Visa Guide
Work remotely for foreign companies while living in Spain
What you need to earn
€2,849/month minimum for 2026, 200% of the annualised SMI (€17,094/yr ÷ 12 = €1,424.50). Rises whenever the SMI does. Immigration lawyers advise showing a buffer above the floor.
How long it takes
- Processing UGE-CE must resolve in-Spain applications within 20 working days by law; consular timelines are not published and vary widely (estimate)
- Initial duration Consular visa: up to 1 year. Residence authorisation via UGE-CE: up to 3 years
- Renewals 2 years
- Total possible 5 years of legal residence, then eligible for long-term residency
What it gets you
- Opt into the Beckham regime: 24% flat on employment income up to €600,000 for 6 tax years, instead of the progressive scale reaching 47%
- Can derive up to 20% of income from Spanish companies
- Path to long-term residency after 5 years
- Includes spouse and dependants
- Live anywhere in Spain
The parts people miss
- Under the Beckham regime, ALL of your employment income worldwide is deemed Spanish-sourced and taxed at 24%, a foreign salary is not exempt
- Must maintain proof of international telework for renewals
- Need padrón (municipal registration) for renewal
- Income must be consistent (recent pay/invoice history required)
Whether you can work
Remote work only (up to 20% for Spanish companies)
Figures current for 2026. Spanish income thresholds move each February with the minimum wage.
