Law 14/201312 min read

The Definitive Guide: Residence Permit for International Remote Workers

Live and work remotely from Spain for 3 years, renewable. Fast-track processing before the Large Companies Unit (UGE).

01 · Eligibility

General Requirements before the UGE

Viability depends on your professional profile and on the formal quality of every document.

Swipe to see all 9 requirements

1/9

Proof of Entry

Passport and 72-hour entry declaration, where applicable.

2/9

Company Track Record

The foreign company must prove at least one year of genuine activity.

3/9

3-Month Relationship

The prior employment or professional relationship must be at least three months old.

4/9

Remote Work Letter

Formal authorisation from the company to work remotely from Spain.

5/9

Financial Means

200% of the Spanish minimum wage, +75% for the first family member, +25% for each additional one.

6/9

Qualifications

University degree or three years of proven professional experience.

7/9

Criminal Records

Certificates for the previous two years plus a five-year sworn statement.

8/9

Health Insurance

Private cover with no co-payments or waiting periods.

9/9

Legalisation

Hague Apostille and sworn translation recognised by the Spanish Foreign Ministry.

02 · Documents

Choose your profile: Self-employed vs Employee

Option A: Independent Professional / Freelancer

Recommended where there is no Social Security agreement, e.g. Uzbekistan.

B2B service contract with a foreign company or client.
Bank statements and invoices for the last three months.
Proof of self-employment in your home country (registration or taxes).
Commitment to register with Spain's self-employed scheme (RETA).
Invoicing to Spanish clients capped at 20%.

03 · Representation

What we do for you vs. what you must do

What the power of attorney covers

Online filing with the UGE (MERCURIO).
Tax registration (forms 036/037).
Social Security registration (RETA).
Appointments and digital certificate.

Best practice: power of attorney and fingerprints as early as possible

In applications of this kind, best practice is to grant the power of attorney and schedule the fingerprint appointment from the very start of your file: this speeds up appointments, document handling and the issuance of your TIE card.

04 · Planning

Travel Logistics to Spain

Your travel strategy adapts to your nationality, availability and Schengen visa needs.

Option A · Option B · Option C

Option A

1 single trip

Enter as a tourist and sign the power of attorney.
Legal stay extension under Law 14/2013.
Decision, fingerprints and TIE before leaving.

Option B

2 trips

Trip 1: power of attorney and file.
Trip 2: fingerprints and 30–40 days until the TIE.
Requires a multiple-entry Schengen visa if applicable.

Option C

3 trips

Trip 1: sign the power of attorney.
Trip 2: express visit for fingerprints.
Trip 3: collect the TIE card.

05 · Calendar

Procedure Timeline (3.5 to 5 months)

PhaseStageActionsTiming

1Phase 1PreparationApostilles and sworn translation3 to 4 weeks
2Phase 2UGE decisionOnline filing and positive silence30 to 45 calendar days
3Phase 3Registrations & appointmentTax office, RETA and police scheduling2 to 4 weeks
4Phase 4TIEFingerprinting and card production30 to 45 days

Worried about the timeline?

Our team specialises in fast-tracking timelines. If the administration fails to respond within the legal deadline, we file the corresponding appeals to speed up the entire process and secure your permit as soon as possible.

Personalised legal assessment