Remote worker sitting on a terrace in rural Spain

Spain’s New Remote-Work Rules in 2025

Spain News Published: 24 November 2025 22:56 CET

Spain has introduced a major update to its remote-work legislation as of 24 November 2025, and the changes are significant for anyone living in Spain while working for a foreign or Spanish employer. If you're a UK expat or any international resident relying on telework, these new rules affect your rights, obligations, costs and health-insurance considerations.

What Has Changed in Spain’s Remote-Work Law?

The new telework regulation updates the 2021 framework and tightens several obligations for employers and protections for workers. Remote work is now officially defined 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 now 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 now carry enhanced health-and-safety responsibilities for the employee’s home workspace.
Telework agreements must be reviewed once a year.

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 new rules have practical consequences.

You now 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 and updated each year.
If you’re living in Spain but employed abroad, these rules affect how your employer handles your working hours, equipment and cost reimbursements.
The updated 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 new rules.
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 updated 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 now more important.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Working without a formal agreement — this now 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.