Health care for Digital Nomads in Spain :
The Spanish Digital Nomad visa is a type of residency permit that is issued to non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies based abroad, or to self-employed professionals who work independently. As a digital nomad or teleworker in Spain, having access to reliable healthcare is crucial. This article was drafted by Marfour international Law firm and will provide an overview of how the healthcare system in Spain works for foreigners, including teleworkers based on the frequent questions we receive at our immigration department:
- Can I benefit from the health insurance system in Spain as a teleworker?
If you are a teleworker residing in Spain as a self-employed you are eligible to be included in the Social Security System. This means that you can benefit from the healthcare services provided by the system. The General Social Security Law, approved by the Royal Legislative Decree 8/2015, of October 30, extends the scope of application to cover all residents in Spain, regardless of their sex, marital status, or profession.
→ In case the teleworker is employed by a foreign company and there is not agreement between both countries: If the teleworker is employed by a foreign company not part of the social security convention with Spain, the company must register with the Spanish Social Security in order to register the teleworker in Spain as well.
→ In case the teleworker is self-employed:
If the teleworker is self-employed and provides services for foreign companies, he/she can register directly with the Special Regime of Self-Employed Workers (RETA) after obtaining the necessary authorization.
- Is there a possibility of not having to register with the Spanish Social Security?
Yes, but only if there is an agreement between Spain and the country where the worker is affiliated with their social security system. In this case, the worker would need to obtain a document from their country of origin’s security administration that accredits the coverage based on this international agreement while performing their functions in Spain.
- I do not need private health care insurance? :
Yes, for submitting the application. If you get enroll at the social security then you can stop you private health care.
