Expats

International Mobility

We manage the international mobility of employees, remote professionals and digital nomads — from the work visa application to the applicable international taxation.

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20,000+
Expat cases managed
98%
Approval rate
International workforce mobility
What it is

International mobility for expat workers

Expat worker management covers every legal area an employee may go through when relocating to another country. We support and represent each worker and their family, handling the necessary paperwork to make the move to their new country a success.

Mobility routes

Residence permits in Spain

Every professional profile has an option. We help you identify yours.

Employees

  • Intra-company transfer (ICT) — relocation within the same corporate group
  • Posted worker visa / posting — postings within the EU, subject to the Posting of Workers Directive
  • Relocation of non-EU workers — mobility for staff from outside the EU

Self-employed

  • Self-employment work permit — for freelancers and professionals moving their business activity to Spain
  • Entrepreneur visa — for innovative projects with a favorable report
  • Relocation of partners and directors — mobility for those who run their own company

Digital nomads

  • International remote worker visa — for people who work remotely
  • Requires a prior employment or service relationship — of a minimum, provable length with the foreign company or clients
  • Specific tax regime — option to apply for the special tax regime
professional profile

Find your international mobility option

👤Employees

If your company is relocating you, you need to keep proof of your employment relationship and your social security coverage (Spanish registration or a social security posting certificate). We also advise you on family reunification if your family is moving with you.

💡Entrepreneurs

If you are moving your self-employed activity, the key is proving the viability of your project or professional activity, with a business plan and a favorable report from the competent authority. We help you prepare that documentation from the start until a decision is issued.

🏢Companies

If you are posting workers to Spain or abroad, you must justify the reason for the posting and the link between the home and host companies, and comply with the labor authority in the destination country. We coordinate the entire process with your HR department.

Methodology

How we manage your international mobility

Legal management focused on anticipating needs, for both the worker and the company.

1

Case assessment

We analyze the worker’s profile and the reason for the posting, and determine the most suitable legal route.

2

Document preparation

We gather and validate the documentation from the home company, the host company and the posted worker.

3

Filing and registration

We submit the application and handle the social security certificate or the Social Security registration required for the posting.

4

Active follow-up

We support the worker and the company throughout the stay, including renewals and changes in circumstances.

Need advice on international mobility?

Free consultation with a specialist. You will receive a complete assessment.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about international mobility

What is the difference between an intra-company transfer and local hiring?
In an intra-company transfer, the employee keeps their employment relationship with the home company and moves temporarily to Spain or another country within the group. With local hiring, on the other hand, a new contract is signed under the employment law of the destination country.
How long can an employee be posted to Spain?
It depends on the route: an intra-company transfer (ICT) is usually authorized for an initial period of up to 3 years, while posting of workers within the EU has different time limits depending on the applicable agreement. We assess this case by case.
What happens to a posted worker’s social security?
If there is an applicable agreement or EU regulation, the employee can keep paying social security contributions in their home country with a posting certificate for the authorized period. Otherwise, they must register with the Spanish Social Security system.
Can the posted worker’s family come with them to Spain?
Yes, the spouse and children can apply for a family reunification residence permit or, in the case of intra-company transfers, a permit linked to the posted family member, provided they can prove sufficient financial means and adequate housing.
What is the posting registration (LEX/VSM)?
It is the system through which companies posting workers to Spain must notify the competent labor authority of the posting, providing details of the worker, the company and the activity, before or at the start of the services.
Can I move to Spain as a freelancer or entrepreneur?
Yes, through a self-employment work permit if you carry out a professional or freelance activity, or through the entrepreneur visa if your project is innovative and has a favorable report from the competent authority.
Which visa do I need if I am a digital nomad working for a foreign company?
The international remote worker (digital nomad) visa, designed for people who work remotely for a company or clients outside Spain. You must prove a prior employment or service relationship of a minimum length.