Digital Nomad Visa Spain
The Spanish digital nomad visa allows individuals to live in Spain while carrying out work for an overseas employer or client.
Our team of immigration lawyers at Total Law has years of experience with the various Spanish work visas and we will be happy to help you decide if the digital nomad visa is the best path for you. You can call us today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online for immediate advice.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for Remote Work
The Spanish digital nomad visa was introduced in late 2022, meeting the widespread demand for a visa that specifically caters to those wishing to live in Spain while working remotely for an overseas employer or clients.
It offers an attractive versatility as it allows for a variety of work paths and flexibility in exploring other countries of the Schengen treaty, while also allowing you to build towards the residential requirements to establish permanent residence and perhaps even citizenship in Spain, if this is something you might want.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Key Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Spain Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa |
| Purpose | For non-EU/EEA remote workers or self-employed professionals who plan to reside in Spain and carry out work or professional activity remotely, via telematic/telecommunications means. (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores) |
| Eligible applicants | Non-EU/EEA nationals (EU/EEA citizens can work remotely but under different rules) |
| Duration (initial) | Up to 12 months when applied from abroad. |
| Duration (if applied inside Spain) | Up to 3 years initially if converting from a legal stay. |
| Renewal / total stay | Can be renewed; total stay up to 5 years in many cases. |
| Dependent/family inclusion | Spouse/unmarried partner, dependent children, ascending relatives may accompany. |
| Main income requirement* | Approx. €2,760–2,763/month (for single adult) in 2025. |
| Work for Spanish clients limit | For self-employed: up to 20% of the activity may come from Spanish clients/company. |
| Tax incentive | Reduced tax rate (~24%) on Spanish-source income up to certain limit (under the special regime) for eligible applicants. |
Page Contents
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for Remote Work
- What to Consider Before Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa
- Who Is Eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- How To Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
- Required Documents for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
- What Is the Cost of Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
- Renewing or Extending a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
- What Is the Difference Between the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa?
- Taxes for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
- What Are the Benefits of Remote Work in Spain?
- Does the Digital Nomad Visa Restrict Who I Can Work For?
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What to Consider Before Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa
While any version of the digital nomad visa is generally eligible for renewal, there are two initial pathways that offer slightly different starting positions. The digital nomad visa is best applied for when you are already in Spain, for example on a tourist visa. Applying while already in the country means that you will usually be issued a digital nomad residence permit which is valid for three years before requiring renewal.
However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be in the country to be able to apply. If you prefer or do not have an alternative option, you can apply for a digital nomad visa while still abroad, at your local Spanish immigration authority. In such circumstances, you will first be issued a Spanish digital nomad visa, which has a shorter duration than the digital nomad permit as it is only valid for one year.
Irrespective of the type of permission you start out with, however, you will be able to request for your status to be extended when the expiry date is near. To do so, you will need to show that you are still carrying out eligible remote work.
Who Is Eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Generally, this visa may be available to most people who can show that they have a suitable remote working arrangement that pays enough to support them and any family members they might want to bring.
It is important to note, though, that the applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check as this is a core requirement for this permission.
Remote work arrangements and especially freelance work are often highly subjective in how it is laid out and it can be difficult to match this to a more rigid system such as visa requirements. If you want to apply for the digital nomad visa it can help to seek legal advice to make sure that you are on the right track.
At Total Law, our immigration lawyers are experts in all aspects of Spanish work visas and immigration pathways and we will be happy to help you. You can call us today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to discuss your situation.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Remote work / professional activity | Must carry out work remotely for a company outside Spanish territory OR be self-employed/freelancer with clients mostly (80%+) outside Spain. |
| Employer / company status (for employees) | Employer must be outside Spain; remote work contract explicitly allows working from Spain; proof of at least 3 months’ employment prior to application recommended. |
| Self-employed / freelancer conditions | Business established at least one year; clients outside Spain; remote work arrangement. |
| Education OR work experience | A university degree (under- or postgraduate) from a recognised institution or at least 3 years of work experience in current field. |
| Income / financial means | Minimum monthly income approx. €2,760 (2025) for single adult; higher for dependents. |
| Health insurance | Valid health/medical insurance valid in Spain. |
| Clean criminal record | Certificate of no criminal record for applicant (and sometimes dependents). |
| Non-residence / legal stay | Applicants must not be illegal residents; if applying within Spain must be legally staying. |
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Overview
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you will usually need to show that you have viable remote employment that will be sufficient to support you while in the country.
Keep in mind that this work must be pre-existing, meaning that you will need to have at least three months of work history with sufficient income when applying for your visa.
The digital nomad visa doesn’t generally discriminate against any form of employment provided that it is feasible to carry out in a remote arrangement, pays enough, and is legal in Spain and the country where your employer is located.
Nevertheless, you must show that your employer or clients are ‘real’. This means that the company you are working for must have been incorporated and officially trading for at least one year when you are applying for your digital nomad permission.
If you have multiple clients, you will need to provide details of the projects, contracts, or commissions that you have been carrying out and plan to carry out.
You should have a business trajectory for the foreseeable future to show that you will indeed be able to continue earning money once you have moved to Spain.
Financial Requirements for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
When applying for a digital nomad visa, you will need to show that you have the means to support yourself and any dependents you may wish to bring. In general, this means that you should be able to show income through your remote profession that amounts to around €2,400 monthly.
Depending on the number of family members you wish to bring as dependents, the financial requirements will increase. For example, a family of two will mean that you must earn at least around €3,000 each month.
You will need to show that you have been working for your employer for at least three months prior to your application. If you work independently, you must show current contracts and commissions with clients that cover at least three months and show that you are earning no less than €2,200 per month.
Possible ways to support your income claims are to show your bank statements, tax return statements, or pay stubs as evidence.
Health Insurance Requirements
When applying for a digital nomad visa you will need to show that you have a suitable health insurance policy that covers you for at least €30,000. This insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your visa and will need to be renewed accordingly as you extend your stay in Spain.
How To Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa can be applied for directly in Spain but it is also available to individuals who are still abroad. Generally, applying in Spain directly offers the benefit of being issued a digital nomad residential permit which is valid for three years instead of the digital nomad visa that is offered to abroad applicants and is only valid for one year.
Applying If You Are Already in Spain
If you are already in Spain on a tourist visa you should be able to apply for your digital nomad residential permission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Make sure that you are prepared to do so when you arrive in the country. Usually, you should already have gathered your documents and obtained the necessary translations.
You will need to register at your local police office by providing your fingerprints before you can get your residential card.
Application Process & Timeline
| Step # | Step description | Typical timeline / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain an NIE (Foreign Identity Number) if required. | Time varies by consulate/region. |
| 2 | Gather required documents: application form, passport, remote-work contract or proof, company registration, income proof, health insurance, criminal record certificate, etc. | Make sure documents are apostilled/legalised as needed. |
| 3 | Submit visa application via Spanish consulate (if abroad) OR apply for residence permit (if already in Spain) | If in Spain, can convert from tourist or other legal stay. |
| 4 | Pay visa fee and wait for decision. | Processing time typically 10-45 days depending on consulate/region. |
| 5 | After approval: travel/move to Spain, register/residence formalities, apply for residence permit if needed. | Registration with local authorities (ayuntamiento), etc. |
Applying If You Are Abroad
If you are not yet in Spain, you will still be able to apply for a digital nomad visa. This pathway will usually grant you a one-year digital nomad visa, which can be upgraded to the standard three-year digital nomad residential permit once the visa expires.
To apply, make an appointment with your local Spanish embassy or consulate. You will need to bring your application form and all the required documents and will be asked to pay your visa fees. Keep in mind that you may require translations for documents that are not issued in Spanish. It is best to check with the authority that you will be applying through as they can offer you further guidance.
Comparison: Applying from Abroad vs Applying Inside Spain
| Route | Eligible for | Duration (initial) | Key differences / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply at Spanish consulate abroad | Applicants currently outside Spain or applying before entry | Up to ~12 months. | Standard visa; then may convert to residence permit in Spain before expiry. |
| Apply for residence permit inside Spain (legal stay) | Applicants already legally in Spain (e.g., on tourist visa) | Up to ~3 years initially. | Faster route to longer validity; must meet legal stay criteria and document conversion process. |
Required Documents for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa
When applying for a digital nomad visa you will need to submit supporting documentation that shows your eligibility and proves your general circumstances. While exact requirements may vary depending on your situation, you will usually need to submit the following:
- Your valid passport plus a copy
- Proof of your health insurance policy
- A health certificate showing that you have no major conditions that may affect public health
- A criminal record certificate
- A copy of your employment contract covering the last three months or proof of independent contracts showing at least three months of earnings at around €2,400 each month
- An authorisation from your employers that specifically permits you to carry out remote work from Spain
- Details of ongoing or future commissions and contracts if you are self-employed
- Evidence that the company you work for has been incorporated for at least one year (if you are an employee)
- Proof of feasibility, showing that your work is suitable for a remote arrangement
If you wish to bring family members as dependents you will need to provide copies of their passports, proof of your relationship, and evidence that you are able to financially support them. Each family member will need their own health insurance policy.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
Applying for the digital nomad visa is one of the shorter processes, averaging at around 20 days for applications to process. Nevertheless, you should always plan for possible delays, which may happen due to seasonal workloads or issues with your application or the documents that you have provided.
It is always best to make sure that you are very certain everything you are submitting in your application is correct to prevent any undue delays or even a rejection down the line.
You should also keep in mind that you will require a background check which may take several weeks.
What Is the Cost of Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
The costs of applying for a digital nomad visa may vary depending on your circumstances. In general, the price tends to sit at around €60 but you may incur other costs depending on the additional permits that you may need.
You should note that it is usually cheaper to apply for your digital nomad visa when you are already in Spain.
Renewing or Extending a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Digital nomad permissions are usually issued with either a one-year or three-year validity period after which they may be renewed for up to five years in total, allowing individuals to apply for a permanent residential permit.
How soon you will need to renew your digital nomad permission depends on the circumstances of your initial application. Usually, applications filed from abroad through your local Spanish consulate will receive a one-year digital nomad visa while individuals who are already in Spain on a tourist visa may apply and obtain a digital nomad residency permit that is valid for three years instead.
If you were given a one-year digital nomad visa, this can be upgraded once it nears expiry, when you will be able to apply for a three-year digital nomad residential permit.
What Is the Difference Between the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa?
The main difference between the digital nomad visa and the non-lucrative visa is that the digital nomad visa allows you to work.
Before the digital nomad visa was introduced towards the end of 2022, there was no explicit option for individuals who wished to pursue a remote-working lifestyle in Spain.
To bridge the gap between visa demand and availability, many digital nomads decided to come to Spain via a non-lucrative visa.
The problem with this path was that it meant they were not actually legally permitted to work. Thankfully the Spanish parliament recognised the lack of a suitable visa option and now offers the digital nomad visa.
Taxes for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
As with any work-related residencies, you may be wondering about the tax implications of this digital work arrangement in Spain. As it stands, you will be liable to pay taxes, however, you will benefit from the improved Non-resident Income Tax Regime (IRNR), which generally involves lower tax dues.
While exact numbers may depend on your specific circumstances, the IRNR will usually see you paying about 15% to 24% of your income which is considerably lower than the standard 48% of Spain’s regular resident income tax (IRPF).
You should note that you must apply with the Spanish Tax Authorities within the first half-year of obtaining your digital nomad visa to qualify for the non-resident tax bracket.
What Are the Benefits of Remote Work in Spain?
Working in Spain as a digital nomad offers many benefits, with the location and culture just being a part of a much bigger picture. The availability of a dedicated visa for digital nomads means that the immigration process is simplified by directly catering to the circumstances of remote workers.
Additionally, the digital nomad visa is rather flexible when it comes to the work that you want to be doing, provided that it is deemed feasible to do remotely and that it pays enough for you to support yourself. Another benefit is that you will be able to bring your family with you, provided that you are able to financially cover everyone.
As the digital nomad visa is renewable you may be able to qualify for permanent residence. On top of this, the digital nomad visa allows you to explore other member regions of the Schengen treaty, which pairs exceptionally well with a remote working lifestyle. However, you do still need to make sure that you don’t leave Spain for too long if you want to qualify for permanent residence.
Tax & Other Benefits
| Benefit | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel flexibility | Holders of the visa/residence permit can reside in Spain and travel within Schengen zone (once resident). | Does not automatically give visa-free for all EU/Schengen if only holding visa; residence status is key. |
| Reduced tax regime (“Beckham Law”-style) | Applicants may access special tax regime: 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income up to approx. €600,000 annually (for qualifying employees) in some cases. | Applicants should check eligibility, duration of regime (usually up to 6 years) and interplay with income outside Spain. |
| Family inclusion | Spouse/unmarried partner and dependents can often accompany. | Family members generally must be included in visa/permit and meet relationship/dependency criteria. |
| High quality of life | Spain offers good healthcare, lower cost of living (vs many Western Europe countries), strong digital-nomad/multicultural infrastructure. | These are general lifestyle advantages rather than strict legal benefits. |
Does the Digital Nomad Visa Restrict Who I Can Work For?
The digital nomad visa generally offers a pretty lenient approach towards the qualifying work and clients, as long as everything is legal and pays enough for you to support yourself. However, as the name implies, this visa caters towards those who work from a distance, hence, whose employers or clients are mostly abroad.
As a freelancer, you may wonder what this means if you have offers from local clients as well. As a rule of thumb, you will need a digital nomad visa if your work is mostly geared towards international customers as local independent work would fall under the self-employed work permission instead.
However, this is not fully black and white and you should usually be fine to accept some work from local clients as long as about 80% of your revenue is earned for overseas work.
How Can Total Law Help?
If you are exploring the options of living in Spain with a digital work arrangement, the digital nomad application process can be tempting but confusing. It is important that you understand all the requirements before you choose to apply for this visa so consulting with an immigration expert can help.
Our team of immigration lawyers at Total Law specialises in all aspects of the Spanish immigration process and the available visas so we will be able to advise you on the best next steps for your situation. You can call us today at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online today, for immediate support.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Spain digital nomad visa allows for free movement within the European Union but you should keep in mind that you need to meet residential requirements to stay eligible for a permanent residential permit in the future. In general, you should not leave Spain for more than a year in total within your five-year residential requirement period.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.