Dreaming of working remotely from a sunny terrace in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia? Spain launched its digital nomad visa in January 2023 as part of its Startup Act, and it has quickly become one of the most popular remote work visas in Europe. It lets non-EU remote workers live in Spain, travel freely around the Schengen Area, and eventually apply for long-term residency. Here's how the Spain digital nomad visa works, who is eligible, and how to apply.
Requirements and fees change regularly, often every year. The figures below are approximate. Always check the official Spanish government website or your nearest Spanish consulate before you apply.
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain digital nomad visa, officially the visa for international teleworking, is for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain. There are two ways to get it:
- From a Spanish consulate abroad: You receive a visa valid for up to one year. Once in Spain, you can apply for a residence permit to stay longer.
- From inside Spain: If you're already in Spain legally, for example as a visa-free visitor within your 90 days, you can apply directly for a residence permit valid for up to three years.
The permit can be renewed for two more years at a time. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency, and after ten years, Spanish citizenship, with shorter routes for citizens of some countries, such as those in Latin America.
Other Ways to Live in Spain
- Non-Lucrative Visa: For people who want to live in Spain without working, such as retirees. You need passive income or savings of around 400% of Spain's IPREM index, roughly €2,400 per month. Remote work is not allowed on this visa.
- Golden Visa: Spain closed its investment-based Golden Visa to new applicants in April 2025, so it's no longer an option.
For most remote workers, the digital nomad visa is the best choice. Compare it with other options in our guide to digital nomad visas in Europe.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- Remote work: You must work remotely for a company based outside Spain, or as a freelancer with mostly foreign clients. Up to 20% of your income may come from Spanish clients.
- An established employer: Your employer or main clients must have been operating for at least one year, and you must have worked with them for at least three months before applying.
- Qualifications: A university degree or professional certificate, or at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Minimum income: At least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, which works out to roughly €2,800 to €2,850 per month in 2026. Add 75% of the minimum wage for your first family member and 25% for each additional one.
- Health insurance: Private health insurance valid in Spain, with no co-payments, or Spanish social security coverage.
- Clean criminal record: For the past five years, from every country you've lived in.
- No recent illegal stay in Spain: You must not be living in Spain irregularly.
How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Step 1: Gather your documents
Official documents, such as your criminal record certificate and degree, usually need an apostille and an official translation into Spanish. You'll typically need:
- The national visa application form, or the residence permit form if applying in Spain
- A passport valid for at least one year, with blank pages
- Passport photos
- Your work contract, or a letter from your employer confirming you can work remotely from Spain
- Proof that the company has been operating for at least one year
- Proof of income, such as payslips, invoices, and bank statements
- Proof of qualifications or experience
- Proof of health insurance
- A criminal record certificate
Step 2: Book an appointment
If you're applying from abroad, book an appointment at the Spanish consulate responsible for where you live. Some consulates use outside visa centers. If you're in Spain, applications are submitted online to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
Step 3: Pay the fee and submit
Consular visa fees vary by nationality but are usually around €80, with higher fees for some countries. Residence permit applications in Spain have a separate, lower fee. Budget extra for apostilles, translations, and your criminal record check, which can add a few hundred euros.
Step 4: Wait for a decision
Consulates usually decide within 10 to 45 days. Applications in Spain are typically decided within 20 working days. If your application is refused, you'll get the reasons in writing and can appeal.
Step 5: Get your NIE and TIE in Spain
Your NIE is your foreigner identification number, used for taxes, banking, and contracts. Once you arrive, book a fingerprint appointment at a police station to get your TIE, the physical residence card. You'll need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, and register with your local town hall.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Spain
If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you usually become a Spanish tax resident. Many digital nomads can apply for Spain's special tax regime, often called the Beckham Law. It lets eligible newcomers pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 a year, for the year they arrive and the following five years. Spain also has double taxation agreements with around 90 countries. Tax rules are complex, so speak with a tax adviser before you move.
Best Places in Spain for Digital Nomads
- Barcelona: Beaches, coworking spaces, and a big international community.
- Madrid: A lively capital with great food, museums, and fast trains everywhere.
- Valencia: Sunny, relaxed, and more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid.
- Málaga: A fast-growing tech hub on the Costa del Sol.
- The Canary Islands: Warm all year, with nomad communities in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
For more inspiration, see our Spain travel guide and the best digital nomad destinations.
Stay Connected as a Digital Nomad in Spain
A reliable connection is essential for remote work. An egoViet Spain eSIM gets you online as soon as you land, so you can join calls, use maps, and handle your visa paperwork without hunting for Wi-Fi. You can also use it as a hotspot for your laptop. Traveling around Europe? The Europe eSIM covers 33 destinations. Learn more in our Spain eSIM guide.
FAQs: Spain Digital Nomad Visa
How much do you need to earn for the Spain digital nomad visa?
At least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, roughly €2,800 to €2,850 per month in 2026 for a single applicant. The amount changes when the minimum wage changes.
How long does the Spain digital nomad visa last?
Up to one year if issued by a consulate, or up to three years if you apply from inside Spain. It can be renewed for two years at a time.
Can I apply for the Spain digital nomad visa from inside Spain?
Yes. If you're in Spain legally, for example as a visa-free visitor, you can apply for a residence permit online before your permitted stay ends.
Can I work for Spanish clients on the digital nomad visa?
Yes, but no more than 20% of your work can be for companies based in Spain.