Planning a workation in Mallorca? Or a business trip to Madrid or Barcelona? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Spain, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Madrid
Telephone code
+43
Official language
Spanish, other co-official languages regionally
Currency
Euro
Time zone
CET (UTC+1) / WET (UTC+0)
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly.
As part of the European Union, Spain adheres to regulations that coordinate social security among EU/EEA member states and Switzerland. One key regulation is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, which ensures that social security systems operate smoothly across borders.
Additionally, Spain has entered into numerous social security treaties with various countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance (see here).
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid A1 certificate (if traveling from another EEA country or Switzerland to Spain) or a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) (if traveling from a country outside the EU).
Tax compliance
As a member of the OECD, many of Spain's tax treaties are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. This framework provides guidelines for structuring tax treaties and covers various types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income. In addition to these guidelines, Spain has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, available here.
Despite the existence of many tax treaties and the adoption of the OECD Model Tax Convention, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Spain, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
PWD notification obligations for business trips
Under European law, employers are generally required to register their employees’ postings with local labour authorities in the destination country, i.e. to submit a PWD notification. This notification serves several important purposes, including balancing worker mobility with the protection of their rights. PWD notification obligations apply in Spain.
As a consequence, to stay compliant with the PWD obligations, employees traveling to Spain must comply with several local working conditions, notably must receive at least the same pay as local employees in similar roles. The remuneration conditions are outlined in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements, which consider factors such as the relevant sector and the employee's seniority.
WorkFlex helps employers to manage PWD notifications efficiently and compliantly. Learn more about the solution here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Spain, here's a quick overview:
- Short-term stay: If you’re a citizen or residence permit holder from a Schengen Zone country, you can enjoy a stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. If you're coming from a non-Schengen country, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays of up to 90 days.
- Long-term stay: Planning to stay longer than 90 days? In that case, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
- Digital nomad visa: The digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in Spain for up to 12 months, provided they meet specific income requirements and other criteria.
For those planning a business trips to Spain, here’s what you need to know:
- Short-term trip: If you’re a citizen or a residence permit holder of a Schengen country, you can enter Spain for short business trips without needing a visa, and you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For travelers from non-Schengen countries, you’ll likely need a Schengen Business Visa. This visa allows you to move freely throughout the Schengen Area for your business activities.
- Long-stay visa: If your business plans involve staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a specific long-stay visa. The requirements can vary based on the nature of your business activities, so it's a good idea to check the specifics on the websites of Spanish authorities.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Spain work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 40 hours. The typical workday usually starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM, often including a lunch break of 1 to 2 hours, which is common in many workplaces.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- January 6: Epiphany (Regional)
- Varied date, typically March or April: Good Friday
- May 1: Labor Day / May Day
- August 15: Assumption of Mary
- October 12: Spain's National Day
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- December 6: Constitution Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. Please visit the link here to learn about them.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. In addition to adhering to your home country's regulations, it’s important to note that since Spain is a member of the EU, the GDPR will apply during your trip.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Spain for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it’s essential to have adequate health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, responsibility can sometimes be less clear. Regardless of whether insurance is provided by the employer or purchased by the employee, international coverage is crucial for a safe and secure trip.
For travelers using WorkFlex:
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to public healthcare services within France’s national health system, covering essential services like doctor visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medications (urgent or necessary medical care to the same extent as for local residents). The EHIC is valid only at public healthcare facilities, so check your private health insurance policy to confirm whether additional coverage is provided for private healthcare services.
- Citizens of other countries: Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Since the 2017 incidents in Barcelona and Cambrils, Spain has maintained the second-highest national security level to ensure public safety.
- Remain vigilant in crowded areas and at large events.
- Monitor global security advisories for any relevant updates.
Crime
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, is a concern in larger cities and popular tourist destinations, such as the Balearic Islands, the Mediterranean coast, and the Canary Islands. In Barcelona, there have been occasional reports of violence toward tourists, as well as break-ins at vacation accommodations.
Due to higher crime rates in tourist-heavy areas and concerns over drug-related incidents, it is especially advised to ensure professional supervision for youth trips. Along Spanish highways—particularly on the A7 between the French-Spanish border at La Jonquera and Barcelona—tourists may occasionally encounter scams. Common tactics include other drivers signaling issues by honking or throwing objects to draw attention to a supposed vehicle problem, such as a flat tire, followed by an "offer" of assistance.
To help ensure a safe trip, consider these tips:
- Keep money, IDs, driver’s licenses, and other important documents secure and separate. Electronic copies can assist in the event of loss or theft.
- Prefer cashless payments and carry only the cash needed for the day, leaving unnecessary valuables behind.
- Stay especially alert in crowded areas, such as airports (even in secure zones), train stations, subways, and buses.
- Review safety advice from Spanish authorities and, if visiting Barcelona, consult local guidelines on tourist safety.
- Avoid stopping on the roadside; instead, proceed to the nearest gas station or populated rest area and call emergency number 112 to report any issues.
- When stopping at gas stations or rest areas, keep valuables out of sight, lock your vehicle, and remain cautious.
- If you need roadside assistance, verify that the service vehicle displays the "Autopistas" symbol or the logo of the service you contacted.
- Be cautious with unsolicited communications, such as unusual phone calls, emails, prize offers, or pleas for help from unknown contacts. Avoid sharing personal information, and contact the police to verify any suspicious outreach.
Spain has a diverse climate that varies by region.
East and south coasts (Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Alicante, and others)
- The Mediterranean climate dominates, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Northern regions (Bilbao, San Sebastian, and others)
- Oceanic climate with milder temperatures and more precipitation year-round.
Central Spain (Madrid, Toledo and others)
- Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Airports
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD)
Location: Madrid, the capital of Spain
When to use:
- If you are traveling to Madrid or nearby central Spain.
- Best for connecting flights to other parts of Spain or international destinations due to its large number of connections and frequent flights.Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Location: Barcelona, Catalonia region
When to use:
- Ideal for reaching Barcelona and the broader Catalonia region.
- Great option for trips to northern and northeastern Spain.
- Direct flights to major European and intercontinental destinations. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Location: Málaga, Andalusia region
When to use:
- Best for access to the Costa del Sol, popular beach destinations, and southern Spain.
- Convenient for both leisure and business travelers headed to Andalusian cities.Valencia Airport (VLC)
Valencia Airport (VLC)
Location: Málaga, Andalusia region
When to use:
- Optimal for visiting Valencia and its surrounding coastal areas.
- Good for trips to eastern Spain, including Alicante.
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Location: Bilbao, Basque Country
When to use:
- Best for travel to the Basque Country and northern Spain.
- Good choice for exploring the Cantabrian coastline and Pyrenees.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Location: Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
When to use:
- The main gateway for the island of Mallorca and other Balearic Islands.
- Use for leisure travel, especially to beach resorts and holiday spots.
Train stations
Barcelona Sants
The most well-connected for international high-speed travel, making it the go-to option for travelers to France and Switzerland.
International connections: France, Switzerland
Madrid Puerta de Atocha Station
Offers fewer international options but is the main gateway for connections to the rest of Spain andlimited routes to Portugal.
International connections: Portugal, France (limited)
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Cabify
- Bolt
- Free Now
Public transportation
High-Speed Trains (AVE)
Spain’s AVE trains connect major cities quickly and comfortably, ideal for business travel.
Suburban trains (Cercanías)
Suburban trains connect cities with surrounding towns. Operated by Renfe, they’re ideal for short trips in regions like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.
Metro
Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao have extensive metro networks.
Buses
Every city has a comprehensive bus network. Intercity and regional buses are available for longer distances, and ALSA is a major intercity bus provider.