International teleworkers

Art.74 bis Law 14/2013

What is an international teleworker?

A worker authorised to remain in Spain to carry out remote work or professional activity for companies located outside the national territory, through the exclusive use of computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems.

Who can obtain an authorization as an international teleworker?

A third-state national, of legal age. Does not apply to citizens of the European Union or those to whom European Union law applies,

Can a self-employed person be considered an international teleworker?

Yes, as long as you prove a professional relationship through approved means with the foreign company for which you work for longer than the minimum period necessary and the latter authorises the transfer to Spain.

Is it mandatory to register with Social Security in Spain?

Yes, when carrying out the work activity from Spain, registration is mandatory.

If the company has a branch in Spain, can I affiliate them to social security through that company or import the right to social security from countries with an agreement based on said transfer?

In this case, they would not be considered teleworkers but workers transferred between companies or ICT (Intra Company Transfer) being governed by this figure and its specific requirements.

What other requirements are necessary?

• Not to be in Spain illegally. 
• Have no criminal record.
• Have public insurance or equivalent private health insurance via approved insurers.
• Have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members during their period of residence in Spain.

Can they do other jobs in Spain?

Always from the premise that their work can only be carried out exclusively through computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems, there are two possible cases:

• Employment relationship: In Spain you can only work for the company located outside the national territory for which you provide the teleworking service.
• Professional relationship: You can work for a company located in Spain, as long as you maintain the professional relationship with the company with which you are applying for authorisation and the percentage of said work with the Spanish company(s) is a professional relationship (never an employment relationship) and does not exceed 20% of your total professional activity

What absences outside the national territory can a teleworker accumulate?

They may be absent for a maximum of six months per calendar year to continue to maintain the requirements for obtaining authorisation.

Can family members obtain an authorization/visa?

Yes, the spouse or person with a similar affective relationship, minor or adult children who, depending on the holder financially, have not constituted a family unit by themselves and dependent ascendants, who join or accompany the foreigners, may request, jointly and simultaneously or successively, the authorization and, where appropriate, the visa.

Can family members work in Spain?

Yes, the fourth additional provision of Law 14/2013 establishes that residence permits authorise residence and work (both self-employed and employed).

Do minimum economic resources (livelihoods) have to be accredited?

Yes, applicants for international teleworking visas or residence permits must prove that they have financial resources for themselves and their family members.

For other questions or enquiries - please email help@digital-nomad-visa-assistant.com for further assistance.  

The information provided is for general guidance and is based on current regulations in Spain. Bureaucracy, laws, and immigration procedures may change over time, and this content is subject to updates. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to official sources or seek legal advice before making decisions regarding residency processes.