Relocating to Spain promises a vibrant lifestyle, rich culture, and beautiful surroundings. For many professionals, it’s a dream destination—made even better when you can maintain your current job while making the move. If your partner has received a job offer in Spain, you may want to move with them while continuing to work remotely or maintaining your employment with a company in another country.

However, making this transition comes with a host of legal, tax, and administrative considerations. This guide explores how to overcome these challenges, from choosing the right visa to understanding tax residency rules, all while ensuring compliance with Spanish labour laws.

Visa and residency options for professionals relocating to Spain

Spain offers different pathways depending on your citizenship. For non-EU residents, the Digital Nomad Visa is a particularly attractive option. This recently introduced visa allows remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies to live in Spain while performing their job duties entirely online. Moreover, non-EU citizens may explore traditional work visas or self-employment permits, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.

For EU/EEA citizens, the process is much simpler. Due to the freedom of movement within the EU, these individuals do not need a visa to live and work in Spain. However, they still need to register their residency and obtain a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) to fully integrate into the country’s administrative system.

If you are moving to Spain because your partner has secured a job, your residency status may depend on theirs. Non-EU partners may need to apply for a family reunification visa or secure their own employment sponsorship.

Meanwhile, EU/EEA citizens moving with a partner generally face fewer administrative hurdles, so long as proper residency documentation is completed.

Tax residency and social security implications

One of the first things to determine is whether you’ll be considered a tax resident in Spain. Generally, if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you become a tax resident and are subject to Spanish income tax on worldwide earnings.

Double taxation agreements between Spain and other countries help prevent paying tax twice on the same income, but it’s crucial to understand how these treaties apply to your specific situation. Consulting with a tax advisor can help clarify your obligations.

Social security contributions also play a key role. If you remain employed by a foreign company, you may need to contribute to Spanish social security or maintain coverage through your home country. These contributions affect access to healthcare, pensions, and other benefits, so ensure you understand who pays what.

Employment contracts and legal considerations

Your employment contract type often determines the legal and tax framework. If you’re employed directly by a Spanish company, your contract must comply with Spanish labour laws. If you continue working for a foreign employer, it’s important to determine whether you need a Spanish employment contract or if your current arrangement is sufficient.
Foreign companies employing expats in Spain without a local legal entity risk non-compliance. In some cases, having a Spanish contract is mandatory, particularly when the employee works exclusively in Spain.

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is another potential issue, leading to penalties and tax liabilities. Reviewing your contract and ensuring it meets Spanish legal standards is key to relocating successfully.

Practical steps for relocating with a partner

Once you’ve addressed the legal and tax aspects of relocating with your partner, it’s important to focus on practical matters that will help you settle in while maintaining your job. Begin by registering with Spanish healthcare services and obtaining a social security number. Access to Spain’s public healthcare system provides peace of mind and is often a requirement for residency.

When moving to Spain with a partner, it’s essential to address a few key practical steps early on:

1. Register with Spanish healthcare services. Begin by signing up for Spain’s public healthcare system and obtaining a social security number. Having access to Spain’s public healthcare not only provides peace of mind but is often a residency requirement.
2. Arrange housing accommodations. Renting is usually the simplest option for newcomers, as it allows you to settle quickly while exploring long-term possibilities. However, if you’re planning a more permanent stay, buying property may be a worthwhile investment.
3. Integrate into the culture. Learning basic Spanish and familiarising yourself with local customs can help you feel more connected and less like an outsider. Connecting with other expats or joining local community groups can also provide valuable support during the transition.
4. Research schooling options if you have children. Look into local schools or international programs to ensure your children have a stable educational environment. Starting this process early will help ease the transition for the entire family.

Cultural integration is another important factor. Learning basic Spanish, understanding local customs, and connecting with other expats can make the transition smoother. If you have children, researching local schools or international education options ensures they’re well cared for.

By tackling these practical steps methodically, you’ll set a strong foundation for your new life in Spain, making the move less stressful and helping you and your partner feel at home sooner.

How an Employer of Record can help professionals relocate and work legally in Spain?

A Spanish Employer of Record (EOR) provides a straightforward solution for professionals working in Spain while employed by a foreign company. An EOR acts as a local employer on behalf of the foreign company, ensuring all legal and tax requirements are met.

For instance, if the company you work for doesn’t have a legal entity in Spain, the EOR issues a locally compliant contract, handles payroll, withholds the appropriate taxes, and manages social security contributions.

This not only keeps you compliant with Spanish labour laws but also provides access to employment benefits such as healthcare and retirement contributions.
Using an EOR can also streamline the visa process. For non-EU nationals, the EOR can often assist in meeting the legal criteria for residence and work permits.

Let’s say you are a British software engineer and your partner has accepted a job offer in Spain. You want to move with them while continuing your remote job at a UK-based company. Managing Spanish employment compliance can be tricky—especially if your employer doesn’t have a local branch in Spain.

An EOR can make the process smooth: ensuring that you’re employed under a Spanish-compliant contract, paying local taxes and social security contributions on your behalf, and even guiding you through necessary documentation for you and your partner. This means you both can focus on settling into your new home in Spain without worrying about legal or administrative hurdles.

Relocate with your partner with ease

Relocating to Spain with your partner while keeping your current job is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning. By taking proactive steps to address these issues—and considering the support of an Employer of Record—you can confidently enjoy your new life in Spain while maintaining a compliant and rewarding career.

If you’re ready to simplify your move to Spain and ensure full compliance, contact us today to learn how our EOR services can help.