Question
My initial question is can I move to Spain on a Spain Digital Nomad Visa if I am the director of my own UK Ltd company? I would remain self employed and pay myself as I do currently from my Ltd company.
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“ Yes, there are 2 options to apply as a business owner.
- Declaring you are a business owner and showing ownership + documentation of stable continuous activity.
- With a work contract between you as a person and your Ltd.
Option 1 can hit a snag with the tax office as after you are approved your business would be considered a permanent establishment (PE) in Spain, therefore you would have to register your business and pay company taxes in Spain.
If your business is registered in Spain it invalidates the Digital Nomad Residency which must be with a business outside Spain. So it is a Catch 22 between the Immigration office and the tax office.
Before choosing that route you should speak with a Spanish Tax Lawyer familiar with the DN and PE and work backwards from there.”
“ Clearly more investigating to do and advice to be sought. Is option 2 easier than option 1?”
“ Generally, yes.”
“ In theory, yes, but we need a bit more information to check whether you definitely qualify!
As a UK company owner, you’ll need to be able to prove the following:
- Ownership or Effective Control of the Company.
- Company’s Activity and Duration (must be 12 months minimum).
- Supporting Financial and Business Documents:
- Latest corporate tax return.
- Proof of investments in productive assets or means.
- Social security report showing history of employees registered under the company.
- Income Verification – depending on how you’re paid which you don’t state in the question, you might need your personal tax return.
- Authorisation.”
“ Thank you. I’m confident I can show all you’ve stated in your reply. I have no employees. Just me running the business. Freelance training. It’s been going for 11 years in the UK. I pay myself a small salary then take dividends.”
Conclusion
The Spainguru community agrees that applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa as the director of a UK Ltd company is possible, but it requires careful preparation. Applicants can apply either as business owners showing proof of continuous activity or by creating a formal work contract between themselves and their UK Ltd company.
However, caution is needed. Applying as a business owner may trigger tax residency complications, as Spain could view the UK company as having a permanent establishment in Spain—requiring local tax registration and potentially invalidating the visa.
Most contributors recommend option 2 (the work contract approach) and consulting a Spanish tax lawyer to ensure compliance with both immigration and tax authorities. With strong financial documentation and a proper contract, many UK Ltd company owners can successfully apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
FAQ
Can I apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa if I’m the director of my own UK Ltd company?
Yes, you can. There are two main ways: applying as a business owner showing company ownership and activity, or creating a work contract between yourself and your UK Ltd company.
Which option is easier for Digital Nomad Visa applicants with a UK Ltd company?
Most applicants find the second option—using a work contract between the individual and the UK Ltd company—simpler and safer, as it avoids potential tax complications.
What is the “permanent establishment” issue mentioned by members?
If the Spanish tax authorities determine your UK Ltd company has a “permanent establishment” in Spain, you may need to pay corporate taxes there. This could invalidate your Digital Nomad Visa, which requires the company to operate outside Spain.
What documents do I need to apply through my UK Ltd company?
You’ll typically need to show proof of company ownership, tax returns, evidence of company activity (at least 12 months), financial statements, and a work contract or authorisation to work remotely from Spain.
Should I consult a tax lawyer before applying?
Yes. A Spanish tax lawyer familiar with Digital Nomad Visa rules can help you navigate tax residency issues and ensure your application structure complies with both UK and Spanish regulations.
