NOV 2025: UPDATED FAQs DIGITAL NOMADS
- Pina Espinoza Carrizosa
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
The following is information we have received from the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE), the office in charge of Digital Nomad Residence Authorisations in Madrid this week, 12 November 2025.
We are citing the instructions provided by the office.
NOTE: Especially the out of the blue policy change on the Social Security Certificate for US employees is note worthy and will most certainly lead to severe consequences for US applicants. We have enquired about the consequences for permit holders who applied with this certificate (we have had successful applications still last month) and will publish new information in this regard as soon as we have it.
Application of Social Security Agreements
In order for the corresponding agreement to be applicable, the certificate must include the teleworking modality, the period of coverage, and be duly signed and apostilled.
If the agreement's coverage is not comparable to that of the National Health System, you must prove that you have valid public or private health insurance (equivalent to that of the National Health System) with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain and registered with the Directorate General of Insurance. Travel insurance is not valid.
Social Security Agreement with the United States
The Bilateral Agreement on Social Security signed between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States of America does not apply to workers in international teleworking arrangements.
This international instrument does not expressly cover workers who provide their services remotely from Spanish territory, nor is it included among the exceptions that, in accordance with Article 7 of the aforementioned Agreement, may be agreed upon by the competent authorities of both States.
International protection and exceptional circumstances
There is no incompatibility between international protection and the teleworker application.
Applicable social security regime
The social security regime applicable to the applicant is determined by the type of relationship accredited with the company. In other words, if the applicant is an employee, they must join the General Regime, and if they are self-employed, they must join the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA).
Employed teleworkers (employment relationship): Proof of registration of the foreign company with Social Security without work centres in Spain, together with a commitment to register the teleworker in the General Scheme once residence authorisation has been obtained and before starting work in Spain.
Teleworkers who provide services on a professional basis: commitment to register with the Spanish Special Scheme for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) once authorisation has been obtained and before starting work in Spain.
Note: once registration has been obtained, there is an obligation to contribute to the corresponding scheme. Failure to comply with this condition may result in the termination of the authorisation.
NGOs
The NGO must prove that it carries out an activity comparable to that of a company, which must be stated in the certificate issued by the commercial register or equivalent document of the country of origin, regardless of whether or not it is a profit-making organisation.
International organisations
International organisations are not considered companies for the purposes of Law 14/2013 of 27 September on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation, and therefore the regime provided for in that law does not apply to them.
Minors born in Spain more than 90 days ago (Art. 67 new regulation)
If the minor has not left Spain since birth, once they have their passport and authorisation, as they have not left Spain, they will have a period of 6 months to submit the application.
Criterion: INTERNAL NOTE
Change of conditions (Contract or any other compelling reason)
Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation. Seventh additional provision. Maintenance of requirements.
1. Foreign nationals must maintain the conditions that gave them access to visas or authorisations during the period of validity of the same.
2. Any change during residence that affects the conditions of admission must be communicated by the interested party to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit within 30 days.
3. The competent bodies of the General State Administration may carry out any checks they deem appropriate to verify compliance with current legislation.
4. If, in accordance with the provisions of this provision, it is verified that the conditions established by law are not met, the competent body may terminate, with justification, after a hearing, the visa or authorisation.
The procedure for communicating changes is to submit a new initial application certifying these changes within 30 days, in which case the requirement of three months' seniority in the contract will not be taken into account.
You must submit a letter explaining that this is a change in conditions.
The current authorisation will be revoked and a new one will be issued if the requirements established in the regulations are met.
Financial resources
Applicants for international teleworker authorisations must prove, in compliance with Article 62.3 f) of Law 14/2013, 3 of 27 September, that they have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members in accordance with the following amounts:
a) Holders: an amount representing 200% of the current minimum interprofessional salary (SMI) per month.
b) Family units including two persons, counting the holder and the reunited person: at least 75% of the SMI. 25% of the SMI will be required for each additional member beyond the two persons mentioned.
Note: The amounts required are gross amounts before deductions for any reason (taxes, social security, etc.).
Insufficient financial resources
In the event that the income derived from the employment/professional contract is less than the established minimums, it may be supplemented by savings that cover the entire duration of the authorisation, for the difference between the accredited income and the required amounts. The certificates must be in the name of the applicant and stamped/signed by the bank.
Does the authorisation allow me to work in Spain?
Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation. Article 74 bis. Definition
A third-country national is considered to be in a situation of international teleworking residence if they are authorised to remain in Spain to carry out remote work or professional activities for companies based outside the national territory, through the exclusive use of computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems. In the case of employment, the holder of an international teleworking authorisation may only work for companies based outside the national territory. In the case of professional activity, the holder of an international teleworking authorisation will be allowed to work for a company located in Spain, provided that the percentage of such work does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
Remaining in Spain for renewal
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