Over the past few months, at ARC Legal we have been observing a significant shift in how the Spanish Administration is supervising compliance with the requirements of residence permits for digital nomads.
What initially appeared to be isolated cases in practice has recently been confirmed in a broader institutional context. At the conference International Mobility and Overseas Hiring, organized by the Confederación de Empresarios de Andalucía and attended by ARC Legal Abogados, the Director of the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE-CE) confirmed that these are not occasional reviews, but rather part of a structural trend: the Administration is carrying out systematic monitoring of granted permits, with a particular focus on compliance with Social Security registration requirements. This is already leading to termination procedures in cases where such requirements are not met.
⏺️ A growing volume of applications and stricter oversight
One of the most relevant points highlighted during the conference was the sheer volume of cases currently being handled by the unit. Every day, hundreds of digital nomad-related applications are filed before the UGE, including not only main applicants but also dependent family members.
In this context, the Administration has adopted a much more rigorous review approach:
- Granted permits are being thoroughly reassessed
- Compliance with requirements is being actively verified after approval
- Data is being cross-checked with the Social Security system to confirm effective registration
Although no specific percentage of terminations was disclosed, it was clearly stated that these reviews are being carried out on a systematic basis.
⏺️ Reviews ex officio and during renewal procedures
A particularly important point is that these checks are not limited to a specific stage of the process.
The Administration is currently acting on two fronts:
Ex officio reviews of already granted permits
Assessment of compliance during renewal procedures
This means that even individuals who already hold a valid residence permit may be affected if they are not fully complying with the applicable requirements.
⏺️ A key requirement many applicants are overlooking
One of the fundamental pillars of the residence permit for international remote workers is the existence of a genuine and ongoing professional activity. This goes beyond simply providing a contract or demonstrating income. The regulations also require the applicant to be properly registered within the applicable Social Security system:
- In Spain, through registration with the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA),
- Or in the country of origin, where applicable, through valid Social Security coverage certificates.
The issue is that many applicants, once their permit has been granted, do not maintain this registration status or never properly formalize it in the first place.
⏺️ What happens if this requirement is not met?
When the Administration detects that the permit holder is not registered with Social Security, it may initiate a procedure that could ultimately lead to the termination of the residence permit.
The consequences can be significant:
- Loss of the right to reside and work in Spain
- Negative impact on future renewals or new applications
- Potential implications for dependent family members
⏺️ How can ARC Legal Abogados assist you?
At ARC Legal, we do not only manage your application from start to finish—we also support you throughout the entire validity period of your residence permit.
We explain, in a clear and practical way, what you need to do after obtaining your permit in order to remain fully compliant with all legal requirements, particularly in relation to Social Security obligations, professional activity, and maintenance of conditions.
We can assist you with:
- Ensuring compliance with deadlines and obligations from day one
- Identifying potential risks before a renewal or administrative review
- Preparing documentation in response to requests from the Administration
- Designing a legal strategy for your initial application or renewal
At ARC Legal Abogados, we analyze each case individually and design a tailored strategy to maximize the chances of success and avoid unnecessary delays in the process.
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¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: España endurece el control sobre autorizaciones de nómadas digitales concedidas
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is subject to continuous interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we strive to provide up-to-date and verified information based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a qualified professional before starting any application or making legal decisions. If you need personalised advice, feel free to contact our firm.