Spain Digital Nomad Visa

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Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Your Comprehensive Guide to Remote Work in Spain

Spain has emerged as a top destination for remote workers and freelancers seeking a vibrant lifestyle coupled with favorable working conditions. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the Visado de Teletrabajo, allows non-European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) citizens to legally reside and work remotely from Spain. Launched in January 2023 as part of Spain’s “Startup Act,” this visa aims to attract international talent and stimulate the Spanish economy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, covering its benefits, eligibility, application process, and essential updates for 2025.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Quick Facts
Visa Type
Work
Minimum liquid money you must prove when applying—bank balance or investment capital.
$34,560
Maximum time the visa stays valid before you must renew or upgrade.
1 Yrs.
Lowest accepted language proficiency you need to demonstrate for this visa.
None
Minimum Education
Diploma
Minimum Job Experience
3 Yrs.
This visa can convert straight to permanent residency once you meet the stay rules.
Spouse and dependent children may be added under the same application.
Holder may take paid employment in‑country while the visa is active.
An approved employer, school, or other sponsor must submit or back your application.

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit designed for individuals who can work remotely for companies or clients located outside of Spain. It caters to employees of foreign companies, self-employed individuals (freelancers), and sole proprietors. A key aspect is that no more than 20% of the applicant’s total professional activity income should come from Spanish companies.

Key Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain offers a multitude of advantages:

  • Long-Term Residency and Path to Citizenship: The visa initially grants a one-year stay (if applied from outside Spain) or a three-year residence permit (if applied from within Spain). It can be renewed for subsequent periods, allowing for up to five years of legal residency. After five years of continuous legal residency, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, and eventually, Spanish citizenship.
  • Special Tax Benefits (Beckham Law): Eligible digital nomads can opt into a special tax regime known as “Beckham Law” (Ley Beckham). This regime allows beneficiaries to pay a flat income tax rate of 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 annually for the first six years, instead of the standard progressive tax rates. Importantly, under this law, your worldwide income may be exempt from Spanish taxation. You must apply for this within six months of registering with Spanish Social Security.
  • Family Reunification: The visa supports family reunification, allowing digital nomads to bring their spouse, children, and other dependent family members. Family members can also benefit from access to Spain’s public healthcare system and education.
  • Freedom to Live, Work, and Travel: Visa holders can live anywhere in Spain and enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
  • Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many Western countries, Spain offers a relatively affordable cost of living, including healthcare, housing, and public transport, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria:

  • Non-EU/EEA Citizenry: The visa is exclusively for citizens from countries outside the European Union and European Economic Area.
  • Remote Work Status: Applicants must demonstrate that they work remotely for a company or clients outside of Spain. If self-employed, no more than 20% of their income should originate from Spanish entities.
  • Work Experience and Company Age:
    • Employees: Must have been working for a foreign company for at least three months prior to the application. The company must have been established for at least one year.
    • Freelancers/Self-Employed: Must demonstrate an ongoing professional relationship with one or more clients outside Spain for at least one year.
  • Financial Means: Applicants must prove sufficient income to support themselves and any accompanying family members. The minimum income requirement is tied to Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI).

Income Requirements for 2025

Applicant Type Monthly Income (Gross) Annual Income (Gross)
Primary Applicant €2,762 (200% of SMI) €33,144
First Dependent Family Member +€1,063 (75% of SMI)
Each Additional Dependent +€345 (25% of SMI)

Proof of income can include bank statements, payslips, invoices, and employment contracts for the last 3-6 months.

  • Higher Education or Work Experience: Applicants must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized university, college, or business school, or have at least three years of demonstrable work experience in their current field.
  • Clean Criminal Record: A criminal record certificate from countries of residence for the past two to five years is required, confirming no criminal offenses.
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive public or private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, equivalent to Spain’s public health system, is mandatory.
  • No Irregular Stay: Applicants must not have resided in Spain irregularly prior to the application.

Application Process

The application for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa can be submitted either from outside Spain (at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country) or from within Spain (if you are already legally in the country, e.g., on a tourist visa).

General Steps:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Compile all necessary paperwork, ensuring official documents issued outside of Spain are apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator recognized in Spain.
  2. Obtain NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): This Foreigner Identification Number is essential for all financial and professional activities in Spain. It can be obtained at a Spanish consulate or a police station in Spain.
  3. Submit Application:
    • Outside Spain: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Submit your application in person along with all required documents. The visa issued will be for one year, which can then be modified to a three-year residence permit upon arrival in Spain.
    • Inside Spain: If already in Spain, you can apply for a three-year residence permit directly through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) electronic headquarters. This often involves submitting the application online through a Spanish immigration lawyer.
  4. Pay Application Fee: The fee varies depending on the country of application and the type of application (visa vs. residence permit).
  5. Wait for Decision: Processing times can vary but generally range from a few weeks to a couple of months. Positive administrative silence may apply if no decision is made within a specified timeframe (e.g., 20 business days for some applications).
  6. Upon Approval (if applying for visa outside Spain): Collect your visa. Upon arrival in Spain, apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, the Spanish residence card) at the local immigration office. Register your local address (empadronamiento) at the nearest town hall.

Required Documents

While the exact list might vary slightly by consulate or personal circumstances, common required documents include:

  • National visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized color photograph
  • Valid passport (at least 1 year validity, 2 blank pages) and photocopies of biometric data pages
  • Criminal record check certificate (original and copy)
  • Proof of residence in the consular district (if applying from abroad)
  • Health insurance certificate from an authorized Spanish entity
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, contracts)
  • Proof of remote work (employment contract, letter from employer, client contracts)
  • Certificate reflecting company’s establishment date (at least one year)
  • Responsible declaration by the company (or applicant if self-employed) regarding social security obligations
  • Undergraduate/postgraduate degree or proof of 3+ years of work experience
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Taxation for Digital Nomads in Spain

Understanding tax obligations is crucial for digital nomads in Spain. Your tax residency status depends on the amount of time you spend in Spain:

  • Tax Resident (Stay of 183 days or more in a calendar year): If you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident and will generally be taxed on your worldwide income under Spain’s progressive income tax rates (IRPF), which can range from 19% to 47%. However, if you qualify for and opt into the Beckham Law regime, you will pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 for the initial six years.
  • Non-Tax Resident (Stay less than 183 days): If you stay for less than 183 days, you are generally considered a non-resident for tax purposes and only pay tax on income generated within Spain, typically at a flat rate of 24% (IRNR).

Spain has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with many countries to prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income. Digital nomads registered as self-employed (autónomos) in Spain will also need to contribute to social security.

Recent Updates and Important Considerations

  • 2025 Income Thresholds: As noted in the table above, the income requirements are updated based on Spain’s minimum wage, so it’s vital to refer to the most current figures.
  • Renewal Periods: While the initial visa can be for one year, subsequent residence permit renewals generally last for two years.
  • Digital Platforms: Spain is moving towards fully digital platforms for visa applications and renewals, aiming to reduce processing times and the need for physical visits.
  • 20% Spanish Income Rule: It is crucial for digital nomads to ensure that no more than 20% of their total income originates from Spanish companies or clients to remain compliant with the visa’s terms.

Conclusion

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa presents an exceptional opportunity for remote workers and freelancers outside the EU/EEA to experience the vibrant Spanish lifestyle while maintaining their international careers. With its clear benefits, evolving legal framework, and the potential for a favorable tax regime, Spain continues to solidify its position as a top destination for the global digital nomad community. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and prepare your documentation meticulously for a smooth application process.

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