Spain's digital nomad visa: complete guide

Spain launched its digital nomad visa in 2023, creating a legal pathway for remote workers to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. It’s one of Europe’s most attractive options for location-independent professionals.

What is the digital nomad visa?

The visado para teletrabajo de carácter internacional (international remote work visa) allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain while employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain.

Key features:

• Initial validity up to 3 years
• Renewable for additional 2 years
• Path to permanent residency and citizenship
• Favorable tax treatment (Beckham Law eligible)
• Can include spouse and dependents
• Work legally while enjoying Spanish life

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, you must demonstrate:

1. Remote work relationship

You need an existing work arrangement with a non-Spanish company:

• Employees: Employment contract with a company outside Spain, allowing remote work
• Freelancers: Contracts with clients outside Spain (Spanish clients cannot exceed 20% of income)
• Business owners: Ownership or shares in a non-Spanish company

The work relationship must have existed for at least 3 months before applying (or 1 year for freelancers/business owners).

2. Income requirements

Minimum monthly income of approximately €2,800 (200% of Spain’s minimum wage). This increases for dependents:

Applicant	Monthly minimum
Main applicant	~€2,800
+ Spouse/partner	+€700 (~25%)
+ Each child	+€350 (~12.5%)

Amounts are tied to Spain’s minimum wage and adjust annually.

3. Professional qualifications

You must demonstrate professional competence through:

• University degree or equivalent, OR
• 3+ years of professional experience in your field

The degree or experience should be relevant to your current remote work.

4. Company requirements

Your employer or client company must:

• Have been operating for at least 1 year
• Be registered outside of Spain
• Provide evidence of the remote work arrangement

5. Standard visa requirements

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Clean criminal record
• Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain
• No prior immigration violations

The application process

Step 1: Gather documents

Personal documents:

• Passport (valid 6+ months, with blank pages)
• Passport-sized photos (specific requirements vary by consulate)
• Criminal background check from your country (apostilled)
• Proof of address in your home country

Work documents:

• Employment contract or freelance agreements
• Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement
• Proof of 3+ months (or 1 year) existing relationship
• Company registration documents
• Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns)

Qualification documents:

• University degree (apostilled) and/or
• CV demonstrating 3+ years relevant experience
• Professional references or portfolio

Insurance and financial:

• Private health insurance policy (full coverage, no co-pays)
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds

If applying with dependents:

• Marriage certificate (apostilled) for spouse
• Birth certificates (apostilled) for children
• Proof of relationship for unmarried partners

Step 2: Apply at Spanish consulate

Applications are submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. The process typically involves:

1. Schedule appointment — Book online, often weeks in advance
2. Submit application — In person with all documents
3. Pay fees — Approximately €80-100 for the visa
4. Wait for decision — Usually 2-4 weeks, can take longer
5. Collect visa — Return to consulate to pick up approved visa

Step 3: Enter Spain

Once approved, you have 90 days to enter Spain. Upon arrival:

1. Register with local authorities
2. Apply for your TIE (foreigner identity card) within 30 days
3. Register on the padrón (municipal register)
4. Set up your Spanish life

Step 4: Apply for TIE

The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is your physical residency card. Apply at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your province within 30 days of arrival.

Documents needed:

• EX-17 form
• Passport and visa
• Proof of address (padrón certificate)
• Passport photos
• Fee payment (approximately €16)

Alternative: apply from within Spain

If you’re already in Spain (legally, on a tourist visa), you can apply for the digital nomad authorization directly at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) office.

Advantages:

• Faster processing (often 20 days)
• Don’t need to leave Spain
• Can start immediately once approved

Requirements:

• Must be legally in Spain (within 90-day tourist period)
• Same documentation requirements
• Apply before tourist visa expires

Tax benefits: the Beckham Law

One of the most attractive features is eligibility for Spain’s special tax regime, commonly called the “Beckham Law.”

How it works

Instead of paying regular Spanish income tax (up to 47%), you can opt for a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income for the first 6 years.

Key benefits:

• 24% flat tax rate (vs. progressive rates up to 47%)
• Only Spanish-source income taxed in Spain
• Foreign income may remain taxable only in source country
• Wealth tax exemptions on foreign assets

Eligibility requirements

• Haven’t been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years
• Move to Spain for work purposes
• Apply within 6 months of starting Spanish residency

Important considerations

• You must actively opt in (not automatic)
• Consult a tax professional—international tax is complex
• May affect tax obligations in your home country
• Not always beneficial depending on your situation

Costs breakdown

Application costs

Item	Cost
Visa application fee	€80-100
TIE card fee	~€16
Document apostilles	€50-200
Translations	€100-300
Criminal background check	€20-50
Health insurance (annual)	€600-1,500
Total initial costs	€900-2,200

Ongoing costs

• Health insurance: €50-150/month
• Accountant/tax advisor: €100-300/month (recommended)
• TIE renewal: ~€16 every 3-5 years

Timeline

Stage	Duration
Document gathering	2-8 weeks
Consulate appointment wait	1-4 weeks
Visa processing	2-4 weeks
Enter Spain	Within 90 days
TIE application	Within 30 days of arrival
TIE processing	2-6 weeks
Total	2-5 months

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Insufficient documentation

Consulates can be strict. Missing or incorrect documents cause delays or rejections. Double-check requirements with your specific consulate.

2. Income too low

Ensure your provable income exceeds the minimum. Bank statements should clearly show regular deposits meeting the threshold.

3. Wrong health insurance

Insurance must meet specific requirements:

• Full coverage in Spain
• No co-pays for basic services
• Valid for the entire visa period
• Coverage for repatriation

Some travel insurance policies don’t qualify. Use insurers experienced with Spanish visa requirements. See our health insurance comparison for visa-compliant options.

4. Starting Spanish work

The digital nomad visa doesn’t allow working for Spanish companies or taking Spanish clients (beyond the 20% limit for freelancers). Violating this can void your visa.

5. Missing the TIE deadline

Apply for your TIE within 30 days of arrival. Missing this deadline creates legal complications.

Renewal and long-term options

Renewal

After the initial 3-year period, you can renew for an additional 2 years if you still meet the requirements.

Path to permanent residency

After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency (long-term EU residence permit). This removes the need for visa renewals and allows you to work without restrictions.

Path to citizenship

Spanish citizenship is available after 10 years of legal residence (reduced to 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, and Portugal). Citizenship requires:

• Passing Spanish language and culture tests
• Renouncing previous citizenship (with some exceptions)
• Demonstrating integration into Spanish society

Digital nomad visa vs. other options

vs. Non-lucrative visa

Factor	Digital Nomad	Non-Lucrative
Can work remotely	Yes	No
Income source	Employment/clients	Passive only
Tax benefits	Beckham Law eligible	Standard rates
Initial duration	3 years	1 year
Income requirement	~€2,800/month	~€2,400/month

Choose digital nomad if: You’re actively working remotely

Choose non-lucrative if: You have passive income and won’t work

vs. Autónomo (self-employed)

Factor	Digital Nomad	Autónomo
Spanish clients	Limited (20%)	Unlimited
Social security	Not required	Required (~€300/month)
Tax regime	Beckham Law option	Standard Spanish
Flexibility	Work for foreign companies	Full business freedom

Choose digital nomad if: Your clients are primarily outside Spain

Choose autónomo if: You want to work with Spanish clients or build a local business

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel outside Spain?

Yes, but you should maintain Spain as your primary residence. Extended absences (over 6 months per year) could affect your residency status.

Can my spouse work in Spain?

Dependents receive the same visa status. They can work remotely for non-Spanish companies under the same conditions, but cannot take local Spanish employment without a separate work permit.

What if my income varies?

Freelancers with variable income should demonstrate an average meeting the minimum threshold. Provide several months of bank statements and contracts showing consistent earning capacity.

Can I switch employers?

Yes, but you must continue meeting the visa requirements. The new employer must also be non-Spanish and allow remote work.

What happens if I lose my job?

You have a grace period to find new qualifying work. If you can’t meet the requirements, you may need to switch to a different visa type or leave Spain.

Key takeaways

1. Plan ahead — Document gathering takes time; start early
2. Meet the income threshold — Ensure you can clearly prove sufficient income
3. Get proper insurance — Use insurers experienced with Spanish visa requirements
4. Consider tax implications — The Beckham Law can save significant money
5. Maintain compliance — Keep your work within visa restrictions
6. Think long-term — This visa can lead to permanent residency and citizenship

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Visa requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the Spanish consulate in your jurisdiction and consider consulting an immigration lawyer for your specific situation.