NEXO Spain

A path through the guides

Non-EU self-employed or remote worker

The procedures this situation usually goes through, in order. Each step says why it comes where it does, and links to its guide and official sources.

Who this is for

Citizenship
Non-EU citizens
Where you are
Still outside Spain
Why you are coming
Self-employment · Remote work

Where it leaves you

The steps

  1. One of these, whichever fits you

    Get a self-employed work permit (initial self-employed work authorization)

    Get permission to live in Spain and carry out a viable self-employed activity under the general immigration regime.

    When
    before starting the activity in Spain
    How long it takes
    case-dependent; viability and later visa/registration steps affect timing
    Legal deadline
    consular and post-approval timelines apply
    Cost
    current government and visa fees

    Lawyer for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

    Use a Ley 14/2013 mobility route

    Apply through UGE-CE for the specific Ley 14/2013 route that matches remote work, a highly qualified role or an innovative business project.

    When
    before or during qualifying legal stay, depending on route
    How long it takes
    statutory maximum 20-day resolution period for relevant UGE residence authorizations; document/visa steps are separate
    Legal deadline
    route-dependent
    Cost
    route-specific government fee

    Lawyer for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  2. Register your address in Barcelona

    Register the Barcelona address where you usually live so the city records your residence and you can prove it for later local procedures.

    When
    week 1
    How long it takes
    about 7 calendar days online when documents are correct
    Cost
    free
    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  3. Get your TIE card

    Get the physical foreigner identity card that documents an already granted qualifying residence or stay status.

    Comes after: Register your address in Barcelona, Use a Ley 14/2013 mobility route, Get a self-employed work permit (initial self-employed work authorization)

    When
    immediately after the qualifying authorization becomes effective
    How long it takes
    card-production timing varies; recent Barcelona reports often indicate about one month
    Legal deadline
    usually 1 month, from the event stated for the underlying authorization
    Cost
    current card fee

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  4. Get your Social Security number

    Get the personal Social Security number used for employment and other relationships with Spain’s Social Security system.

    When
    before starting work if no NUSS already exists
    How long it takes
    official maximum 45 days; many cases can be faster
    Legal deadline
    before the first Social Security alta that requires the number
    Cost
    free
    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  5. Only if you took: Get a self-employed work permit (initial self-employed work authorization)

    Register as self-employed for tax and Social Security

    Register a lawful self-employed activity with AEAT and TGSS before starting work, using the current tax census and RETA processes.

    Comes after: Get your Social Security number, Get a self-employed work permit (initial self-employed work authorization)

    When
    immediately before starting self-employed activity
    How long it takes
    registration timing depends on AEAT/TGSS channel; must be completed before activity begins
    Legal deadline
    before the activity starts
    Cost
    tax registration free; Social Security contributions depend on current net-income rules

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

Get started with your journey

Talk your situation through with a NEXO Expert, or write to us.

Talk to a NEXO Expert[email protected]

Information, not legal advice.