The Spanish digital nomad visa is a residency permit introduced in 2023 as part of Spain’s Startup Act, aimed at attracting foreign talent and fostering innovation. It allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work remotely in Spain for foreign companies or as freelancers, with the condition that most of their income comes from sources outside Spain. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as proving stable remote income, demonstrating professional experience or relevant qualifications, and maintaining private health insurance. Initially, the visa is granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years, making it a desirable option for remote professionals.
Table of contents
Benefits of the digital nomad visa in Spain
The Spanish digital nomad visa offers numerous advantages for remote workers and freelancers:
- Legal Residency. The visa allows holders to legally reside in Spain while continuing to work for foreign employers or clients, offering flexibility in work arrangements.
- Tax Benefits. Under the “Beckham Law,” digital nomads can benefit from a reduced flat tax rate of 24% on earnings up to €600,000 for the first four years, significantly lower than Spain’s usual progressive tax rates.
- Family Inclusion. Applicants can bring their family members, including spouses or dependent children, with some dependents being eligible to work in Spain.
- Schengen Travel. Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area, making it easy to explore Europe while based in Spain.
- Work for Spanish Companies. Unlike some other digital nomad visas, Spain allows up to 20% of income to be earned from Spanish clients, giving freelancers added flexibility.
- Affordable Living. Spain offers a lower cost of living compared to other European countries, with high-quality healthcare and diverse cultural experiences.
These benefits make the Spanish digital nomad visa a highly attractive option for professionals looking to live in Spain while maintaining remote work arrangements.
General requirements
To be eligible for the Spanish digital nomad visa, applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals who either work remotely for a company outside Spain or are self-employed with multiple international clients. You need to demonstrate professional expertise, which can be proven through relevant work experience or academic qualifications. Additionally, the primary condition is that no more than 20% of your income should come from Spanish clients.
Proof of remote work
Applicants are required to provide proof that their work can be conducted remotely. This can be achieved by submitting a contract with a foreign company, letters from clients, or documents showing income derived from online sources outside Spain. Freelancers or business owners must demonstrate that they have been working remotely for at least a year.
Income requirements
The minimum income requirement is approximately €2,650 per month or €31,800 per year, which is twice the minimum wage in Spain. This amount ensures that applicants have sufficient financial stability to support themselves during their stay. For those applying with dependents, the income threshold increases based on the number of family members.
Clean criminal record
A clean criminal record is mandatory for obtaining the digital nomad visa. Applicants must submit a criminal background check from their country of origin or where they have resided in the past five years. This certificate should be legalized and, if necessary, translated into Spanish.
Health insurance coverage
Applicants must have comprehensive private health insurance that is valid in Spain. Travel insurance is not sufficient; the health insurance must cover medical treatments, hospitalization, and repatriation, without any exclusions or co-payments. This insurance is crucial to meet visa requirements and ensure access to Spanish healthcare during your stay.
These detailed criteria ensure that applicants for the digital nomad visa in Spain are well-prepared and capable of supporting themselves while residing in the country.
How to get Spanish digital nomad visa online
Step 1. Gather required documents
Collect all necessary paperwork, including your passport, completed visa application form, two passport photos, proof of employment, income statements, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Ensure documents are translated into Spanish and legalized, often with an Apostille.
Step 2. Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment with your local Spanish consulate or embassy. This can typically be done via email, and you’ll receive a confirmation with instructions on submitting the application fee (around €60-100, depending on location).
Step 3. Attend the appointment
Bring your completed documents and attend the appointment at the consulate or embassy. Be prepared for a brief interview or additional questions about your application. The processing time generally takes 10-20 business days.
Step 4. Track your application
Once submitted, you’ll receive information on how to track the progress of your visa application. If approved, you’ll have 30 days to collect your visa from the consulate.
Required documents
Proof of income
Applicants must demonstrate a steady income that is sufficient to support themselves (and any dependents) while living in Spain. The current minimum income requirement is around €2,520 per month. You can show proof through bank statements, employment contracts, or tax returns.
Employment/Business documentation
Provide evidence of your current employment or freelance contracts, showing that you can work remotely. For freelancers, you may need to submit contracts with clients proving an ongoing professional relationship.
Health insurance documentation
Applicants must have valid private health insurance that is authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance must cover all medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation during your stay.
Criminal record certificate
You will need to submit a criminal background check from your home country or any country where you have resided in the last five years. This certificate should be no older than three months and must be apostilled.
Application submission methods
Applying from Spain
If you enter Spain on a tourist visa, you have up to 90 days to apply for the digital nomad visa from within the country. The process is similar to applying from abroad but requires a different type of residence visa (valid for three years initially).
Applying from abroad
You can also apply for the visa through the Spanish consulate in your home country. This route typically grants an initial one-year visa, which can be renewed for up to five years.
This step-by-step process ensures you meet all the legal and logistical requirements to obtain your digital nomad visa for Spain, allowing you to live and work remotely in the country.
Timeline and processing
The processing time for the Spanish digital nomad visa typically takes between 10 to 45 business days from the date of submission, depending on the consulate or embassy handling your application. If all documents are in order and there are no additional requirements, approvals can happen as quickly as 15 days, while more complex cases may take up to 45 days.
Visa duration and renewals
The initial visa is usually granted for one year if applied from abroad. After the first year, you can apply for a renewal, which typically extends the visa for an additional two years. Subsequent renewals can continue until you reach a maximum of five years of residency. After this period, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain, provided they meet the residency and income criteria.
This renewal process ensures that remote workers and freelancers can maintain their legal residency in Spain for an extended period, with a smooth transition toward long-term settlement options.
Living in Spain as a digital nomad
Cost of living in Spain
The cost of living in Spain varies depending on the region, but in general, it is more affordable than many other Western European countries. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have higher costs, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from €900 to €1,500 per month. However, in smaller cities or regions like Valencia, Seville, or Malaga, rent can be as low as €600 to €900 per month. Other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are also reasonably priced, making Spain an attractive destination for digital nomads. On average, you may need €1,800 to €2,500 monthly to live comfortably.
Best cities for digital nomads
Spain offers a variety of cities that appeal to digital nomads, with each providing different benefits:
- Barcelona. Known for its vibrant startup scene, excellent coworking spaces, and beach lifestyle. It’s a hub for tech professionals and creatives.
- Madrid. The capital offers a bustling city life with access to coworking spaces, cultural experiences, and strong business connections.
- Valencia. A more relaxed, coastal city with a lower cost of living, while still offering solid infrastructure for remote work.
- Malaga. Popular among digital nomads for its Mediterranean climate and affordable living costs.
- Tenerife. A tropical escape in the Canary Islands, known for its work-life balance, natural beauty, and reliable internet.
Tax Implications and the Beckham Law
Spain offers favorable tax benefits to digital nomads under the Beckham Law, which allows foreign workers to pay a flat tax rate of 24% on their income for the first four years of residency, up to €600,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the progressive tax rates faced by Spanish residents. After four years, digital nomads may be subject to Spain’s higher tax rates unless they seek additional tax residency or opt to leave the country.
Healthcare for digital nomads in Spain
Healthcare in Spain is known for its high quality, and digital nomads are required to have private health insurance that meets the country’s standards. This insurance must cover all medical needs, including hospitalization and emergency care. The cost of private health insurance can vary, but typically ranges between €50 and €150 per month, depending on the coverage plan. For those staying long-term, access to Spain’s public healthcare system may become available through certain visa types.
Living in Spain as a digital nomad combines affordability, access to top-tier healthcare, and appealing tax benefits, making it one of the top destinations for remote workers.
Common challenges and solutions
Application rejection reasons
One of the most common reasons for the rejection of a Spanish digital nomad visa application is incomplete or improperly prepared documentation. Applicants often fail to provide translated and apostilled documents, such as criminal record certificates or proof of income, which are essential for visa approval. Additionally, insufficient proof of income or health insurance can also lead to denial. To avoid these issues, ensure that all documents meet the legal requirements and are properly certified before submission.
Overcoming language barriers
Many official documents and processes in Spain, including the visa application, require proficiency in Spanish. While some consulates may offer assistance in other languages, much of the required paperwork must be translated into Spanish by an authorized translator. To overcome language barriers, applicants can seek the help of translation services, bilingual lawyers, or immigration professionals who specialize in navigating the visa process. Using tools like language apps or enrolling in a basic Spanish course can also ease day-to-day interactions during your stay.
Navigating bureaucracy
Navigating the bureaucracy in Spain can be time-consuming and frustrating due to the complexity of its immigration system and the paperwork involved. Delays in processing documents, obtaining appointments, or submitting applications are common. To mitigate these issues, start preparing your documents well in advance, and consider working with an immigration lawyer or consultant who can help you expedite the process and avoid unnecessary delays. It’s also essential to maintain thorough records of your submissions and to follow up regularly with the authorities regarding your application status.
By anticipating these challenges and preparing solutions in advance, applicants can ensure a smoother transition to life in Spain as a digital nomad.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family with the digital nomad visa?
Yes, the Spanish digital nomad visa allows applicants to bring their family members, including spouses or partners and dependent children, under certain conditions. Each family member must also submit their own visa application alongside the main applicant’s, and the applicant must prove that they have sufficient income to support all dependents. For instance, the required income increases by €75 per month for a spouse and €25 per child.
How much income do I need to qualify?
To qualify for the Spanish digital nomad visa, applicants must show a minimum monthly income of at least €2,520 per person. This amount increases if the applicant is bringing family members. For example, the income requirement for one dependent is €3,694 per month.Proof of income can be demonstrated through employment contracts, freelance agreements, bank statements, or tax returns.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If your digital nomad visa application is rejected, you will be informed of the reasons, which typically involve incomplete documentation, failure to meet income requirements, or missing apostilles on certain documents. If rejected, you can appeal the decision within one month of receiving the rejection notice. In the meantime, it’s recommended to review your application with an immigration lawyer to address the reasons for rejection and make necessary improvements before reapplying.