Why does Germany require local clients but Spain doesn't?

Germany's freelance visa (Freiberufler) was designed before remote work became common — it assumes freelancers serve the local economy. You must prove your work benefits Germany (German clients, contracts in German market). Spain's Digital Nomad visa was created in 2022 specifically for remote workers with foreign income. It explicitly allows working for non-Spanish companies. For 100% remote workers with international clients, Spain is structurally better suited.

Why is Spain so much faster than Germany?

Spain's Digital Nomad visa has a statutory 20 working day decision deadline — it's in the law. Germany's freelance visa has no such deadline and depends on your local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office), which varies dramatically by city. Berlin is notoriously slow (3-6 months for appointments alone). Some German cities are faster, but nowhere matches Spain's legal guarantee.

How do taxes compare between Spain and Germany?

Spain's Beckham Law offers 24% flat rate for 6 years, but only for digital nomads on the employment path (working for a foreign employer). Self-employed digital nomads use Spain's standard progressive system (up to 47%). Germany has progressive rates up to 45% plus solidarity surcharge. For employed digital nomads earning €50k+, Spain's Beckham is significantly better. For self-employed, compare both progressive systems carefully. Consult tax advisors for your specific situation.

Which is more English-friendly: Spain or Germany?

Germany has higher overall English proficiency, especially in business contexts. However, German bureaucracy (Ausländerbehörde, tax office) is in German. Spain's bureaucracy is in Spanish, but major cities like Barcelona have English-speaking expat support. In daily life, both require some local language for full integration. Barcelona's international startup scene is very English-friendly. Berlin's tech scene is also English-friendly but bureaucracy is notoriously difficult.

What about local job opportunities if I want to switch later?

Germany has a larger tech job market and higher salaries (particularly in Munich, Berlin). Spain's salaries are lower but so is cost of living. If you're considering switching from remote to local employment: Germany offers more opportunities in engineering, automotive, manufacturing tech. Spain is growing in fintech, travel tech, and has a strong startup scene. Both allow pivoting from freelance/remote to employed status.

What is an international teleworker?

A worker authorized to remain in Spain to carry out work or professional activities remotely for companies based outside the national territory, using exclusively computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems.

Who can obtain authorization as an international teleworker?

A national of a third country, of legal age. (Does not apply to citizens of the European Union or those to whom European Union law applies)

Can a freelancer be considered an international teleworker?

Yes, as long as they prove a professional relationship through a commercial contract with the foreign company they work for for a minimum of three months and that company authorizes the move to Spain.

Is registration with Social Security in Spain mandatory?

Yes, when carrying out work activity from Spain, registration is mandatory and there can be two cases: • Employee: The company must register with Social Security to be able to affiliate the teleworker here in the General Regime. • Self-employed worker: The worker must register in the self-employed workers regime (RETA). The Social Security registration requirement can only be replaced by importing the right from the country of origin, provided there is an international social security agreement between Spain and that country and the original social security administration issues a document based on said agreement for teleworkers that gives them temporary coverage in Spain. It is important to emphasize that only some countries with agreements issue coverage certificates for teleworkers.

If the company has a branch in Spain, can I affiliate them to social security through that company or import social security rights from countries with agreements based on that transfer?

In that case, they would not be considered teleworkers but workers transferred between companies or ICT (Intra Company Transfer), being governed by that figure and its specific requirements.

What other requirements are necessary?

• Not be irregularly in Spain. • Have no criminal record in Spain and in the country(ies) where they have resided for the five years prior to the application (Certificates from the country where they have resided during the two years prior to the application and a sworn statement of having no criminal record in countries of residence for the last five years must be provided). • Have public insurance (through Social Security registration) or equivalent private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. Travel insurance is not valid, nor those limited to reimbursement of medical expenses, nor those with waiting periods or co-payments. • Have sufficient economic resources for themselves and their family members during their period of residence in Spain.

Can they do other work in Spain?

Always from the premise that their work can only be performed exclusively through computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems, two scenarios are possible: • Employment relationship: In Spain they can only work for the company based outside the national territory for which they perform telework. • Professional relationship: They can work for a company located in Spain, as long as they maintain the professional relationship with the company with which they request authorization and the percentage of said work with Spanish company(ies) is a professional relationship (never employment) and does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.

What absences from the national territory can a teleworker accumulate?

They can be absent for a maximum of six months per calendar year to continue maintaining the requirements for obtaining authorization.

Can family members work in Spain?

Yes, the fourth additional provision of Law 14/2013 establishes that residence permits authorize both residing and working (both self-employed and employed).

Must minimum economic resources (means of living) be proven?

Yes, applicants for international telework visas or residence permits must prove that they have economic resources for themselves and their family members according to the following amounts: • Holders of visas and residence permits: amount that represents monthly 200% of the minimum interprofessional wage (SMI) • Family units that include two people counting the holder and the family member: at least 75% of the SMI. An additional 25% of the SMI will be required for each additional member beyond the two mentioned people. These amounts can be proven with contracts, payslips, company certificates, etc.

📅 Last Update: 19 February 2026

Honest Comparison

Spain vs Germany: Digital Nomad Options

Complete comparison of remote work visa options. Spain Digital Nomad vs Germany Freelance Visa — processing, requirements, costs, and quality of life.

This guide provides an objective comparison for remote workers choosing between Spain and Germany. Both are excellent EU countries — the right choice depends on your work situation and lifestyle preferences.

Key facts about the residence permit

Processing time

Up to 20 working days (≈ 4 weeks)

Minimum income

€2,849/month (2026, BOE 126/2026)

Document preparation costs

from €50 to €300-500

Work experience

3 months in the current position Degree (or at least 3 years' work experience)

Spain vs Germany: Side-by-Side

Key differences for remote workers as of January 2026

Option	Processing Time	Cost	Difficulty	Recommendation
✓ RecommendedSpain Digital Nomad	20 working days	~€200 total	Moderate (income proof focus)	Best for: 100% remote workers, any client location
Germany Freelance Visa	2-3+ months	~€100-200	High (need German clients/contracts)	Best for: those serving German market
Germany Job Seeker Visa	2-3 months	~€75	Moderate	If seeking German employment
Germany EU Blue Card	1-2 months	~€140	Need German employer	For employed professionals in Germany

Spain vs Germany: Key Numbers

20 vs 60+

Processing Days

Spain statutory deadline vs Germany average

~€1,500 vs ~€2,500

Monthly Rent (1BR)

Barcelona vs Berlin city center averages

300 vs 60

Sunny Days/Year

Barcelona vs Berlin typical weather

Why Spain Over Germany?

A Spanish residence permit for you (and often your family — spouse/partner, children, and dependent parents) if you apply from within Spain, or a national D visa if you apply via the Spanish consulate where you reside

No local client requirement — work for any non-Spanish company

Faster processing (20 working days vs 2-3+ months Germany)

Lower cost of living, especially outside Madrid/Barcelona

Better weather and outdoor lifestyle year-round

Beckham Law for employed path (24% flat rate for 6 years)

A legal right to live in Spain (residence permit; up to 3 years when applying from Spain)

Schengen travel for short trips without applying for a visa each time

Family members can often be included (with a higher income threshold per person)

A clear, SMI-based income requirement (easy to calculate for your family size)

A law-based decision deadline for UGE applications (20 working days)

What needs to be done?

Three quick questions

Do you provide services to legal entities or have you been employed by a company for over 3 months?

Is your income above €2,849/month (2026)?

Can you travel to Spain on a tourist visa to submit your documents?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, you likely qualify. Message us in Telegram and we’ll confirm based on your documents (and tell you exactly what to fix if something is missing).

What is the Digital Nomad residence permit in Spain?

In December 2022 the Spanish parliament approved a residence law for remote workers. You can apply either from Spain or at the Spanish consulate in your country of citizenship/residence

Online application from Spain

While you are legally in Spain. The initial permit can be issued for up to 3 years (or for the duration of your employment contract if shorter), with a possible renewal. Later, you may qualify for long‑term residence if you meet the requirements.

Application via the consulate

Apply through the Spanish consulate in your current country of residence. The visa is issued for 1 year; once it expires you will need to apply for the residence permit in Spain.

Legal Framework & Official Sources

Digital Nomad visas are regulated by Spanish law. Here are the official legal sources that govern this residence permit.

Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneur Support)

Main Spanish law supporting entrepreneurs and internationalization, establishing the legal framework for special residence permits.

View Official BOE Document

Law 28/2022 (Startup Law)

Startup ecosystem law that introduced the Digital Nomad visa and international teleworker residence permits.

View Startup Law Document

Official Application Instructions

Detailed joint instructions from Spanish ministries explaining the application procedure for international teleworkers.

View Instructions (PDF)

PRIE Official Portal

Official government portal with detailed information about international teleworker procedures and requirements.

Visit PRIE Portal

UGE Processing Unit

Ministry of Inclusion's Large Companies Unit (UGE) responsible for processing digital nomad applications.

Visit UGE Portal

The spouse or person with an analogous affective relationship, minor children or adults who, depending economically on the holder, have not constituted a family unit by themselves, and dependent ascendants who join or accompany the foreigners may request, jointly and simultaneously or successively, the authorization and, where appropriate, the visa.

Law 14/2013 — Article 62.4 - General requirements for stay or residence

The validity of this authorization shall have a maximum validity of three years unless requested for a shorter work period.

Law 14/2013 — Article 74 quinquies.2 - Residence for international telework

Main requirements

Not be an EU citizen

Formal employment or provision of services to legal entities — employment/self-employment/freelance for a legal entity registered outside Spain and existing for more than 1 year

Ability to work remotely from Spain

Income from €2,849 (2026) for the main applicant

Have worked for your current company for at least 3 months before applying

The company has existed for more than 1 year

No criminal record in the last 5 years

If applying from Spain: be legally in Spain at the time of submission

Timeline — applying from Spain

Collect documents

3-14 days

Arrive in Spain and submit documents online

Each applicant (including spouse, children, and infants) must be in Spain legally at the time of submission and prove it with documents

Waiting for the decision

maximum 20 working days

4 weeks

Receiving the resident card

from 30 days

Book an appointment (cita) with the police, give fingerprints (husband, wife, children, infants — everyone attends, each with their own cita); collect your resident cards 3-5 weeks later (maximum 30-35 days)

Document checklist

Detailed list of required documents for the main applicant and family members

Checklist for the Titular (nomad)

Scan of all passport pages

Entry stamp without an exit stamp — proves you are in Spain legally at the time of application

Fee payment

Modelo 790 038, €73.26

MI-T form

Completed and signed form

Contract

Employment or service contract, preferably open-ended, signed more than 3 months ago + sworn (jurado) translation!

Bank statement

For the last 3 months confirming payments under the contract (needs an electronic signature or original stamp and signature of the bank)

Company registration certificate

Certificate of Good Standing (USA/UK) or an equivalent registration document from your jurisdiction, showing the company was incorporated more than 1 year ago + apostille + sworn translation!

Letter from the company

Confirming remote work, including company name, position, contract date, salary in GBP/USD and euros, contract term and explicit permission to work remotely from Spain

Degree with apostille

Optional if available + sworn translation OR proof of more than 3 years' experience

CV / résumé

Mandatory

Social security document

Depends on your contract type: for employees — A1 certificate confirming UK/EU social-security coverage (not issued for employment in the USA) + sworn translation; for self-employed — letter of commitment to register as autonomo in Spain

Health insurance

Required for employees (employment contract). Not required for self-employed/freelancers

Police clearance certificate

From countries of residence for the last 2 years + apostille + sworn translation!

Declaration of no criminal record

Print and sign

Power of attorney

Optional, for a representative (if you are not using your own digital signature)

Proof of legal entry and stay

Optional: Declaracion de Entrada — MANDATORY if there is no entry stamp into Spain

Checklist for Familiar (spouse, child, parent)

MI-F form

Completed and signed form

Fee payment

Modelo 790 038, €73.26

Relationship documents

For spouse: marriage certificate + sworn translation (apostille requirements vary by country) + declaration confirming the marriage. For child: birth certificate + sworn translation

Passport

Scan of all pages

Finances

Salary letter from the main applicant's employer OR bank balance statement

Health insurance

Required for all family members

Police clearance certificate

From countries of residence for the last 2 years + apostille + sworn translation!

Declaration of no criminal record

Confirmation of no offences

Power of attorney

Optional, for a representative (if you are not using your own digital signature)

Proof of legal entry and stay

Optional: Declaracion de Entrada — MANDATORY if there is no entry stamp into Spain

What needs an apostille?

• police clearance certificate
• degree
• company registration certificate
• marriage and birth certificates (check local rules)

For UK and USA documents: police clearance certificates and company documents usually require an apostille. Apostille rules for marriage/birth certificates vary by country — verify with your local authority.

What needs a sworn (jurado) translation?

• police clearance certificate (+ apostille)
• marriage/birth certificates of children
• contract
• company registration confirmation (Companies House certificate, Certificate of Good Standing, etc.)
• degree / other proof of experience (employment record)
• A1 form (if applicable)

Everything else can be translated yourself (non-sworn). Upload a single file with the translation first and the original afterwards.

Spain vs Germany: Common Questions

Official answers to the most common questions about Digital Nomad visas in Spain

Leaning toward Spain?

Get personalized guidance on the Spain Digital Nomad visa process.

Spain vs Germany: Digital Nomad Options

Key facts about the residence permit

Spain vs Germany: Side-by-Side

Spain vs Germany: Key Numbers

Why Spain Over Germany?

What needs to be done?

What is the Digital Nomad residence permit in Spain?

Legal Framework & Official Sources

Law 14/2013 (Entrepreneur Support)

Law 28/2022 (Startup Law)

Official Application Instructions

PRIE Official Portal

UGE Processing Unit

Main requirements

Timeline — applying from Spain

Collect documents

Arrive in Spain and submit documents online

Waiting for the decision

Receiving the resident card

Document checklist

What needs an apostille?

What needs a sworn (jurado) translation?

Spain vs Germany: Common Questions

Why does Germany require local clients but Spain doesn't?

Why is Spain so much faster than Germany?

How do taxes compare between Spain and Germany?

Which is more English-friendly: Spain or Germany?

What about local job opportunities if I want to switch later?

What is an international teleworker?

Who can obtain authorization as an international teleworker?

Can a freelancer be considered an international teleworker?

Is registration with Social Security in Spain mandatory?

If the company has a branch in Spain, can I affiliate them to social security through that company or import social security rights from countries with agreements based on that transfer?

What other requirements are necessary?

Can they do other work in Spain?

What absences from the national territory can a teleworker accumulate?

Can family members obtain authorization/visa?

Can family members work in Spain?

Must minimum economic resources (means of living) be proven?

Leaning toward Spain?

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