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Spain Digital Nomad Visa: A Full 2026 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 allows digital nomads to work for foreign companies or as freelancers while enjoying Spain’s lifestyle, culture, and benefits, such as access to healthcare and the opportunity 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.

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Key Takeaways

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows non‑EU/EEA remote workers to live in Spain for up to 12 months. The residence permit is renewable for up to five years and can eventually lead to permanent residency.  
After 10 years of legal residency, applicants can qualify for citizenship. The Spanish passport is powerful, ranking 9th for quality of life, 4th for mobility, and 20th overall on the Global Passport Index. After 10 years of legal residency, applicants can qualify for citizenship. 
Applicants must earn at least €2,850 per month, with higher minimum requirements for anyone adding dependents. 
Applicants need either a university degree or three years of professional experience, plus at least three months with their current employer or clients. 
 Family members who can be included are the spouse or partner, children under 18, dependent children over 18, and dependent parents. 
The visa is renewable for up to five years, provided you live in Spain at least 183 days per year. 
Applicants must have valid private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and must not have been a Spanish resident in the previous five years. 

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

digital nomad looking at alhamba in spain

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 2025 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.

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Read the Global Intelligence Unit’s full report on Digital Nomadism

8 Benefits of the Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?

open passport

Advantages of the Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa include:

  1. Extended stay: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa enables remote workers to reside and work in Spain for a prolonged period.
  2. Family inclusion: This Spanish visa provides the opportunity to bring along family dependents.
  3. Schengen zone travel: Visa holders enjoy travel freedom within the Schengen Zone, comprising 27 European countries.
  4. Tax benefits: Digital Nomad Visa holders, if employed or entrepreneurs, can opt for tax advantages under the special Non-Resident Income Tax Regime.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Citizenship eligibility: With a decade of continuous residence, Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders may qualify for Spanish citizenship.
  8. Apply in Spain:  It is possible to apply from Spain and the process only takes up to 20 days.

Who can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

  • Non-EU/EEA citizens over 18
  • Applicants with a clean criminal record certificate
  • Interested in working remotely in Spain

Qualifying family members

  • Spouse or unmarried partner
  • Children under 18
  • Financially dependent children over 18
  • Dependent parents

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements in 2026

As set out by the Spanish government, applicants must meet the following requirements to get digital nomad residency in Spain:

  • The main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
  • Clear 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 2026

Applicants need to show sufficient financial means or a regular income. In 2026, you must earn at least €2,850 per month, which is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage, which is about €34,200 per year. The income requirement rises by 75% for the first dependent and by 25% for each additional family member.

This is what it means for you:

  • Main applicant: €2,850 per month (annually €34,200). 
  • Spouse or first adult relative €1,070 per month (annually €12,840), and 
  • Any additional dependent: 360€ per month (annually €4,320) 
  • Family of two: €3,920 per month.

Minimum stay requirements

To qualify for the Spain Telework residence permit, you must not have lived in Spain illegally or been a resident there in the past five years. There’s no minimum stay for the first visa, but to renew it, you need to live in Spain for at least six months in a 12-month period.

Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain

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 National Visa Application Form: Each applicant must complete and sign the national visa application form, filling in all required sections. It can be typed or handwritten in capital letters. For minors, a parent or authorized representative must sign the 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: Applicants need to submit a criminal record certificate from every country where they have lived in the last five years. This document must also be translated into Spanish and properly apostilled.
  • 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 €2,850 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.

How to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 9 Steps

folder of documents for the spain's digital nomad visa application

Step 01/ Get in touch with Global Citizen Solutions

Before starting your application journey, speak to our immigration specialist at Global Citizen Solutions who will guide you through the eligibility and hold your hand throughout your entire application journey.

Step 02/ 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 03/ 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 04/ 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 05/ 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 06/ 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 07/ 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 08/ 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 09/ 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.

Spain Remote Work Visa Processing Time

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 will be different depending on the consulate or the volume of applications, so applying early is recommended to avoid delays.

Applying from within Spain

This is the most popular option because it avoids the consulate process and gives you a three-year residence permit from the start.

  • Approval time: 20 business days. By law, the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) must issue a decision within 20 working days.
  • Total timeline to receive your TIE card: The whole process can take two to three months. This includes waiting 15–30 days for a fingerprint appointment and 30–45 days for your physical TIE card to be issued.

Applying from a consulate abroad

If you apply from your home country through a Spanish Consulate, you will first receive a one-year entry visa.

  • Approval time: The time to approval is normally 15–45 days. Although the legal processing time is 10 days, most consulates take around three to six weeks in practice.
  • Total timeline: The full timeline can take three to seven months. Several consulates have long wait times just to book an appointment, which can add several months before you are even able to submit your application.

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
Country of ApplicationGeneral Costs for Spain Digital Nomad Visa (2025)
United States– FBI background check: ~ $18
– Apostille (per document): $25–$75
– Spanish translation: ~ $70
– Visa application fee: ~ €80
– NIE / TIE (residence card): ~ €20 after arrival
United Kingdom– ACRO police certificate: ~ £55
– Apostille: £60+ per document
– Spanish translation: from ~£20 per page
– Visa application fee: ~ €80 (paid in equivalent local currency)
– NIE / TIE fee (residence card): ~ €20 on arrival

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 Spanish Non-Lucrative.

How long is the Spanish Digital Nomad Permit valid for?

maiorca spain

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.

Renewing your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

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 Remote Worker Visa for Spain, you can 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.

Alternative Routes to Spanish Residency

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

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.

Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa

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.

5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads and Families in Spain

Spain is one of the top destinations for digital nomads in Europe because of its warm climate, affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare system, and fast internet speeds. The country also performs well in global rankings. It is ranked 25th on the Global Peace Index, 20th on our Global Passport Index, and in the top 4 for Quality of Life.

1. Valencia


Valencia is often seen as the city that has it all for families moving to Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa. It is safe, more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, and has the famous Turia Gardens, a 9km park that runs through the city with playgrounds and bike paths. Remote workers will have no issues working because of the strong fiber-internet and popular coworking spaces like Wayco and Vortex. Families also enjoy the City of Arts and Sciences and a good selection of international schools, including British, American, and French options. Monthly family costs, including rent, usually range between €2,500 and €3,200.

2. Málaga


Málaga has become a big tech city and has attracted companies like Google. It has the best of both worlds: a beach lifestyle that also still feels like a real working city, and not just a tourist destination. There is a growing expat and digital nomad community, which can be found at coworking spaces such as The Living Room. Families can choose from more than 30 international schools, and areas like Teatinos and El Limonar are especially family-friendly. The city is safe, easy to walk around, and enjoys sunshine almost all year round. The cost of living for a family of four can range from €2,500 to €3,000, including rent.

3. Madrid

Madrid is great for families who want to optimize on the big-city life. There is so,e of the best healthcare, and several career networking opportunities. It has the best internet infrastructure in Spain and many professional events at coworking spaces like Impact Hub and Utopicus. There are family-friendly districts, such as Chamberí and Retiro, that are safe and well-organized, as well as Retiro Park, a famous green space for families. Madrid also has the highest number of high-quality bilingual and international schools in the country, and a family can budget about €3,500-€5,000 per month. 

4. Alicante


Alicante is one of the most affordable coastal cities in Spain and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It is becoming popular with remote workers thanks to its low living costs and reliable Wi-Fi. The city feels smaller and less overwhelming than Madrid or Barcelona, which many families prefer. Playa San Juan is a favorite residential area near the Mediterranean. Housing is more affordable than in many other coastal cities, with three-bedroom apartments outside the city center often costing between €1,200 and €1,800 per month.

5. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is another well known digital domard capital that is perfect for families who love nature and island living. There is high-speed internet, over 300 Mbps, which is widely available, and the nomad community is one of the most active in Europe. In neighborhoods like Las Canteras, expats and their families can enjoy a safe beach lifestyle where children can even surf after school. A family of four can live comfortably with a budget of €2,920 – €4,160. Another tip would be to take advantage of the special tax regime (ZEC) in the Canary Islands , which can sometimes have financial benefits for certain businesses.

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. 

contact us

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Frequently Asked Questions

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Spain while working for companies based outside the country. The permit is valid for up to five years, usually granted for 1–3 years at first and renewable. To qualify, you must earn at least €2,850 per month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage), hold a university degree or have at least three years of professional experience, and prove that your employer has been operating for at least one year.

You can live in Spain on a digital nomad visa for up to five years, including renewals. If you apply from outside Spain, you’ll initially get a one-year visa, followed by a renewable residence permit to extend your stay. If you apply from within Spain while on a legal permit, such as a tourist visa, you can receive a three-year residence permit initially, which can then be renewed for an additional two years. After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency

The cost of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa fee is around $90 per application (Consulate) or $73.26 (Within Spain). This may vary on relevant exchange rate and currency.

Yes. In Spain, you are considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year or if your main professional activities or economic interests are based in Spain. However, if you elect to be taxed as a non-residents, you’ll pay a flat rate of 24% on your Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 (as of the last update) and 47% on income above this threshold.

The Spanish minimum wage is 1,424.50per month for full-time workers, based on a 14-payment system. This brings the annual total minimum wage to approximately €17,936.

To qualify, the digital nomad minimum salary is at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, which is about €2,850.

Yes, you can. You are not limited to the amount of work you do for companies outside of Spain. However, you can only work for a Spanish company if you are self-employed and it can’t make up more than 20 percent of your income. If you are an employee, you cannot work for a Spanish company at all.

Yes, any non-EU/EEA national who holds a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa can travel across the European Union freely. This means you can visit other European countries that are part of the European Union. In case you want to visit countries in Europe that are not part of the EU, you still need a visa for those.

There are several similarities between Spain vs Portugal Digital Nomad Visas. However, the biggest difference is the minimum income requirement and the source of the income.

The key difference is that a Tourist Visa is meant for short stays of up to 90 days and does not allow any type of work. In contrast, the Digital Nomad Visa lets non-EU/EEA nationals live in Spain long-term while working remotely for foreign employers, with the possibility to stay for up to five years. A Tourist Visa is mainly for travel and has simple requirements, while the Digital Nomad Visa involves stricter income and job conditions and gives access to longer residency and services like healthcare.

To show your income for a Digital Nomad Visa, you need documents proving steady earnings above the required amount. This usually includes bank statements with regular deposits and an employer letter for remote workers. Self-employed applicants may need tax returns, client invoices, contracts, or profit-and-loss statements. Always check the specific rules for the country to which you’re applying, as requirements can vary.

Yes, US W-2 employees can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa starting in 2025, as recent approvals for this category have confirmed it is now possible, though the process is still developing. To qualify, W-2 employees must obtain a Certificate of Coverage from the U.S. Social Security Administration to show they will continue paying into the U.S. system and are not trying to work as a local employee in Spain.

Get in touch with a Spain Immigration Specialist
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