UGE-CE in Spain: Residence Permits and Applications (2026)

By Nodisea Legal Team·February 21, 2025·5 min read

Updated: 4 October 2026

Spain’s Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE), commonly called the UGE, processes specific residence authorisations for international professionals, entrepreneurs and their families.

Its remit includes the international teleworking residence authorisation, often referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa when discussing the wider immigration route. Understanding which authority handles your application helps you choose the correct procedure and prepare the right documents.

Which residence permits does the UGE process?

The main routes include:

Route	Who it is for
International teleworkers	Applicants carrying out qualifying remote employment or professional activity for companies outside Spain.
Highly qualified professionals	Applicants with a qualifying role in Spain, through the national authorisation or EU Blue Card route.
Entrepreneurs	Applicants developing an innovative project or one of special economic interest to Spain, supported by a favourable ENISA report.
Researchers	Applicants undertaking qualifying research activities with an eligible institution or organisation.
Intra-company transfers	Workers undertaking qualifying transfers within a company or group of companies.
Audiovisual and cultural work	Qualifying workers covered by the applicable sector-specific procedures.

Each route has its own eligibility rules. A job offer, business ownership or the ability to work remotely is only part of the assessment.

The UGE and Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

For international teleworkers, the application route depends on where the applicant is and their immigration status:

Applying from abroad: the international teleworking visa application is handled by the relevant Spanish consulate.
Applying while legally in Spain: eligible applicants may request an international teleworking residence authorisation through the UGE. This authorisation can be granted for up to three years, depending on the qualifying work period.

Your employment or professional relationship, qualifications, financial resources and Social Security arrangements must satisfy the requirements of the route.

Our Digital Nomad Visa Spain guide explains the requirements, documents and how Nodisea can assist with your application.

How does the application process work?

For authorisations governed by Law 14/2013, applications and subsequent documents are submitted electronically through the Ministry’s designated platform.

The usual stages are:

Choose the appropriate route. Check the planned activity, eligibility requirements and who must submit the application.
Prepare the supporting documents. Follow the current checklist for that authorisation, including any required apostilles, legalisations or translations.
Submit electronically. Pay the applicable fee, submit the application and retain the filing receipt.
Monitor notifications. Respond to requests for further information within the deadline stated in the notification.
Complete the steps after approval. Arrange any required Social Security registration and the TIE procedure, including the relevant police appointment and subsequent card collection.

Document preparation and obtaining the physical residence card are separate stages from the UGE’s decision on the application.

How long does the UGE take to decide?

For residence applications covered by Article 76 of Law 14/2013, the statutory maximum decision period is 20 working days from electronic submission to the competent authority.

Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and applicable public holidays. A request to correct an application or provide additional documents can suspend the decision period while the request is being addressed.

Where the applicable deadline expires without a decision, the law provides for positive administrative silence. The filing date, notifications and any suspension periods must be checked before relying on that result.

For a practical explanation of the stages, see our Spanish Digital Nomad Visa timeline.

Health insurance and Social Security

The general framework allows qualifying public or private health coverage. The evidence required depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

For international teleworkers, the UGE’s documentation distinguishes applicants who will register with Spanish Social Security from those relying on international coverage. A certificate maintaining coverage in a foreign Social Security system does not necessarily establish entitlement to healthcare in Spain.

Where separate health insurance is required, it must meet the applicable coverage standards. The UGE’s teleworker guidance excludes travel insurance, reimbursement-only policies and policies with co-payments or waiting periods.

Private health insurance does not replace the applicant’s Social Security obligations. Both issues should be checked when preparing the application.

Can family members apply?

Under Law 14/2013, eligible family members include:

A spouse or partner in an analogous relationship.
Minor children.
Adult children who are financially dependent and have not formed their own family unit.
Dependent ascendants.

Family members may apply together with the main applicant or subsequently. Each applicant needs the relevant supporting documents and their own authorisation.

Qualifying family residence authorisations allow work in Spain, subject to applicable age and professional requirements. Healthcare entitlement must also be established through the relevant coverage arrangements.

Help with your UGE application

Nodisea can assess the appropriate residence route, review your documents and assist with the application process.

If you are planning to apply as an international teleworker, we can help you evaluate your work arrangement, application location, Social Security position and family applications.

Book a free 15-minute immigration consultation to discuss your circumstances.