Digital nomads: a visado (visa) from your home country or an autorización de residencia (residence permit) from Spain

There are two routes to start working remotely in Spain under the ley de startups (Startups Law). The route that applies to you depends on where you are when you apply. Both come under the same legislation.

If you do not yet live in Spain: the visado (visa)

The visado de teletrabajo internacional (international remote working visa) is for people who do not yet reside in Spain. You apply at the consulate. It allows you to enter and reside in Spain for up to one year.

If you are already in Spain legally: the autorización de residencia (residence permit)

The autorización de residencia is for people who are already in Spain legally. It is valid for up to three years. It can be renewed for two-year periods, provided you continue to meet the conditions on which it was granted.

Check whether your current immigration status allows you to apply. Ask us before taking any steps.

What stays the same with both routes

• The core requirements are the same: a suitably qualified professional profile, remote work for companies based outside Spain, and documents proving this. If you carry out a self-employed professional activity, work for a company in Spain cannot exceed 20% of your total activity. We explain these requirements in Digital nomad visa requirements.

• Applications for the autorización de residencia are submitted electronically to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE, Large Companies Unit).

• The work is for companies outside Spain, with a limited exception for self-employed professionals.

What to consider beforehand

• Where you are when you start. If you have travelled to Spain as a tourist and want to stay, check whether the autorización de residencia route applies to your circumstances.

• How long you want to stay. The visado lasts up to one year and the autorización de residencia up to three. Consider renewal too.

• Your family. Ask us about the application process for each family member.

How we support you

We review where you are and which route applies to you. We prepare your expediente (application file) with practising lawyers registered with a Spanish bar association. Find out more on our residencia para nómadas digitales (residence for digital nomads) service page.

👉 Tell us about your situation on WhatsApp

Read also

• Residence for digital nomads in Spain: requirements and benefits in 2026

• Renewing your digital nomad visa in Spain

• Empadronamiento (municipal registration) in Spain for foreign nationals

Official sources

• BOE (Official State Gazette): Ley 14/2013 (Law 14/2013)

• Ministerio de Inclusión (Ministry of Inclusion), UGE: remote workers

• Sede electrónica (online administrative portal) of the Ministerio de Inclusión: submitting international mobility applications

This content is general guidance and does not replace legal advice. Every expediente depends on your circumstances. Check your case with a lawyer registered with a Spanish bar association.

Extranjería Clara team · 18/10/2026