🧳 Are You a Digital Nomad or a Remote Worker in Spain?
Many people use these terms interchangeably — but for Spanish immigration law, there are technical differences that matter.
Spain’s new Startup Law allows non-EU citizens to apply for a residence permit based on remote work. This is widely known as the Digital Nomad Visa, but Spanish authorities refer to it as a “residence permit for international remote workers.”
Let’s clarify the distinction.
🆚 Terminology Breakdown
| Term | Meaning in Spain |
|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | Popular name for the new permit allowing remote work in Spain |
| Remote Worker Residence | Official name of the visa under Spain’s Startup Law |
| Teletrabajador Internacional | Spanish term in legal documents |
✅ They refer to the same visa process, but used in different contexts (public vs legal).
🧠 Digital Nomad vs Remote Worker – Main Profiles
| Type | Digital Nomad | Remote Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Work style | Self-employed/freelancer | Employed by a company |
| Income source | Multiple clients | Single foreign company |
| Flexibility | High (move between cities) | May require fixed base |
| Tax setup | More complex | Often easier with Beckham Law |
Both profiles can apply for the same Startup Law residence — but your work structure affects your documentation and tax treatment.
📋 Different Application Requirements
| Document | Digital Nomad (Freelancer) | Remote Worker (Employee) |
|---|---|---|
| Work contracts | 1+ long-term client contracts | Remote employment letter |
| Proof of income | Invoices, bank records | Payslips, employment letter |
| Proof of company age | For each client | For the employer only |
| Spanish tax setup | May need autónomo status | Often exempt under Beckham Law |
Freelancers must show long-term consistency, not just one-off gigs.
💶 Tax Implications
| Category | Digital Nomad | Remote Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Tax residency | After 183+ days | Same |
| Beckham Law eligibility | ✅ Possible (if structured correctly) | ✅ Easier setup |
| Need to declare clients? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (only declare employer) |
| Business registration | May be required | Not needed if employed abroad |
🗂️ Legal Name of the Visa
Officially, Spain calls this visa:
“Autorización de residencia para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional”
(Authorization of residence for international teleworkers)
This applies to both:
-
Employees working remotely from Spain for a non-Spanish company
-
Freelancers working for clients outside of Spain
So whether you call yourself a “digital nomad” or a “remote worker,” the legal visa is the same — but the paperwork and structure differ.
❌ Common Misunderstandings
🚫 Believing freelancers need to register as autónomos (not always true)
🚫 Thinking “Digital Nomad Visa” is a different visa from “Remote Work Visa”
🚫 Assuming short-term gigs or project-based work will be accepted
🚫 Using vague or newly formed companies to sponsor the application
🚫 Applying without verifying eligibility for Beckham Law
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Whether you’re an employee or a freelancer, we will:
✅ Assess your eligibility based on your work model
✅ Structure your application for success
✅ Ensure correct documentation for your profile
✅ Apply for Beckham Law if eligible
✅ Help freelancers avoid unnecessary autónomo registration
💡 We’ve helped both solo consultants and remote tech employees relocate to Spain legally under this visa.
📣 Not Sure Which Category You Fall Into?
We’ll analyze your case — employer, freelance setup, taxes, and more — and guide you to the right path.
👉 Get a free assessment from Borderless Lawyers and move to Spain with clarity and confidence.