The visa does not require a property purchase or investment. Applicants instead need to show sufficient income, a qualifying remote work arrangement and the other requirements set by Spanish immigration authorities.
Who Can Apply?
The visa is available to non-EU and non-EEA nationals who work remotely using computer and telecommunications systems.
Applicants can be:
- Employees working remotely for a company based outside Spain
- Self-employed professionals working mainly with clients outside Spain
- Professionals with a combination of employment and freelance income
Self-employed applicants can work with Spanish companies, but income from Spanish clients cannot exceed 20% of their total professional income.
Applicants must also demonstrate an active professional relationship with their employer or clients for at least three months prior to applying.
Main Requirements
The income requirement is based on 200% of Spain's annual minimum wage. Income can come from multiple sources, but no more than 20% can come from Spanish clients.
How Long Does the Visa Last?
The Digital Nomad Visa can provide residence in Spain for up to five years, depending on the application route and renewals.
Applicants applying through a Spanish consulate outside Spain can receive an initial visa valid for up to one year.
Applicants already legally in Spain can apply directly to the UGE for a residence authorisation of up to three years. This can then be renewed for a further period if the applicant continues to meet the requirements.
What Does the Visa Allow?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible remote professionals to:
- Live legally in Spain
- Work remotely for foreign companies and clients
- Work with Spanish clients within the 20% income limit
- Travel within the Schengen Area under the applicable rules
- Include eligible family members in the application
- Access education in Spain for eligible dependent children
The visa is intended for remote work and does not provide unrestricted access to the Spanish labour market.
Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
The digital nomad visa in Spain is a modern solution for professionals who work remotely and want to live legally in one of Europe’s most attractive countries while continuing their professional activity outside Spain.
Family Members
The applicant can include eligible family members in the application. These generally include:
- Spouse or unmarried partner
- Dependent children
- Other dependent family members in qualifying circumstances
Additional income is required when family members are included. In 2026, the requirement is approximately €1,068 per month for a spouse or partner and €356 per month for each additional dependent child.
Tax Position
The Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically make the holder a Spanish tax resident. Tax residency is determined separately under Spanish tax rules, and spending more than 183 days a year in Spain can result in tax residency.
New residents who meet certain conditions may also qualify for the Beckham Law, a special tax regime that allows eligible employment income to be taxed at 24% up to €600,000.
The Beckham Law has separate eligibility requirements and must be applied for separately from the Digital Nomad Visa.
Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
Applying from Outside Spain
Applicants who are outside Spain can apply through the relevant Spanish consulate.
This route results in an initial visa that can be valid for up to one year. Applicants must provide documents proving their employment or professional activity, income, health coverage, criminal record and other eligibility requirements.
Applying from Spain
Applicants who are legally in Spain can apply directly to the UGE for a residence authorisation.
This route can provide an initial authorisation of up to three years. Applications are submitted electronically through Spain's immigration system.
The applicant must remain legally present in Spain when applying and continue to meet the programme requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Digital Nomad Visa holders work for Spanish companies?
Only within the programme's limits. Self-employed applicants can receive up to 20% of their professional income from Spanish companies or clients. The main professional activity must remain connected to companies or clients outside Spain.
Is there a minimum income requirement?
Yes. The main applicant must show income of at least €2,849 per month in 2026. Additional income is required when family members are included.
Can family members join the application?
Yes. Eligible spouses or partners and dependent family members can obtain residence permits linked to the main applicant.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
There is no minimum number of days that must be spent in Spain to maintain the Digital Nomad Visa. However, time spent in Spain can affect tax residency.
Can Digital Nomad Visa holders become Spanish citizens?
Potentially, but the visa itself does not lead directly to citizenship. Naturalisation has separate residence and other legal requirements.
What documents are required?
The exact documents depend on the applicant and application route. Common requirements include a valid passport, proof of employment or professional activity, evidence of sufficient income, health insurance and a criminal record certificate.
Additional documents may be required to prove professional qualifications, experience and the relationship with an employer or clients.
Is Spanish social security required?
This depends on the applicant's employment structure and country of origin. Employees and self-employed professionals may have different social security obligations, while international agreements can affect where contributions are paid.
This should be confirmed based on the applicant's specific employment or freelance arrangement before applying.
