Spain and the United Kingdom are exploring a significant change to post-Brexit mobility rules that could reshape short-term work travel between the two countries.
In late 2025, Spain formally proposed a reciprocal 90-day work-visa waiver that would allow highly qualified British professionals to perform paid work in Spain — and Spanish professionals to do the same in the UK — without first obtaining a traditional sponsorship-based work visa.
This initiative aims to simplify short-term professional mobility, reduce administrative barriers and support flexible working models. In this article, we break down what the proposal is, who it would affect, and what it means for remote workers, consultants, digital nomads and multinational teams.
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What Is the 90-Day Work-Visa Waiver Proposal?
In December 2025, Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade presented a proposal at the Spanish-British business forum in London for a bilateral visa exemption for short-term work assignments. The idea is to create a reciprocal corridor allowing UK and Spanish professionals to work in the other country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a traditional work visa.
This would cover highly qualified service providers — such as consultants, technicians, executives, IT specialists and others who travel for client support, project implementation or similar professional tasks.
The arrangement would align with what is often referred to in trade law as “Mode 4” mobility, where short-term service provision crosses borders without requiring long-term residency permits
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Why the Proposal Matters Post-Brexit?
Since the UK left the EU, movement for work between the UK and EU (including Spain) has become more complicated. Previously, professionals could travel freely for business within the EU. But after Brexit, UK nationals must navigate separate visa systems for business and work stays — including potentially costly and time-consuming sponsorship visas.
For example:
In the UK, most paid work activity by foreign nationals requires a Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa, complete with employer sponsorship, visa fees and healthcare surcharges.
In Spain, working — even short-term — often requires specific permits unless covered by narrow exceptions that mainly apply to tourism and personal visits.
The proposed waiver could drastically reduce costs and bureaucracy for short assignments and make cross-border work much easier for professionals and companies alike.
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Who Would Benefit from the Waiver?
If adopted, the waiver could benefit:
⚙️ Remote Consultants and Specialists
Professionals who travel to a client’s site for a few weeks to support tech deployments, strategy work, training or troubleshooting.
📊 Business Travelers with Billable Work
Executives, project managers or analysts whose visits include chargeable professional services.
🤝 Cross-Border Teams and SMEs
Companies that frequently move talent between the UK and Spain but struggle with high visa costs and long processing times.
🧠 Short-Term Remote Assignments
Remote workers who travel for work assignments shorter than three months but currently face restrictive visa requirements.
The exemption could allow these professionals to work without needing a separate sponsorship visa, provided their employer remains responsible for salary and social-security contributions in their home country.
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What Still Needs to Be Negotiated
The waiver proposal remains under discussion. Key unresolved issues include:
➡️Tax coordination between Spain and the UK
➡️Social security implications during the period of stay
➡️Family members’ accompanying status
➡️Harmonizing the new exemption with existing EU-UK agreements and border systems
Both sides will have to agree on these points before the waiver can become effective. Analysts currently view implementation before the end of 2026 as optimistic but possible with political will.
What This Means for Remote Workers and Companies?
If approved, the waiver could offer:
👍 Greater Mobility
Professionals could undertake short-term work without long visa waits, sponsorship requirements or excessive costs.
👍 Simplified Travel Planning
Teams and individuals would benefit from a predictable 90-day window for temporary assignments.
👍 Competitive Advantage for Companies
Companies operating internationally could deploy talent faster and more flexibly, reducing HR burden and increasing agility.
⚠️ Still Under Negotiation
Until legislation or agreements are finalized, the current rules remain in place: remote workers or other professionals still usually need relevant visas or work permits for paid activities in Spain or the UK
Current Alternatives Before the Waiver Arrives
Even as negotiations continue, remote workers and companies can still plan ahead using existing routes:
Digital Nomad Visa (Spain) for remote workers wanting longer residence and work legal status.
Standard work permits for specialists who require longer stays.
Planning assignments to comply with the Schengen 90-day visa-free travel rule for non-work activities.
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How Knowmad Tribe Can Help Remote Workers Navigate This New Mobility Framework
Changes in international mobility rules — especially those still under negotiation — can be confusing for remote workers and companies alike.
Understanding what is permitted, what documentation is required and how to stay compliant is essential before planning any work stay abroad.
Knowmad Tribe supports remote workers and companies by simplifying this process.
Our role includes:
✔️Helping remote workers choose the right destination in Spain aligned with current visa and mobility rules
✔️Designing short-term and medium-term work stays that comply with existing regulations while offering high-quality work environments
✔️Coordinating accommodation, coworking spaces, transfers and local logistics, so professionals can focus on their work
✔️Supporting companies organizing temporary assignments, workations or team stays in Spain
➡️Get in touch with Knowmad tribe and start planning your remote work experience in Spain
