Automated translation, pending review. If in doubt, the Spanish version prevails.
If you work remotely for a company based in another country and want to do it from Spain, there is a residence permit for you: the international remote worker permit (teletrabajador internacional), better known as the digital nomad visa. And if you are already here as a tourist, you can apply for it without going back to your country. In this guide we explain how the international remote worker residence permit works and what you need to prove.
What is an international remote worker?
A person from outside the European Union who lives in Spain and works remotely, using only computer and telecommunication tools, for companies based outside Spain. It is regulated by Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs, since the reform introduced by the Startups Law.
There are two profiles:
- Employee: you have an employment contract with a foreign company. You can only work for that company.
- Freelancer or self-employed: you work for one or more foreign companies. You can also have clients in Spain, as long as they do not exceed 20% of your activity.
Can I apply if I am in Spain as a tourist?
Yes. The law allows anyone who is lawfully in Spain to apply for the permit, and that includes people who entered as tourists, with or without a visa. The key is to apply while your stay is still lawful: once the application is filed, your stay is extended until a decision is made.
From your home country, on the other hand, the route is the remote work visa at the Spanish consulate.
Main requirements
- Being of legal age and not being in an irregular situation in Spain.
- The company must have at least one year of real, continuous activity.
- Your relationship with it must go back at least three months before the application.
- A document from the company authorising you to work remotely from Spain.
- A university, vocational training or business school degree, or three years of professional experience.
- No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived.
- Health insurance: public, through Social Security, or private with no waiting periods or co-payments. Travel insurance is not valid.
- Proof of sufficient income for you and your family.
How much income do I need in 2026?
The main applicant must prove work income equal to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). With the 2026 minimum wage (€17,094 a year), that is about €2,849 a month. If your family comes with you, add 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member (about €1,068) and 25% for each additional one (about €356).
Social Security
When working from Spain, the usual rule is to register with Spanish Social Security: your company does it if you are an employee (unless an agreement with your country keeps you covered), or you register yourself as self-employed (RETA). Failing to do so can cost you the permit later on.
Can my family come?
Yes. Your partner, your minor children (or adult children who depend on you) and your dependent parents can apply with you or later. They are also allowed to work in Spain without restrictions.
Timeframes, duration and renewal
The application is filed online with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE), which has 20 days to decide. If it does not reply within that time, the permit is deemed granted.
It is granted for the period you request, up to a maximum of three years, and can be renewed for two-year periods if you still meet the requirements. Once granted, you need to apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE).
Steps of the procedure
- Check how much time you have left as a tourist.
- Gather your documents and your company’s.
- Pay the fee and file the application with the UGE.
- Respond to any requests for additional documents.
- Once approved, register with Social Security and book an appointment for your TIE.
Conclusion
The international remote worker permit is one of the fastest in Spanish immigration law, but applications are decided on the company’s documents, and that is where most of them fail. At Conecta Legal we review your case, check the documents and file the application for you. Book your appointment before your tourist days run out.
Informational content; it does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and requirements may vary; consult your specific case.