that the position is fully performable online. For employees, an employer letter confirming duties, contract term and remote modality; for freelancers, service contracts and scope.
- Professional qualification: University/higher education degree or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Prior relationship: At least 3 months of prior employment/contractual relationship with the foreign company/client.
- Employer standing: The foreign employer/business must be operating for at least 1 year.
- Income threshold: Monthly income of at least 200% of SMI. Based on the 2024 SMI reference of ~€1,323 (12 payments), this implies ≥ €2,646/month (≈ €31,752/year). Additional amounts apply when including family members.
- Health insurance: Public coverage (if eligible) or private health insurance providing comprehensive coverage in Spain.
- Spanish clients (freelancers): Permitted up to 20% of total income. Employees must work exclusively for non‑Spanish employers.
5) Application Process
- Choose your route: Apply in Spain (direct residence authorization) or from abroad (Digital Nomad Visa at the Spanish consulate).
- Prepare documentation: Passport, application forms, criminal record certificate, proof of income and qualification, remote‑work evidence, and health insurance.
- Submit online (UGE‑CE): Filing is electronic. From abroad, lodge the DNV at the consulate; in Spain, file the residence authorization directly.
- Decision — 20 business days: Lack of response within this period implies positive administrative silence.
- Visa & entry (if abroad): Collect visa, enter Spain and start residence/work.
- TIE card: Within your first month in Spain, complete fingerprinting and collect your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).
From Spain (in‑country)
- Can be filed while you are legally in Spain (e.g., on a tourist stay).
- Online submission via UGE‑CE; decision target 20 business days; positive silence applies.
From abroad (Digital Nomad Visa)
- Purpose: Enables lawful entry to settle as a digital nomad; validity up to 1 year and works as residence/work authorization during that period.
- Apply at the Spanish consulate of your country of residence; typical decision time ~10 business days.
- Typical documents: National visa form, recent photo, valid passport, police clearance, proof of residence in the consular district, representative’s ID/authority (if any), visa fee payment, health insurance, and documents specific to the international remote‑worker category.
Key differences vs. the residence authorization
- Duration: Visa up to 1 year vs. residence authorization up to 3 years initially.
- Purpose: Visa facilitates entry/initial stay; residence authorization supports longer‑term residence.
- Renewal: The visa itself is not renewable, but allows you to switch to the residence authorization from within Spain before expiry.
6) Advantages
- Legal residence status with access to public services.
- Counts toward long‑term residence and nationality by residence.
- Family reunification (spouse/partner, children, dependent ascendants) with work rights.
- Schengen mobility across 27 countries without extra visas for short stays.
- Flexible application in Spain or via a consulate abroad.
- Streamlined processing (online filing, 20 business‑day target, positive silence).
- Freelancers may have Spanish clients up to 20% of income; employees work for foreign employers.
7) Renewal & Path to Long‑Term Residence
Initial authorization is up to 3 years, renewable for 2 years if the qualifying conditions remain (remote role, income, insurance, etc.).
- Maintain the remote‑work arrangement with foreign employer/clients.
- Meet the income threshold and maintain clean criminal record.
- Remain current with Spanish tax and Social Security obligations where applicable.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for long‑term residence in Spain. Time under this permit also counts toward Spanish nationality by residence.
8) Tax Implications (Beckham Law)
Holders may opt into Spain’s special inbound workers’ regime (popularly known as the Beckham Law, under the Non‑Residents’ Income Tax framework) if they meet the criteria (e.g., not having been a Spanish tax resident during the previous ten tax years).
- Flat 24% on employment income up to €600,000 per year (instead of progressive IRPF rates).
- Applies for up to 6 tax years once granted; you must file the election with the Spanish Tax Agency.
- Often attractive for professionals with gross income around €55,000 and above, depending on personal circumstances.
9) Sectors & Remote‑Friendly Profiles
- Software & Web Development
- Graphic/UI Design
- Content Writing & Editing
- Data & Analytics
- Online Education & Coaching
- Digital Marketing & SEO/SEM
- Project/Product Management
- Customer Success & Support
- Translation & Localization
- Consulting & Professional Services
10) How It Compares to Other Routes
- General employee work permit: Tied to a Spanish employer and the national employment situation; different criteria and slower in practice.
- Self‑employment/entrepreneur permit: Requires a viable business plan and investment; focused on local economic activity.
- PAC (Highly Qualified Professionals): For senior roles with Spanish employers; not designed for fully remote foreign‑employer setups.
- EU Blue Card: High‑skilled employment with a Spanish employer; different salary and contract requirements.
- Non‑lucrative residence: No work allowed; purely for living in Spain with sufficient means.
11) MigratioLex — Your Partner for the Digital Nomad Route
Our Services
- Personalized advisory: Eligibility check and strategy (employee vs. freelancer; in‑country vs. consular).
- Document management: We compile, translate (sworn), legalize/apostille and prepare all application documents.
- Representation: We file and monitor your case with UGE‑CE/consulate and handle official communications.
Why MigratioLex
We simplify complexity and reduce risk so you can focus on your work. Our team combines immigration expertise with practical, fast execution for remote workers and their families.
FAQs
Can I apply while I’m already in Spain?
Yes. You may file the residence authorization in Spain if you are in a lawful stay (e.g., as a tourist).
Can I work with Spanish clients?
Freelancers may bill Spanish clients up to 20% of total income. Employees must work exclusively for non‑Spanish employers.
How long does the decision take?
The target is about 20 business days. Lack of response implies positive administrative silence.
Can family members come and work?
Yes. Spouses/partners, children and dependent ascendants may join. Family members are generally authorized to work.
Do I qualify for the Beckham Law?
Potentially, if you meet the conditions (e.g., not a Spanish tax resident during the previous ten years). It’s an optional election with the Tax Agency and can last up to six tax years.
What documents are typically needed?
Passport, application forms, clean criminal record, income/qualification proof, remote‑work evidence and comprehensive health insurance; consular visa applications add local requirements (photo, district proof, fee, etc.).
