Setting up a home office in a Spanish flat

Key rules

• Plugs: Spain uses two-round-pin plugs at 230 V, so foreign devices need an adapter.
• Employer equipment: If you are an employee working remotely at least 30% of a three-month period, your employer must provide the equipment and cover the related expenses.
• Self-employed: The employer duty does not apply to you if you are self-employed.
• Window changes: Changing windows or facades may need your landlord's or community of owners' approval.

Start with the right spot

You do not need a spare room. A small flat can hold a good workspace if you pick the spot with noise and light in mind.

• Living room: a wall-mounted fold-down desk or a narrow console. You get more light and space, but you share the noise and must pack away at the end of the day.
• Bedroom corner or window: quieter, but work and rest start to blur.
• Recess or hallway nook: a compact desk fits well. Fold-away desks save space but limit monitor size and cable setup.

A room divider or shelving can close off a corner. Whatever you choose, use a proper chair, and put your laptop on a stand with an external keyboard.

Plugs and voltage

Spain uses two-round-pin plugs at 230 V. If your devices come from the UK, the US or elsewhere, buy a plug adapter. US 110 V devices also need a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage. Most laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage, so check the label first.

Cut the noise

• Street noise: heavy curtains, draught seals on doors and windows, and acoustic window film help cheaply. Double glazing (climalit) or secondary windows work best but cost far more.
• Neighbour noise: rugs, bookshelves against shared walls and noise-cancelling headphones.

Typical costs: seals and curtains 20-100 euros, headphones 100-350 euros, and window replacement several hundred euros per window. If you rent, ask your landlord first. Changing windows or facades may also need approval from the community of owners.

Fix the light

Put the desk by a window, with the window to the side of your screen. Add a daylight-bulb LED desk lamp (20-60 euros), light curtains and indirect lighting.

Where to buy

• Furniture: IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Conforama, Maisons du Monde, El Corte Inglés and Kave Home.
• Electronics and monitors: PcComponentes, MediaMarkt, El Corte Inglés, Fnac, Worten and Coolmod.
• Second-hand is a cheap way to get a desk or chair.

What your employer must provide

If you work remotely at least 30% of a three-month period as an employee, your employer must provide the equipment and cover the related expenses. For a full-time job that is about a day and a half a week. The arrangement must be voluntary and in writing.

Your collective agreement or, failing that, your written remote-work agreement sets how this works. It cannot cost you anything. Occasional remote work below the threshold is not covered, and neither are self-employed people. Ask your employer or HR what your agreement says before you buy equipment yourself.

The checklist below covers ergonomics and equipment. The questions below it cover what your lease and community of owners can and cannot stop.

Home office equipment and ergonomics checklist

• Buy a plug adapter if your devices have UK, US or other non-European plugs, since Spain uses two-round-pin plugs (types C and F) at 230 V and 50 Hz.

• Set the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level, about 40-70 cm from your eyes.

• Place your screen with windows to the side so there is no glare or reflection.

• Choose an adjustable chair with lumbar support, with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest and knees and elbows near 90 degrees.

• Keep your keyboard in front of you with space for your wrists, and support your forearms.

• Take a 5-10 minute break every hour and change activity.

• Block street noise with heavy curtains, draught seals on doors and windows, or acoustic window film (about 20-100 euros).

• Reduce neighbour noise with rugs, bookshelves against shared walls and noise-cancelling headphones (about 100-350 euros).

• Shop for desks and chairs at IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Conforama or El Corte Inglés, and for monitors at PcComponentes, MediaMarkt or Fnac.

• Look for used desks and chairs on second-hand marketplaces to save money.

Quick answers on working from a rented flat

Can my rental lease ban me from working from home?

Yes, some leases include a clause banning professional or commercial activity, so read the wording before you set up. Working from home is generally tolerated if it does not change the use of the property. Running a business that receives clients can breach the lease, so ask the landlord for written consent if in doubt.

Can my community of owners stop me receiving clients at my flat?

Yes, if the community statutes forbid professional use or the activity is noisy or harmful, a regular stream of clients can breach them. Occasional home working or an occasional visitor is not usually barred. The community can send a warning and, if the activity continues, seek a court order.

Can I use a coworking space as my business or mailing address?

Yes, many coworking spaces offer a domiciliación plan that gives you their address for mail and often as your registered business or tax address. It usually includes mail reception and costs tens of euros a month before IVA. It does not work for registering your home address (empadronamiento), because that requires actually living there.

Can I book a coworking meeting room by the hour without being a member?

Yes, many coworking spaces let non-members book meeting rooms by the hour, with half-day and full-day rates also common. Prices vary with room size and city and are higher in Madrid and Barcelona. Members usually get a discount or included credits.