Can you work in Spain as a foreigner?

As an EU citizen you have full rights to work in Spain without a special work permit. Non-EU citizens face separate visa and work-permit requirements. But there are several different paths, each with its own practical considerations.

A local job with a Spanish employer

You can apply for and be hired by a Spanish company on the same terms as Spanish citizens. The biggest practical challenge is typically language (Spanish is often a requirement outside international companies) and the salary level, which is generally lower than in many Northern European countries — see our article on salary levels in Spain.

Self-employed (autónomo)

Becoming self-employed in Spain (registered as "autónomo") is a popular route for tradespeople, consultants and freelancers. It involves a monthly social security payment (cuota de autónomo) that starts relatively low for new self-employed people but rises after the first years — typically from around 80 EUR/month during the start-up period to 300+ EUR/month later.

Remote work for an employer back home

This has become markedly more popular since 2020. If your employer allows it, you can continue your employment back home while living in Spain. This typically requires clarifying your social security status (an A1 certificate if you remain socially insured at home) as well as an assessment of whether your employer risks creating a "permanent establishment" in Spain — a legal/tax complexity your employer's HR/legal department should be involved in.

Digital nomad visa

Spain introduced a specific "digital nomad" visa in 2023, primarily aimed at non-EU citizens who work remotely for foreign companies. As an EU citizen you already have full rights to live and work in Spain, so this visa is not relevant for you — but it is a sign that Spain is actively trying to attract this type of worker. Non-EU citizens working remotely should look into this visa as a route to legal residence.

Freelance/consulting work for international clients

Many foreign residents in Spain live off freelance work for clients in several countries, invoiced through their autónomo registration or a company back home. This offers maximum flexibility but requires discipline around tax and bookkeeping across two (or more) jurisdictions.

Most important to remember: Whichever model you choose, clarify your tax status BEFORE you move — particularly whether you become a tax resident in Spain (after 183 days/year) and how that affects taxation of your income from home. Always consult an accountant with specialist knowledge of cross-border matters.

Which industries are most accessible for foreigners?

Tourism, hospitality and real estate aimed at the international segment often have positions that do not require fluent Spanish, particularly in the major coastal destinations. IT and tech also offer good opportunities, as many international companies and startups operate in English as their working language, even with an office in Spain.

Practical steps to becoming autónomo

To register as self-employed you need a NIE number, to register with the Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish tax agency) and Seguridad Social, and to choose an appropriate tax category (epígrafe) for your type of business. Many choose to get help from a gestoria (administrative advisor) for this process, which typically costs 50-100 EUR for the set-up plus an ongoing monthly bookkeeping service.

Recognition of qualifications from home

Certain regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, architects, teachers) require formal recognition of your qualifications from the relevant Spanish authorities before you can practise locally — a process that can take several months. Other professions without legal regulation (most IT, marketing and consulting roles) do not require this approval process, and you can start working immediately after arrival.

Networking and job hunting as a foreigner

Beyond traditional Spanish job portals (InfoJobs, LinkedIn Spain), local expat networking groups, Facebook groups for foreign residents in Spain and industry events in the international hubs (particularly around Marbella and Málaga, which has a growing tech scene) are good sources of opportunities that are not necessarily advertised publicly.

Frequently asked questions about working in Spain

Can I work in Spain without speaking Spanish?

Yes, particularly within IT, international companies and tourism in the major expat destinations. Outside these industries and areas, however, it quickly becomes a real barrier.

Do I have to pay double tax if I work remotely for an employer back home from Spain?

Not necessarily — double taxation agreements between most countries and Spain prevent being fully taxed twice, but your specific situation (where you are a tax resident, where the work is carried out) determines which country has primary taxing rights. Always get personal advice before setting up a remote-work arrangement.

What is the advantage of becoming autónomo rather than working for a Spanish employer?

As an autónomo you have the freedom to work for several international clients at once and often earn more than with local salaried employment, but you carry the full administrative burden yourself and have less social security than a salaried employee.

salary levels in Spain