More and more individuals from around the world are deciding to leave their normal office routine to work remotely, and for this, Spain is seen as an ideal location.
So, to be able to do this the legal question is, ´which type of visa should be applied for? ´
One of the most popular of the permits in Spain, is the non-lucrative visa.
Even though it is referred to as a visa, this is a residence permit which lasts for 12-months which can then be renewed for 24 months thereafter.
The residency application itself has a series of simple requirements which make it an easier to apply for option amongst the alternatives.
Many expats, especially retirees who want to live in Spain or those who can afford to have a working gap or who can live without economic activity at all, choose the non-lucrative option.
Up till now remote workers, nowadays known as digital nomads, have mostly relied on the non-lucrative visa to establish themselves legally in Spain and generate their income online.
But the question is, is this legally correct to do this and work remotely in Spain as a non-lucrative resident?
There is varying information online about this, some claiming that it is legal, and others informing that it is not legal.
We receive many enquiries from clients regarding this, who ask:
- Can I work in Spain remotely for clients in other countries?
- Can I legally work when I have a non-lucrative visa?
- Can I work remotely for a company which is located outside Spain?
The Spanish law says:
- A non-lucrative resident cannot work for a Spanish company
- A non-lucrative resident cannot work for a Spanish employer
- A non-lucrative resident cannot open a business in Spain
But what about remote work as a non-lucrative resident in Spain?
The issue here is that the Spanish law does not directly address this exact topic and because of such creates doubts.
So the question is still not answered, is it possible to work remotely in Spain with a non-lucrative resident?
The legal answer to this question is NO, you cannot work remotely from Spain as a non-lucrative resident and the majority of Spanish consulates are rejecting applications which state or demonstrate that their work is carried out remotely, but there is an alternative.
There is an alternative in the making though.
But there is an alternative!
Spain is introducing a new start-up law for ´Digital-nomads´ and is set to become one of the promised lands for remote workers.
This new law, seen-here, will put Spain at the forefront in the creation of these companies which arises at a time when there are more and more entrepreneurial digital nomads and investors who can work from anywhere in the world and is expected to be in place and operational for the early summer months of 2022.
Our services will guide you in your application and obtain your residency in Spain.
