Live and work remotely in Spain: your complete guide to the Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (officially the visado de teletrabajo) lets non-EU remote workers and freelancers live in Spain legally while working for companies or clients based outside the country. Launched in 2023 under Spain’s Startup Act, it’s become one of Europe’s most popular routes for remote professionals combining a Mediterranean lifestyle with a path to residency and, for many, a favourable flat tax rate.
MyMoveSpain specialises in Digital Nomad Visa applications, guiding you through the 2026 requirements, Beckham Law eligibility, and consulate procedures, in association with the immigration lawyers at Heniam & Associates.
DNV Application
Before applying, ensure you meet the following key criteria:
Financial Resources
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to sustain themselves and any dependents during their stay in Spain:
– Main applicant: €2,646/month (€31,752 annually)
– 1 dependent: €3,639/month (€43,659 annually)
– 2 dependents: €3,969/month (€47,628 annually)
– 3 dependents: €4,300/month (€51,597 annually)
– 4 dependents: €4,631/month (€55,566 annually)
Work Experience and Qualifications
– Current employment: You must have worked with your employer or clients for at least three months before applying.
– Employer longevity: Your employer or clients must have been operating for over one year.
– Remote work agreement: A letter confirming your ability to work remotely from Spain.
– Professional credentials: Either a related qualification or three years of relevant work experience.
– Self-employed? Your clients must be registered businesses.
Criminal Record Check
Applicants need a clean criminal record for the last two years from countries where they’ve lived, along with a declaration confirming no major criminal offences in the past five years.
Health Insurance
Private health insurance covering all medical expenses during your stay in Spain is required.
Social Security
– Employees: If your home country has a social security agreement with Spain, you may continue paying contributions there.
– Self-employed: Register as self-employed in Spain and contribute to social security.
Professional Documentation
– Employer/client letter: Confirming your position, salary, and approval to work remotely from Spain.
– Proof of qualifications/experience: Verifying your professional history.
– CV: Updated, translated to Spanish, highlighting your experience.
– Proof of accommodation: Such as a rental contract or property ownership documents.
At My Move Spain, we streamline every step of the Digital Nomad Visa application process:
1. Initial Consultation
We assess your eligibility and gather all necessary information to ensure a strong application.
2. Document Preparation
Our team helps prepare and translate all documents, ensuring they meet legal standards.
3. Application Submission
We handle submission to the relevant consulate or embassy, taking care of all details.
4. Follow-Up
We track the application and address any additional queries or requirements promptly.
5. Post-Approval Assistance
Once approved, we assist with the final steps such as registering with the local municipality in Spain.
Digital nomads benefit from a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for the first four years, lower than the standard progressive rates in Spain.
Schengen Area Travel
The visa allows free movement within the 26 countries of the Schengen Area, ideal for those who enjoy travelling.
Family Inclusion
You can bring your spouse, partner, and children under the same visa conditions, making relocation for families straightforward.
Path to Residency
The visa is valid for one year, or up to three years if applied for within Spain. It is renewable up to five years, after which you may apply for permanent residency.
Professional Growth
Spain’s thriving startup ecosystem offers excellent networking and career opportunities for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
Quality of Life
– Climate: Spain enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year.
– Affordable Living: Spain’s cost of living is lower compared to other Western European countries.
– Healthcare and Education: High-quality services are accessible, with comprehensive healthcare and international schools for families.
What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa is a residency permit for non-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely using telecommunications technology. It allows you to live in Spain legally while keeping employment or freelance contracts with companies based mainly outside Spain. When applying from abroad, you receive a 1-year visa that converts to a 3-year residence permit on arrival; when applying from within Spain, you can receive a 3-year permit directly. It’s renewable up to a total of 5 years, after which you may apply for permanent residency.
Who qualifies for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Four main groups qualify: remote employees working for a company registered outside Spain (your employer must have operated 1+ years and employed you 3+ months); freelancers and self-employed people serving international clients, with at least 80% of income from outside Spain (up to 20% can come from Spanish clients); digital entrepreneurs running online businesses with foreign clients; and consultants and contractors providing specialised services to international companies remotely.
What is the income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa?
For 2026, the main applicant must show a gross income of €2,849 per month (€34,188 per year). This is 200% of Spain’s 2026 minimum wage (SMI). You add roughly €1,069 per month for your first dependent (75% of SMI) and €357 per month for each additional dependent (25% of SMI).
How much do families need?
- Single applicant: €34,188/year
- Applicant + first dependent: approximately €47,000/year
- Applicant + first dependent + one more: approximately €51,300/year
Income figures are set against Spain’s SMI and updated annually, so always confirm the current figure before applying.
How do you prove your income?
For remote employees: an employment contract authorising remote work, the last 3 months of payslips, bank statements showing regular salary, a letter from your employer confirming the remote arrangement, and company registration proving 1+ years of operation. For freelancers: client contracts showing ongoing relationships, invoices from the last 6–12 months, bank statements showing client payments, tax returns, and business registration. Income must be consistent and provable; one-off payments or irregular income raise red flags with immigration authorities.
What are the full requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Beyond income, Spanish consulates require:
- Professional qualifications: A university degree, a postgraduate qualification, OR at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
- A remote work arrangement: A valid contract (employees) or active client contracts (freelancers), with the work based mainly outside Spain
- Valid passport: Minimum 12 months validity, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
- Criminal record certificate: From all countries lived in over the past 5 years, issued within 90 days, apostilled and translated into Spanish
- Private health insurance: Full Spanish cover, minimum €30,000, zero co-payments, no waiting periods, from a Spain-authorised insurer
- Proof of accommodation: A rental contract, property deed, or host letter
- Medical certificate: Issued within 90 days, translated into Spanish
How do you apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
We manage the whole process in five stages:
- Initial consultation – we assess your eligibility and confirm you meet the income, qualification and documentation requirements.
- Document preparation – we help prepare and translate all documents to legal standards.
- Application submission – we submit to the correct consulate or, for in-Spain applications, the UGE-CE office.
- Follow-up – we track your application and respond to any queries promptly.
- Post-approval assistance – once approved, we help with your TIE card, municipal registration, and settling in.
Should you apply from inside or outside Spain?
Applying from outside Spain (at a Spanish consulate) gives you a 1-year visa that converts to a 3-year permit on arrival. Applying from within Spain (at the UGE-CE office, while legally present on another status) gives you a 3-year permit directly and often processes faster, frequently within the statutory 20-day period.
How long does the Digital Nomad Visa take?
Consulate applications typically take a few months from submission to decision, while in-Spain applications through the UGE-CE are often resolved within 20 to 45 days. Allowing for document preparation beforehand and your TIE card after approval, plan for around 3–5 months end-to-end.
What are the benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa?
- Legal remote-work authorisation in Spain for up to 5 years
- Possible eligibility for the Beckham Law a 24% flat tax rate for employees on income up to €600,000 for the first years (note: freelancers generally can’t use it)
- Free travel throughout the Schengen Area
- Bring your family spouse, partner, and dependent children included
- A path to permanent residency after 5 years
- No property investment required
- Access to Spanish healthcare after registration
- Work from anywhere in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Málaga, Seville, or the Costa Cálida
Why choose MyMoveSpain for your Digital Nomad Visa?
We know exactly what Spanish consulates and the UGE-CE require, so nothing is missing from your file. We handle document preparation, sworn translations, and apostilles; advise on Beckham Law eligibility; and support you before, during and after your application through to your TIE card and settling in, in association with Heniam & Associates. We can also help you find a home in Spain, whether renting or buying, as part of your move.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Perfect for UK retirees moving anywhere in Spain with pension or passive income. Income requirement: €28,800/year for single applicant.
Digital Nomad Visa
Work remotely from anywhere in Spain for UK, US or international companies. Income requirement: €31,752/year from foreign sources.
Work Permit
Secure work authorisation for jobs with Spanish companies nationwide.
Entrepreneur Visa
For founders launching an innovative, scalable business in Spain. Requires a favourable ENISA innovation report. Not for standard freelancing or consultancy; that's the autónomo route, which we also handle.
Family Reunification Visa
The Family Reunification Visa allows non-EU residents in Spain to bring close family members to live with them.
Start Your Digital Nomad Journey
Please fill out the contact form below, and we will guide you through every step of the Digital Nomad Visa application process. We provide personalised support tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and have the best chance of success
Have a question?
Digital Nomad Visa Spain: frequently asked questions
Is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa hard to get?
Not with the right documents. You need around €2,849/month in income, a degree or 3 years of relevant experience, and proof of remote work. Expert help significantly improves your chances.
What is the minimum income for the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?
€2,849 per month (€34,188/year) for the main applicant: 200% of Spain’s 2026 minimum wage. Add roughly €1,069/month for the first dependent and €357/month per additional dependent.
How do you qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Work remotely for a non-Spanish company or clients for 3+ months, earn €2,849+/month, hold a degree or have 3+ years of experience, have health insurance and have a clean criminal record. Freelancers need at least 80% of their income from foreign clients.
Do you pay tax in Spain as a digital nomad?
If you spend 183+ days a year in Spain, you become a tax resident. Employees may qualify for the Beckham Law 24% flat rate; freelancers pay progressive rates. Double taxation treaties between Spain and countries like the UK usually prevent double taxation.
How long can you stay on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Up to 5 years in total. The visa starts at 1 year (from abroad) or 3 years (from within Spain), then renews in further periods up to 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
Do digital nomads pay social security in Spain?
Employees are covered either by their employer or a Certificate of Coverage from a home country with a social security agreement. Self-employed applicants register and pay Spanish social security.
Can freelancers work with Spanish clients?
Yes, but Spanish clients may account for no more than 20% of your income. Exceeding this can lead to refusal, so freelancers should check their invoicing before applying.