At Volvemos, we primarily assist Spanish emigrants who wish to return. But not only that. We also receive many inquiries from foreigners who want to come to Spain to work. If they are from non-EU countries, they need residence permits, so we have prepared this article with the main visas for working in Spain.
Spain has become one of the preferred destinations for digital nomads and remote workers, both for the quality of life the country offers and for a tax benefit like the Beckham Law, which allows taxation at 24% in personal income tax (IRPF) instead of progressive tax brackets. Given this scenario, the following options are the most commonly used:
International Remote Work Residence Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
This is a residence permit for non-European foreigners who want to carry out remote work or professional activities for companies based outside of Spain, exclusively using IT, telecommunication, and digital communication systems.
It is valid for both employees with a non-Spanish employment contract and self-employed professionals. The latter can also conduct professional activities in Spain as long as they do not exceed 20% of their total work.
This visa is valid for one year, and once in Spain, it is possible to apply for a residence permit lasting three years.
Employee or Self-Employed Work Visa
This visa is for individuals coming to Spain to perform an employed activity, meaning they have an employment contract. In this case, the visa's validity depends on the contract duration.
Similarly, there is a visa for those planning to carry out self-employed (freelance) work in Spain. To obtain this visa, applicants must demonstrate the feasibility of their project, present a business plan, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses according to the activity they will develop.
Highly Qualified Worker and Intra-Company Transfer Visa
This visa is for highly qualified professionals who will carry out an employed activity in Spain, company executives, or graduates/postgraduates from prestigious universities and business schools. It also applies to executives, specialists, or trainees who are being transferred within the same company or corporate group to Spain.
This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed if employment conditions remain unchanged.
Employer of Record: A Solution for Working from Spain
If you want to work from Spain but don't have a local employer, an Employer of Record (EOR) could be a solution. An EOR is a company that legally employs you in Spain through its local branch and handles payroll, taxes, and compliance with Spanish labor laws. This allows you to work for your original company abroad without needing to set up a business or apply for a self-employed visa. There are many EORs, though they all function similarly.
At Volvemos, we have been working with these types of companies for years, and our favorite is LANO, an EOR based in Germany and our preferred option after evaluating multiple providers. Their excellent customer service and strong local network in Spain ensure great support for all kinds of employment cases. As a member of the Volvemos community, you can benefit from a 20% discount on their service fee during the first year. You can contact them and take advantage of this offer through this link.
Other Visas and Permits
Besides these work visas, there are others aimed at students, researchers, and individuals engaged in training or volunteer activities in Spain. Each of these permits has specific requirements and different residence conditions.
It is advisable to always check with official government sources, such as the Spanish Consulate in your country or the Immigration Office. If you need personalized advice, you can contact us, and we will help you find the best option for your situation.