Living in Spain while working remotely for a UK-based company is becoming increasingly common. Whether you’re relocating to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, seeking better weather and healthcare, or simply following your partner or family, this decision comes with important legal and administrative implications.
At Livin’Valencia, we support people who are moving to Valencia and Costa Blanca — not just as remote workers, but as individuals and families starting a new chapter. From housing and schools to paperwork and cross-border work situations, we provide comprehensive relocation assistance, connecting you with the right experts at every step.
In 2025, the regulatory landscape is clearer than before, but it remains complex. Visa requirements, tax obligations, and social security rules all vary depending on your situation. Understanding how these elements interact is essential to ensure legal compliance and avoid costly errors.
Understanding Your Legal Status: Residency, Visa and Work Rights
The first step when relocating to Spain is understanding what type of residency status applies to you. Your nationality, visa type (if applicable), and employment setup will determine what you’re legally allowed to do — and how you’ll be taxed.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work in Spain without a visa. However, if you stay more than 183 days a year, you’ll likely be considered a Spanish tax resident.
UK citizens and other non-EU nationals must apply for a visa. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is currently the most relevant option for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain. Other visa types — such as the self-employed visa or student visa — each come with specific restrictions. Notably, the non-lucrative visa does not allow remote work.
This is one of the many areas where Livin’Valencia steps in. As part of our relocation packages, we help you determine the right visa for your situation, introduce you to trusted immigration lawyers, and guide you through the application process — from preparing documentation to managing timelines and expectations.
Tax Residency: When and Where Are You Taxed?
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you are generally considered a Spanish tax resident. This means that you may need to pay income tax in Spain on your worldwide earnings, even if your company is based in the UK.
Spain uses a progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 19% to 47%. However, there is also the Beckham Law, which offers a flat 24% tax rate for eligible foreign employees working in Spain — but this only applies under certain employment conditions.
Thanks to the double taxation treaty between the UK and Spain, you won’t be taxed twice on the same income — but you do need to make sure that your UK employer stops deducting UK tax.
To clarify these aspects, we regularly connect our clients with cross-border tax experts. This ensures that your tax setup is accurate, optimised, and aligned with your residency and visa status. For many of our clients, understanding how and when to trigger tax residency is a critical part of their relocation timeline — and we make sure it’s handled with care.
Social Security Contributions: What’s Required and Who Pays?
Social security contributions are essential if you want access to Spain’s public healthcare and pension system. Whether you’re an employee or a freelancer, contributions are mandatory if you’re working from Spain.
If your UK employer agrees to register in Spain, you can be placed on the Spanish payroll, and the company will handle your contributions directly. This is often the preferred route for employees planning to stay long-term, as it simplifies access to benefits and avoids the need to register as self-employed.
If your employer does not register in Spain, then you will need to become an autónomo (freelancer) and handle these contributions yourself. As of 2025, the base contribution starts at €230/month, and your income determines the exact amount.
We know that registering as autónomo and managing social security paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially in a new country. That’s why Livin’Valencia’s relocation support includes introductions to trusted gestores — local administrative advisors who can help with registration, social security setup, invoicing, and ongoing filings.
Freelancer or Employee? Understanding Your Working Relationship
Whether you’re hired directly by your UK company or working as a freelancer has important consequences. Your tax, social security, and visa eligibility may vary depending on your employment status.
As a freelancer, you’ll need to invoice your company, handle your own quarterly tax and VAT returns, and take care of social security payments. As an employee, your UK company might handle everything — but only if they are registered in Spain, or willing to go through that process.
In both scenarios, Livin’Valencia can help you explore your options, understand your legal obligations, and move forward with clarity. We don’t just look at your work status — we consider your entire relocation picture: from family logistics to long-term plans. And when you’re ready to act, we connect you with experienced professionals who know the system inside out.
Digital Nomad Visa: A Popular Route for Non-EU Remote Workers
The Digital Nomad Visa remains the most popular solution for non-EU citizens working remotely from Spain. To qualify, you must prove that you work for a non-Spanish employer, have been working remotely for at least three months, and meet minimum income requirements.
This visa also covers accompanying family members, making it a practical option for couples or families planning to relocate together.
From eligibility checks to application support, Livin’Valencia provides full guidance as part of our relocation service. We’ll introduce you to the right immigration experts, help with translations and notarisation, and monitor your timeline to ensure a smooth process.
How You’re Paid Matters: Choosing the Right Payment Setup
How you receive your salary has implications for taxes, compliance, and even your day-to-day banking.
Some workers prefer to be paid in GBP into a UK account. This can be convenient but may incur currency exchange fees and requires you to declare foreign income in Spain. Others choose to be paid in euros into a Spanish account, often after their employer registers locally. Freelancers typically invoice their UK company in euros or pounds, depending on their agreement.
If you’re unsure what works best for your case, Livin’Valencia will help you review the options with a qualified accountant. We also support you in setting up a local bank account and choosing financial tools suited to cross-border incomes.
Remote Work Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Relocating to Spain as a remote worker is not only a career choice — it’s a life project. And it rarely stops at paperwork. Our clients often ask us for help finding the right place to live, enrolling their children in school, understanding the healthcare system, or planning future investments. These are all part of the same journey.
That’s why Livin’Valencia offers more than just isolated services. We provide an integrated relocation package that evolves with you — from the first consultation to your full integration in Spain. Whether you need a tax advisor, a property lawyer, a school consultant or a notary, we act as a reliable point of contact, helping you coordinate every aspect of your move.
Why Good Planning Makes All the Difference
Relocating to Valencia and working for a UK company can be enriching — professionally and personally. But the legal and administrative complexity shouldn’t be underestimated. Tax authorities are increasingly attentive to remote work setups. Mistakes, even unintentional, can lead to fines or visa issues.
What makes the difference is preparation. Understanding how to set up your residency, how to pay the right taxes, and how to contribute to social security are all critical to making your move sustainable.
At Livin’Valencia, we take the time to listen to your situation, map out the different paths, and guide you toward the most secure and compliant setup. Because a well-informed relocation is a successful relocation.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning to move to Valencia or already living here and working remotely for a UK company, we’re here to support you. Whether this is your first step or one of many, our relocation packages are designed to cover your legal, professional and personal needs — with clarity, empathy, and precision.
Remote work is just one part of your relocation. Let us take care of the full picture — from legal setup to daily life in Valencia. Contact us to start planning your move.
Let’s make your relocation simple, safe, and tailored to the way you live and work.
