More and more professionals are looking for flexible solutions to combine work and travel – whether for a temporary workation or as a digital nomad with a long-term relocation. Spain offers ideal conditions for both models.
While a workation is an exciting opportunity to experience Spain for a limited time, relocating opens up far greater opportunities. In addition to a consistently high quality of life, you can benefit from tax incentives and many other advantages. Moving to Spain can have a lasting positive impact on your professional and personal future.
Modern co-working spaces in historic city districts, fast internet even in small coastal villages, and a growing community of international digital nomads make it easy to create a pleasant working routine. After work, it’s not just the beach and sea that await but also the legendary tapas culture, historic sights, and a wide range of leisure activities.
Content
- What are the advantages of remote working in Spain?
- Which regions are ideal for remote working?
- How to best prepare for remote working?
- Are there any legal or tax aspects to consider?
- Why Spain is so attractive for digital nomads
- Planning your remote work in Spain perfectly
What are the advantages of remote working in Spain?
With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and mild temperatures, Spain attracts people from all over the world. The quality of life is high: from Mediterranean cuisine and a relaxed lifestyle to cultural highlights, the country offers an unparalleled variety. In addition, remote working in Spain comes with many other advantages.
Lower cost of living
Spain offers lower living costs compared to many other European countries – a plus for both remote workers and digital nomads. While remote working allows you to get a taste of Spain’s beautiful yet affordable lifestyle for a few weeks or months, digital nomads benefit even more. For example, from low long-term rental prices and tax incentives when relocating.
Excellent infrastructure for remote jobs
In recent years, Spain has heavily invested in expanding its digital infrastructure. High-speed internet is widely available, even in remote regions or on islands such as the Canary Islands. Co-working spaces can be found in all major cities and even in many holiday resorts.
Those who do not just want to use Spain as a temporary workplace can benefit from many additional advantages and tax incentives when immigrating to Spain.
Networking opportunities
As a hotspot for digital nomads and expats, Spain offers a dynamic international community.
Cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga not only have a vibrant start-up scene but also host numerous networking events. Digital nomads can build international friendships here, while remote working can temporarily engage with like-minded people.
Which regions are ideal for remote working?
Spain offers a wide range of destinations that provide ideal conditions for both individuals and teams.
Workation in the Canary Islands: A paradise for digital nomads
The Canary Islands, also known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring,” are among the best remote working destinations in Europe. Fuerteventura, in particular, attracts both water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island not only boasts picturesque beaches but also modern co-working spaces and an active nomad network. Remote jobs in Spain can be perfectly combined with leisure activities such as surfing or hiking here.
Barcelona – Urban work with a Mediterranean flair
Barcelona combines the advantages of a global city with the benefits of being close to the sea. Numerous co-working spaces offer excellent conditions for productive work. In your free time, you can explore the famous Sagrada Família or take a stroll along the Barceloneta promenade.
Andalusia – Sun, culture, and inspiration
In cities like Málaga, Seville, and Granada, you will find plenty of sunshine combined with a fascinating cultural atmosphere. Málaga, in particular, has created a forward-thinking offering for remote jobs and digital nomads with projects like “WorkBay”.
Mallorca – Productive work in the off-season
Mallorca is an ideal destination, especially in the off-season. The island impresses with breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks such as the La Seu Cathedral, and numerous fincas. It also boasts a large expat community.
Valencia – The emerging remote working-hub
Valencia offers the perfect mix of city life and relaxation and is considered the best European city for expats. With moderate rental prices, one of the best co-working space networks in Spain, and close proximity to beaches, Valencia is a favourite among digital nomads.
Those who choose Valencia as a permanent residence also benefit from high-quality international schools and an excellent healthcare system. These are ideal conditions for families or entrepreneurs looking to stay in Spain long term.
How to best prepare for remote working?
There are a few key aspects to consider when planning remote working from Spain.
Accommodation and work environment
Choose your accommodation carefully. A stable internet connection should be a given, as well as a quiet workspace or, alternatively, a good co-working space nearby. Many platforms like Airbnb offer special filters for “remote worker”-friendly accommodations.
Clarifying employment law issues
Before starting working remote or moving to Spain, you should establish clear agreements with your employer or team. Define working hours, availability, and project goals. Compliance with data protection regulations and IT security guidelines is also essential.
Insurance and medical care
Check whether your health and accident insurance covers you in Spain. Private supplementary insurance can be beneficial for better coverage, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.
Technical equipment
Bring all the necessary technical equipment to ensure smooth working conditions. In addition to a powerful laptop, this includes adapters for Spanish sockets, a mobile router, and, if needed, a local SIM card as part of your basic setup.
Are there any legal or tax aspects to consider?
While the technical barriers to remote work are steadily decreasing, legal, tax, and social security considerations remain a key challenge. This is especially relevant for longer stays that go beyond a typical holiday.
Employment law agreements
Are you still working under British or Dutch labour law during your time in Spain? In most cases, the answer is yes, thanks to the Rome I regulation, which ensures that the employment law of the country of origin continues to apply as long as your stay in Spain is temporary. British citizens should double-check those regulations – since Brexit several European regulations are not valid for British citizens anymore.
However, caution is advised: Spain has so-called overriding mandatory provisions. These are specific legal regulations that apply locally, such as those concerning working hours or workplace safety. These rules may affect your work, even if your contract was signed in other European countries.
Ensure proper written documentation – a written agreement between you and your employer might be necessary. § 2 para. 2 NachwG).
This agreement should clearly define the duration, working conditions, return arrangements, and several other aspects, including:
- Regulations on working hours and rest breaks
- Agreements on IT security and data protection
- Clarification of availability during the remote working time
Social security and A1 certificate
Another important legal factor for remote working in Spain is social security. Within the EU, your home country remains responsible for your social security as long as you apply for an A1 certificate. This document confirms that you remain covered by the social security system of your country. Here again – some of those regulations might not apply for British citizens any more.
The certificate is issued for up to 24 months and protects you from potential double insurance abroad. The application is usually handled through your employer. Employer approval of the workation stay is a key requirement for obtaining the A1 certificate. Some insurers also recommend taking out private supplementary insurance.
Tax law
If you spend more than 183 days in Spain, you will be liable for tax on your worldwide income there. This rule applies if you physically work in Spain, even if your employer is still based in Germany. As you will read below, however, this could even be beneficial for you.
Additionally, you should check whether your work could create a permanent establishment in Spain for tax purposes. This could happen if, for example, your employer regularly manages business activities from Spain through your workation. To avoid complications, it is advisable to seek professional guidance from experts such as Global Tax Saving.
Checklist: How to meet the legal requirements for remote working
- Clarify the legal framework with your employer
- Apply for the A1 certificate to secure social security coverage
- Seek tax advice regarding the 183-day rule
- Check local overriding mandatory provisions, such as working hours and workplace safety laws
Working remote in Spain is a fantastic opportunity—as long as you take care to avoid legal issues. With the right preparation and guidance, this can be easily managed.
Why Spain is so attractive for digital nomads
Spain is actually far too beautiful to stay just for a workation. For digital nomads and expats, Spain offers the perfect balance between modern working conditions and a high quality of life. Cities like Valencia and Madrid rank among the top European destinations for expats.
Spain welcomes digital nomads with open arms and even offers special incentive programmes. One example is Extremadura, one of Spain’s economically weaker regions, which aims to attract digital nomads with financial support of up to €15,000.
The initiative aims to encourage creative and digital entrepreneurs to settle down for the long term. For digital nomads who are looking for flexibility and are willing to work away from the big cities, this is an exciting option for a new start in life.
Tax advantages for digital nomads: Spain as a tax residence
For digital nomads who do not want to miss out on Spain’s charm and quality of life while planning to work and live there long-term, the country offers attractive tax incentives.
A prominent example is the Lex Beckham. This special tax law rewards foreign professionals and self-employed individuals with a reduced tax rate of just 24% on income up to €600,000, provided they transfer their tax residency to Spain. The law applies for the first six years.
To benefit from these tax advantages, you must spend at least 183 days per year in the country. It is therefore advisable to carefully plan your stay and, if necessary, seek professional tax advice.
Planning your remote work in Spain perfectly
Spain offers everything you need for a productive and inspiring remote working experience or your daily life as a digital nomad: access to global markets and business partners, reliable internet, and an overall high quality of life.
To ensure your stay in Spain – whether for the short or long term – is a complete success, you should clarify legal and tax matters, secure suitable accommodation, and make sure your work situation is legally sound.
Our Service: At Global Tax Saving, we support you with all legal, tax, and organisational aspects of your remote working or relocation to Spain.
Contact us for a personal consultation.
