Spain Digital Nomad Visa: A 2025 Guide

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, also called the Spain Telework Visa, allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Spain. This visa offers digital nomads the opportunity to work for foreign companies or as freelancers while enjoying the lifestyle, culture, and benefits that Spain offers, such as access to healthcare and the chance to reside in an EU country.

This guide article will highlight everything you need to know about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, including the application process, income requirements, eligibility criteria, the benefits of being a remote worker in Spain and more.

This is more of what we will cover:

• What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
• Quality of Life for a Digital Nomad in Spain
• Who can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
• Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
• What are the benefits of the Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
• Required documents for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain
• How to Apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa? 
• How long does it take to apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
• What happens if your Spanish Digital Nomad visa is denied?
• The Cost of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
• How long is the Digital Nomad Visa Spain valid for?
• Taxes and Tax Residency Rules for Digital Nomads in Spain
• Alternative Routes to Spanish Residency
• Living in Spain

Spain is also a top choice for digital nomads in Europe because of its warm weather, low cost of living, good healthcare, and high internet speed. The overview of the quality of life aspects in Spain below is based on trusted reports, such as the Healthcare Index, which reflects user experiences and considers factors like quality, accessibility, cost, and responsiveness of the system. It also draws from sources like the Global Peace Index, the Global Digital Nomad Report, and the Global Passport Index, which contributes to Spain’s top-five ranking on the Quality of Life Index.

Spain’s Quality of Life Aspects

Quick Visa Facts

Visa Length:

Up to 12 months

Possible to Extend?

Yes, up to 5 years

Who Can Apply?

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Minimum Income Requirements:

€2,763 per month (single adult)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, also referred to as the Spain Telework Visa, is for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Spain while working remotely using a computer and the internet.

To qualify, you must show you have the right skills with a university degree, a professional certificate, or at least three years of work experience in your field. You must also prove your job is stable by showing you’ve worked with your current employer or clients for at least three months.

Unlike many other digital nomad visas, Spain’s version lets freelancers and self-employed people earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients, while the rest must come from clients or companies outside Spain. This flexibility, along with Spain’s lower cost of living, sunny weather, and easy travel across Europe, makes it a popular choice for remote workers.

Another highlight is that Spain ranked first in the Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Report as the best country for digital nomads. The ranking reflects Spain’s strengths in areas that matter most to remote workers, such as accessible visa policies, reliable internet and tech infrastructure, and a safe, stable living environment.

• Non-EU/EEA citizens over 18
• Applicants with a clean criminal record certificate
• Interested in working remotely in Spain
• Spouse or unmarried partner
• Children under 18
• Financially dependent children over 18
• Dependent parents

As set out by the Spanish government, applicants must meet the following requirements to get Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa:

• The main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• No criminal record.
• Not listed as undesirable or sanctioned in Spain.
• No previous visa or entry refusal to the Schengen zone.
• Valid private health insurance from a provider authorized in Spain.
• If the applicant is an employee, they will need a certificate of Social Security coverage from their home country or registration in Spain’s social security system.
• Applicants must not have lived in Spain illegally or been residents in the last five years. You must live in Spain for at least 183 days a year to renew the visa.
• A degree from a recognized university or 3 years of experience in your field.
• Ability to work remotely using computers and telecommunication.
• For employees: Must have been with the same company for at least 3 months before applying and must have a remote work agreement.
• For self-employed applicants: Must have a commercial relationship with non-Spanish companies for at least 3 months before applying and a remote work agreement.
• If self-employed for a Spanish company: No more than 20% of your work can be with that company, and you need a remote work agreement.
• Payment of required fees.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa minimum income requirements 2025

Applicants need to show sufficient financial means or a regular income. In 2025, you must earn at least €2,763 per month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage), which is about €33,156 per year. The income requirement rises by 75% for the first dependent and by 25% for each additional family member, so the dependent income requirements are:

• Spouse or first adult relative: Add €1,035 per month
• Each child: Add €345 per month
• Family of two: €3,797 per month for a family of two.

Advantages of the Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa include:

• Extended stay: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa enables remote workers to reside and work in Spain for a prolonged period.
• Family inclusion: This Spanish visa provides the opportunity to bring along family dependents.
• Schengen zone travel: Visa holders enjoy travel freedom within the Schengen Zone, comprising 27 European countries.
• Tax benefits: Digital Nomad Visa holders, if employed or entrepreneurs, can opt for tax advantages under the special Non-Resident Income Tax Regime.
• Cultural experience: Spanish digital nomads can immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage, benefit from affordable living costs, and enjoy a high quality of life.
• Permanent residence pathway: After five years of continuous residence in Spain, the Spain Digital Nomad visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
• Citizenship eligibility: With a decade of continuous residence, Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders may qualify for Spanish citizenship.
• Apply in Spain:  It is possible to apply from Spain and the process only takes up to 20 days.

To successfully apply for the Spain remote work visa, you must provide several documents proving your eligibility. Below are the documents you’ll need to prepare for your Digital Nomad Visa application:

• Completed application form.
• A valid passport (or ID/residence permit if you are a legal resident but not a citizen).
• Two passport-style photos.
• Proof of residence in your consular district.
• Proof of no criminal records.
• Proof of qualifications: A university degree or professional certificate showing at least three years of experience. Some consulates accept employment history.
• Proof of employment: Employment contract (at least 3 months) or certificate of professional relationship if self-employed.
• Proof of permission to work remotely: A letter from your employer or company stating that you’re allowed to work remotely from Spain, as well as your role, salary, and terms.
• Employer’s business status: If employed, show the company has been active for at least 1 year with a certificate from the official register.
• Proof of income: At least €2,763 per month per month through means like bank statements, payslips, or employment contracts.
• Social Security registration: If you are an employee registered with your home country’s social security, you must make a declaration confirming that you will comply with social security obligations before working in Spain.
• Spanish Social Security registration: If registered with Spanish Social Security, provide a registration certificate.

Step 01/ Gather all required documents

Collect all required documents, including proof of income, remote work, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a completed national visa application form.

Step 02/ Choose where to apply

You have two options:

1. From abroad: Apply at a Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. You’ll receive a 1-year Digital Nomad Visa. Visit their website for details on how to book an appointment. Most ask you to email them with: your full name, a photo of you holding your passport, passport details, email, and phone number, your current address, type of visa you’re applying for, and info about any family members applying with you.

After sending this, you’ll receive a link to choose your appointment date which is usually within two weeks and instructions for paying the visa fee of around €80, paid by bank deposit.

2. From within Spain: Enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply for the 3-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit at the immigration office.

Step 03/ Submit your application and biometrics

Submit your application along with your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

• If applying abroad, this is done at the Spanish consulate.
• If applying in Spain, this is done at your local immigration office (Extranjería).

Step 04/ Enter Spain and apply for the residence permit (if needed)

If you applied from abroad and received the 1-year visa, travel to Spain and apply for the residence permit (TIE) within 30 days of arrival. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a residency permit card for non-EU foreigners living in Spain. If you entered Spain with a 1-year visa, you must apply for the TIE within 30 days of arrival. It proves your legal residence and includes your NIE, photo, and fingerprint data.

Step 05/ Submit biometrics again in Spain

Visit the police station, Policía Nacional, to submit your fingerprints and photo for the TIE card. Bring your passport and residence approval.

Step 06/ Wait for and collect your TIE Card

After biometrics, wait up to 30 days for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). You’ll receive a pick-up date to collect it.

Step 07/ Register your address (Empadronamiento)

Go to the local municipal office (Ayuntamiento) to register your address. Bring your passport, lease or rental contract, and your TIE or residence approval. This step is required for access to health care and other local services.

Step 08/ Apply for NIE (Foreigner ID)

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreign identification number in Spain. It’s required for all non-Spaniards who plan to stay long-term, work, study, or buy property. The NIE is used for taxes, banking, signing contracts, and other legal matters.

You can apply for your Spanish NIE at the Foreigner’s Office or local police station by booking an online appointment. Bring your passport with visa, three passport photos, a completed application form in Spanish (three copies), proof of your address in Spain, and a payment receipt (usually €10–20). It may take up to three months to receive your NIE and residency card.

The processing time for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is one to three months, whether you apply through the Spanish consulate or from within Spain. However, processing times may vary depending on the consulate or the volume of applications, so applying early is recommended to avoid delays.

The Cost of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

These are the costs associated with the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain:

• Application through the Consulate (for the one-year visa): The fee is €90. Different rates may apply for nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the USA, and the UK due to reciprocity. Check with the Consular Office for exact fees.
• UGE Application (for the 3-year residence permit): First application is €73.26 per applicant, and the renewal of the residence permit is  €78.67
• TIE Request (Residence Card): The first card costs €16.08, and the renewal of the card is €19.30

Optional costs may include:

• Passport-style photos
• Notarized or certified copies
• Courier or mailing fees
• Translation or embassy certification fees

Estimated total: €200–€400, depending on location and number of documents.

What happens if your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is denied?

If your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is denied, you’ll receive a written notice explaining the reason, such as missing documents, insufficient income, or not meeting eligibility criteria. Visa fees are non-refundable, but you can appeal the decision within one month through an administrative appeal (recurso de reposición) or within two months via a judicial appeal (recurso contencioso-administrativo). In some cases, it may be easier to correct the issues and reapply, or consider alternative permits like the Spain Non Lucrative.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year, during which the applicant arrives in Spain and applies for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for three years and can be extended for another two years, as long as the applicant meets the requirements.

To apply for a residence permit renewal, applicants must do so 60 days before or within 90 days after the card’s expiration date. The main applicant must gather documents similar to the initial application, including a certificate of payment of social security contributions.

Family members must submit separate applications and provide certificates of no criminal record from all countries where they have lived in the last two years.

Taxes and Tax Residency Rules for Digital Nomads in Spain

If you live in Spain legally for more than 183 days a year, you’ll be considered a tax resident, meaning you must pay taxes on your worldwide income to the Spanish Tax Agency. This applies whether you’re a remote employee working for a non-Spanish company, a freelancer, or a contractor.

Freelancers must register as “Autónomo” (self-employed), contribute to Social Security, charge VAT, and submit quarterly tax returns, which can affect your visa status. Since the Spain Digital Nomad Visa requires you to stay in the country for at least 183 days per year, this makes you a tax resident by default. As a result, you’ll be subject to progressive income tax rates, which can reach nearly 50% in some regions.

Spain’s Beckham Law

Under Spain’s special expat tax regime, the Beckham Law, you can pay a flat 24% tax on your income (up to €600,000/year), instead of the high progressive rates.

To qualify, you must:

• Not having been a Spanish tax resident in the last 5 years.
• Move to Spain for work.
• Have Spain as your main work base.
• Apply within 6 months of registering for Spanish Social Security.

How to get Spain Citizenship and Permanent Residency through the Digital Nomad Visa

After five years of living in Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers may qualify for permanent residency as long as they continue to meet the requirements set by the Spanish government. To qualify for permanent residency, you must have spent at least 183 days per year in Spain during those five years. Permanent residency is indefinite, but the resident card must be renewed every five years.

If you wish to apply for Spanish citizenship, you must have lived in Spain for more than 10 years. Along with meeting the residency requirement, applicants must pass two exams: a Spanish language proficiency test at a minimum of the A2 level and a test on Spanish culture and laws.

For nationals of former Spanish colonies, Brazil, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and individuals of Sephardic Jewish origin, a fast-track route to Spanish citizenship is available after just two years of legal residence.

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa offers another possible route to permanent residency. It is ideal for retirees, investors, or those with sufficient passive income who want to live in Spain without working for a Spanish company. The residence permit is valid for one year and renewable for up to two more years, totaling three years. For those who want to work in Spain, there is also the Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in the country in specialized, technical, or management positions with a Spanish employer. To apply, you must have a job offer, and the visa grants a two-year residence permit that can be renewed.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

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