Work Remotely from Spain: Complete Guide

Visa Options

Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, part of the “Startup Law” (Ley de Startups), allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Spain while employed by companies outside Spain. Key requirements:

• Work remotely for a company (or companies) located outside Spain
• Proof of employment relationship or client contracts spanning at least 3 months
• Minimum income requirements: typically around €2,000-2,500/month
• No more than 20% of income can come from Spanish companies
• Clean criminal record from countries of residence in past 5 years
• Private health insurance with coverage in Spain
• Proof of accommodation in Spain

The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. After five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency.

Schengen Tourist Visa

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This allows for short-term remote work stays, though you cannot legally establish residency.

Non-Lucrative Visa

If you have sufficient passive income or savings but don’t qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain without working in the local economy. You’ll need to prove financial means (approximately €28,000+ annually for an individual) and cannot work for Spanish companies.

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled workers who want to work for Spanish companies, the EU Blue Card offers residency and work authorization. This isn’t suitable for remote work with foreign companies but is worth considering if you secure employment with a Spanish employer.

Tax Implications

Beckham Law (Special Tax Regime for Expatriates)

Spain’s “Beckham Law” (named after footballer David Beckham who famously used it) is a special tax regime that can significantly benefit remote workers:

• Flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 (vs progressive rates up to 47%)
• Foreign income is exempt from Spanish taxation in most cases
• Available for first 5 years of Spanish tax residency (recently extended from 4 years)
• Must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years

To qualify under the Digital Nomad Visa, you automatically have access to this regime if you meet the requirements.

Standard Tax Residency

If you don’t qualify for the Beckham Law or choose not to use it:

• Spain uses a progressive tax system with rates from 19% to 47%
• Tax residents (spending 183+ days in Spain) must declare worldwide income
• Social security contributions may apply depending on your employment structure
• Self-employed individuals pay “autónomo” social security (€300-400/month minimum)

Double Taxation Treaties

Spain has tax treaties with over 90 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU nations. These treaties prevent double taxation, though the interaction between foreign tax obligations and Spanish tax law can be complex.

Important: Consult with a tax advisor who specializes in international taxation and Spanish tax law to optimize your situation.

Best Cities for Remote Work

Barcelona

Spain’s cosmopolitan second city offers a unique blend of beach lifestyle, architectural wonders, and a thriving international business community. Barcelona has the largest digital nomad and expat community in Spain.

Pros: Vibrant startup ecosystem, extensive coworking spaces, beach access, excellent public transport, international atmosphere, mild winters Cons: High cost of living, tourist crowds, Catalan language preference in local administration, pickpocketing issues Average Cost: €1,400-2,000/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in central neighborhoods

Madrid

Spain’s capital is the country’s business and cultural center, offering world-class museums, parks, nightlife, and a more authentically Spanish experience than Barcelona.

Pros: Central location in Spain, excellent transport connections, strong job market, lower cost than Barcelona, authentic Spanish culture Cons: Hot summers, cold winters, no beach access, less English spoken than Barcelona Average Cost: €1,200-1,800/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in desirable areas

Valencia

Often called the “perfect balance” between Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia offers beach access, great weather, lower costs, and a rapidly growing tech scene.

Pros: Mediterranean lifestyle, much lower cost than Barcelona/Madrid, less touristy, excellent climate, paella capital Cons: Smaller expat community, less international atmosphere, fewer coworking options, Valencian language used locally Average Cost: €800-1,200/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in good neighborhoods

Málaga

Málaga has emerged as a major remote work hub, particularly popular with digital nomads. The city offers Costa del Sol beaches, excellent weather year-round, and growing tech infrastructure.

Pros: Best climate in mainland Spain, affordable living costs, beach lifestyle, growing digital nomad community, modern infrastructure Cons: Very hot summers, can feel touristy, smaller city with fewer cultural amenities than Madrid/Barcelona Average Cost: €700-1,100/month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Timezone Overlap

Spain operates on Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 (CEST) in summer. This timezone offers reasonable overlap with both US and EU markets:

Working with US Companies

• East Coast (EST/EDT): 6 hours ahead - Late afternoon/evening calls needed for US morning meetings
• West Coast (PST/PDT): 9 hours ahead - Significant challenge for real-time collaboration
• Optimal Schedule: Work 2pm-10pm local time for overlap with US East Coast afternoon hours (9am-5pm ET)
• Reality Check: Regular synchronous collaboration with US West Coast is challenging

Working with EU Companies

• UK: 1 hour behind
• Central Europe (Germany, France): Same timezone
• Eastern Europe: 1-2 hours ahead
• Optimal Schedule: Standard 9am-6pm works perfectly for most EU collaboration

Spain’s timezone is ideal for remote workers focusing primarily on European markets, while US-focused remote workers should expect to work non-traditional hours for meetings.