Spain’s Remote-Work Rules: What Expats Need to Know

What Spain’s Remote-Work Law Says

The 2021 telework law (Law 10/2021) sets several obligations for employers and protections for workers. Remote work is defined in Law 10/2021 as completing at least 30% of contracted hours from home or another off-site location over a three-month period.

• A written telework agreement is mandatory for all remote-work arrangements.
• Employers must provide or pay for equipment, internet and electricity used for work.
• The “right to disconnect” is strengthened with internal company policies becoming compulsory.
• Employers carry enhanced health-and-safety responsibilities for the employee’s home workspace.

The 30% Threshold Explained

If you work hybrid or fully remote, you must meet the 30% minimum for your role to be officially recognised as telework. This impacts cost reimbursements, legal protections and employer obligations.

Written Telework Agreements

The agreement must specify working hours, availability windows, equipment provided, reimbursement details, and procedures for modifying or ending the arrangement.

How These Changes Affect Expats in Spain

Whether you work for a UK employer, a Spanish company, or operate under a visa requiring remote work, these rules have practical consequences.

• You have stronger legal protection when working from home.
• Your employer must legally cover telework-related expenses.
• Changes in work location or work patterns must be documented in a written change to the agreement.
• If you’re living in Spain but employed abroad, these rules affect how your employer handles your working hours, equipment and cost reimbursements.
• The legal definition of telework may influence applications for residency cards or digital-nomad-style work arrangements.

Impact on Health-Insurance Decisions

With more expats now spending longer hours at home and relying on private care for convenience, these changes can influence your choice of health insurance. Remote working often increases reliance on digital services, telemedicine and fast access to specialists — areas where private cover is particularly beneficial.

Action Steps for Expats Working Remotely in Spain

Here’s what you should review immediately to stay compliant and protected:

• Confirm whether you already have a written telework agreement.
• Request reimbursement for internet, electricity or equipment costs you currently pay yourself.
• Check whether your employer has implemented an official “right to disconnect” policy.
• Ensure your home workspace meets ergonomic and safety standards required under the law.
• Review your health-insurance policy to ensure it supports your remote-work lifestyle, including digital services and quick access to private care.

For Those on Remote-Work or Residency-Linked Visas

The legal definition of telework may influence how authorities assess applications tied to income, employment structure or work-pattern consistency. Keeping accurate records of hours worked from Spain is important.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Working without a formal agreement — this breaches Spanish labour law.
• Paying out-of-pocket for work-related expenses your employer must legally cover.
• Failing to update your agreement when you move home or change working hours.
• Ignoring ergonomic or safety requirements, which could cause legal issues in the event of a work-related injury.
• Relying only on public healthcare while working from home full-time — wait times and limited appointment availability may not suit remote workers’ needs.

Choosing Health Insurance That Supports a Remote-Work Lifestyle

If you’re spending more time at home, you’ll rely more on digital health tools, video consultations, rapid diagnostics and direct access to specialists. Private medical insurance offers significant advantages here, especially if you need fast appointments, English-speaking support or predictable annual costs.

To explore options, visit our affordable Sanitas health-insurance plans.

Sources

• Euro Weekly News – Spain’s new remote-work rules (24 Nov 2025)
• BOE: Law 10/2021 on remote work (consolidated text)