What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) was introduced as part of the Ley de Startups (Startup Law) that came into force on January 1, 2023. It's one of the most comprehensive and generous nomad visa programmes in Europe.
The visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Spain while working for companies or clients based outside of Spain. It's designed specifically for the post-pandemic reality of location-independent work.
Key advantage
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet ALL of the following:
- Be a non-EU national (EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Spain)
- Work remotely for a company or clients based outside Spain
- Have a minimum monthly income of ~€2,646 (200% of SMI in 2026)
- Have been working with your current employer for at least 3 months
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Have valid private health insurance covering Spain
- Not have lived in Spain in the 5 years prior to application
Income threshold note
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your monthly gross income below to instantly see whether you meet the threshold for your family size.
Visa Eligibility Calculator
Based on 2026 income thresholds (200% SMI)
How is the threshold calculated?
Required Documents
This is where most applicants struggle. The document list is extensive and strict — missing a single item or having an incorrectly formatted document will result in rejection.
Complete Document Checklist
Criminal record apostille
Application Process
You can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa either from your home country (at a Spanish Consulate) or from within Spain if you already hold a valid visa or are in a visa-waiver country.
Document preparation
Gather all documents, get criminal record apostilled, obtain private health insurance.
Translation & notarisation
Have all documents translated by a sworn translator. Notarise employment contracts if required.
Submit application
Submit at the Spanish Consulate in your home country, or at a UGE office if already in Spain.
Processing
The consulate reviews your application. Average processing time is 20 days but can extend to 45.
Costs & Fees
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate application fee (Modelo 790) | €77 | Paid at the Consulate |
| Criminal record apostille | €20–100 | Varies by country |
| Sworn translation (per document) | €40–80 | Budget for 4–6 documents |
| Private health insurance (annual) | €400–900 | Cigna, AXA, ASISA popular |
| NIE number fee | €9.70 | If applying in Spain |
| Immigration lawyer (optional but recommended) | €500–1,500 | Significantly reduces rejection risk |
Budget tip
Tax Benefits — The Beckham Law
This is the hidden gem of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. Under the Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados (commonly called the "Beckham Law" after footballer David Beckham, one of its first users), digital nomads who become Spanish tax residents can opt for a flat 24% tax rate.
Standard Spanish Tax
Beckham Law Rate
up to €600,000/year
Renewal & Path to Permanent Residency
The Digital Nomad Visa is initially issued for 1 year. After that, you can apply for a 2-year residence permit, renewable once more for another 2 years — giving you a total of 5 years.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain, you are eligible to apply for long-term EU residency, which grants the right to live and work across the EU indefinitely. After 10 years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Family members
Common Questions
Can I work for a Spanish client?
Yes, but with limits. The Ley de Startups allows up to 20% of your total income to come from Spanish clients. If you earn more than 20% from Spain-based companies, you would need to register as self-employed (autónomo) or transition to a regular work visa.
Can I apply if I'm already in Spain?
Yes. If you're in Spain on a tourist stay (or Schengen-exempt), you can apply at a Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) office. This is often faster than applying from your home country.
What happens if my visa is rejected?
You can appeal a rejection (recurso de alzada) within one month of the decision. Most rejections are due to document errors or missing information and can be resolved on appeal. This is another reason we recommend hiring an immigration lawyer for your initial application.
Can I apply while already in Spain as a tourist?
Yes — and this is actually the recommended route for most people. If you enter Spain visa-free (US, UK, Canadian passports etc.), you can apply for the 3-year residence permit directly from within Spain before your 90 days expire. This gives you a 3-year permit instead of the 1-year visa you'd get applying from your home country consulate.
What happens if UGE doesn't respond in 20 working days?
Good news — silence means approval. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa has a "favorable administrative silence" rule: if UGE doesn't respond within 20 working days, your application is automatically considered approved. This is the opposite of most visa processes where no response means rejection.
Can my family join me on the visa?
Yes. Your spouse or unmarried partner, dependent children, and dependent parents can all apply alongside you or join you later. They can also work in Spain — either as employees or self-employed. Each family member requires additional income proof: +€1,069/month for a spouse, +€356/month per child.
Does time on the Digital Nomad Visa count toward citizenship?
Yes. Every year you spend legally in Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa counts toward the 10-year residency requirement for Spanish citizenship. Ibero-Americans (from Latin American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea) only need 2 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency.
Can I combine income from multiple sources to meet the threshold?
Yes. Salary + freelance income can be combined as long as the total exceeds €2,849/month gross. The only restriction is that income from Spanish clients cannot exceed 20% of your total. So if you earn €2,000 salary from a US company and €900 from foreign freelance clients, you qualify.
What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision (recurso de alzada) within one month of the rejection notice, or simply reapply with corrected documentation. Most rejections are due to missing or incorrectly apostilled documents rather than fundamental ineligibility. A gestoría can review your rejection letter and advise on the best path.
Do I need to stay in Spain for a minimum time each year?
Not for the first year. To renew, you must have spent at least 6 months (183 days) in Spain during the previous year. Absences longer than 6 consecutive months may affect your renewal eligibility, so keep records of your presence — utility bills, healthcare visits, and tax filings all help.
Can I work for Spanish clients on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, up to 20% of your total income can come from Spanish clients. So if you earn €3,000/month total, up to €600 can be from Spanish sources. Exceeding this 20% threshold could jeopardize your visa status.