Working remotely from Spain as a digital nomad

👩‍💻 Remote worker: How to establish yourself as a digital nomad in Spain

Digital nomad working on a sunny Costa Blanca terrace — comfort, focus, and freedom.

Remote working in a sunny terrace – Freepik

25/03/2025

A quick guide for EU and non-EU citizens alike

So, you’ve finally decided—your laptop, your Wi-Fi connection, and your dreams of sangría-fuelled siestas are heading to Spain. Whether it’s the palm-lined promenades of Costa Blanca or the irresistible pull of tapas at lunchtime, working remotely in Spain has become the ultimate lifestyle goal for digital nomads.

But before you pack your flip-flops and set up camp by the Med, there’s a bit of admin to tackle. And depending on whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen, the steps you’ll need to take vary quite a bit.

Let’s take a quick look from above—like a drone over the coast—at what digital nomads need to know to work remotely from Spain in 2025.

Spain: a growing hub for remote workers

Spain is now one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. With excellent infrastructure, a growing coworking scene, a reasonable cost of living, and, let’s be honest, better weather than most of northern Europe—it ticks many boxes.

The government has even introduced an official Digital Nomad Visa, designed to make life easier for international remote workers. But here’s the twist:

✅ EU citizens don’t need a visa to live and work in Spain, but they do have to register and follow certain steps.
🚫 Non-EU citizens must apply for the new Digital Nomad Visa or a residence permit that allows remote work.

Digital nomads in Spain: who needs what?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

If you’re an EU or EEA citizen:

You can live and work freely in Spain, thanks to freedom of movement.
But after 3 months, you must register as a resident, get an NIE number, and possibly register for healthcare and tax purposes.

If you’re a non-EU citizen:

You’ll need to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa or a residence permit from abroad or while visiting Spain.
You must meet specific criteria regarding income, work history, insurance, and more.

Each path has its quirks, paperwork, and benefits—but don’t worry. We’ve broken it all down into two easy-to-follow guides, depending on where you’re coming from.

✈️ Ready to dive in?

Whether you’ve got a EU passport or you’re logging in from the US or any country outside the EU/EEA zones or Switzerland, there’s a path for you to enjoy the good life here in Spain. Let’s take the next step.