Eight years ago, our founder sold up in the UK and moved to the Costa Cálida. Most of our UK clients stayed with us — because for a digital business, the days of needing in-person meetings and expensive offices are largely over.
If you are considering a similar move, or already run a business from Spain with clients back in the UK or Ireland, here are the practical lessons we have learned.
Is it possible?
For many service businesses — web design, marketing, writing, consulting, bookkeeping, design, IT support, translation and more — absolutely. Clients increasingly care about results and responsiveness, not where you sit. The key is managing the practicalities properly.
Get the legal and tax basics right
This is the area where professional advice is essential. Every situation is different, so speak to advisers in both countries. Things to consider include:
- Residency: if you live in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, or your centre of economic interests is there, you are likely to be considered tax resident in Spain and taxed on your worldwide income. The UK–Spain and Ireland–Spain double taxation agreements help avoid paying tax twice.
- Business structure: working as an autónomo in Spain, forming a Spanish company or keeping a UK or Irish company all have different implications. See marketing your business as an autónomo if you go the autónomo route.
- Immigration: since Brexit, UK citizens need an appropriate visa or residency status to live and work in Spain. Spain has introduced options such as a digital nomad visa for remote workers, with specific conditions.
- VAT on cross-border services: the rules for invoicing UK and Irish clients depend on whether they are businesses or consumers and where they are based. Your gestor will advise.
- Invoicing rules: if you are in Spain, be aware of Verifactu — see our Verifactu guide.
Communication is everything
When clients cannot pop into your office, communication becomes the foundation of trust.
- Be easy to reach. Use a UK or Irish phone number (many VoIP services provide one), plus email and messaging.
- Respond quickly. Agree response times and stick to them.
- Schedule regular calls. Video calls replace face-to-face meetings remarkably well.
- Mind the time difference. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK and Ireland for most of the year. It is small, but remember it when booking calls.
- Be transparent. Clear quotes, regular updates and honest reporting build confidence. We work on agreed hours with no surprise invoices for exactly this reason.
Tools that make it work
- Video conferencing for meetings.
- Cloud storage and document collaboration.
- Project management tools so clients can see progress.
- A CRM to track clients and opportunities (see do you need a CRM?).
- Online invoicing and multi-currency banking to handle payments in pounds and euros.
- Reliable internet — check fibre availability and have a mobile data backup.
Staying visible with clients at home
Out of sight can become out of mind. To stay front of mind with UK and Irish clients and prospects:
- Be active on LinkedIn. It is the best platform for staying visible to UK and Irish business audiences. See our LinkedIn starter guide.
- Send a regular newsletter. See email marketing for small businesses.
- Publish useful content that demonstrates your expertise.
- Ask for referrals and reviews. See building a referral programme.
- Visit occasionally if it makes sense — a trip home to see key clients can strengthen relationships enormously.
Turn your location into a strength
Rather than hiding the fact you are in Spain, make it part of your story. It can show that you are modern, organised and efficient. Lower overheads can also mean better value for clients — something we are proud to pass on.
Build a local network too
Even if most of your clients are in the UK or Ireland, building connections in Spain brings opportunities, friendships and support. Local businesses on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida need the same services too.
The lifestyle benefit is real
Running a business from Spain is not a permanent holiday — the work is still the work. But finishing a client call and walking along the Mar Menor in the evening sun does wonders for motivation and wellbeing.
If you run a UK or Irish business and would value a marketing and web partner who understands both markets, get in touch. And if you are planning your own move, we are always happy to share what we have learned.
