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Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa has quickly become one of the most attractive residence options for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from outside the European Union. It allows you to legally live in Spain while working for a foreign employer or clients abroad — and to bring your family with you.
This guide explains exactly what the visa is, who qualifies, how much income you need, the documents required, the step-by-step process, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid. All information here is based on verified official sources and updated for 2025.
The Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under the Start-ups Law (Law 28/2022), which came into effect on 28 December 2022. The program officially launched in early 2023, and from 10 June 2025 the updated regulations made it easier to apply and bring family members.
It is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. The main goals are to attract international talent, encourage innovation, and bring economic benefits to Spanish cities.
You are eligible if:
You are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
You work 100% remotely for a foreign company or have freelance clients, with no more than 20% of income coming from Spanish clients.
You hold a university degree or have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
You have worked for your current employer or clients for at least 3 months before applying.
Your employer or business has been active for at least 1 year.
You have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived during the past 5 years.
The income requirement is based on 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). In 2025, this means:
€2,760 per month or €33,120 per year for a single applicant.
If applying with a spouse/partner: add 75% of the SMI (approx. €1,035/month).
For each child: add 25% of the SMI (approx. €345/month).
Example: A family of four (two adults + two children) would need to show around €4,485/month in income.
Below is the standard checklist — your consulate may request additional documents:
Document | Details |
|---|---|
Application form + photo | Official national visa form, recent color photo, light background |
Valid passport | At least 1-year validity, 2 blank pages |
Criminal record certificate | From all countries where you’ve lived in the past 2–5 years; must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish |
Proof of remote work | Employment contract or client agreement confirming remote work; company must be active ≥1 year |
Proof of income | Bank statements, payslips, tax returns, or contracts |
Proof of qualifications | Degree certificate or proof of 3+ years of professional experience |
Private health insurance | Full coverage in Spain, equivalent to public healthcare |
Proof of fee payment | Around €80, depending on consulate |
Proof of residence in consular district | e.g., rental agreement, utility bill, driver’s license |
Gather and legalize all documents (including apostilles and translations).
Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate.
Submit application in person and pay the fee.
Wait for approval (usually 1–3 months).
Receive your visa, travel to Spain, and apply for your residence card (TIE) within 30 days.
Enter Spain legally (e.g., on a tourist visa).
Prepare documents as above.
Apply directly to Spain’s Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
Receive residence permit valid for up to 3 years.
From abroad: Visa valid for 1 year. Can be renewed in Spain.
From within Spain: Initial residence permit valid for up to 3 years.
Renewals: Usually every 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years total.
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Legal residence in Spain for you and your family.
Travel within the Schengen Area without additional visas.
Access to Spain’s healthcare and education systems.
Possibility to apply for the Beckham Law tax regime (24% flat tax on income up to €600,000).
Opportunity to integrate into Spain’s culture, language, and lifestyle.
Submitting incomplete documents — missing apostilles or translations is a frequent cause of delays.
Not meeting the income threshold — consulates check this carefully.
Ignoring processing times — some consulates take the full 3 months or more.
Starting remote work with a Spanish company before the visa — this can disqualify you.
Using inadequate health insurance — it must be equivalent to the Spanish public system.
Always check the specific requirements of the Spanish consulate where you will apply — they can vary.
Organize your documents in the order requested and in separate folders for easy review.
Keep copies (digital and paper) of everything you submit.
Consider working with a relocation expert like Globexs to avoid errors that could delay or block your application.
Apply well in advance, especially if you plan to move during peak holiday periods.
Can I apply if I’m already in Spain?
Yes, you can apply directly for the residence permit from within Spain if you entered legally.
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Yes, but no more than 20% of your total income can come from Spanish sources.
How long does it take to get approved?
Usually 1–3 months, depending on where and how you apply.
Can my family join me?
Yes, spouses, partners, and children can be included if you meet the higher income requirement.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No, but it will greatly improve your experience living in Spain.
Can I change to another type of residence later?
Yes, after meeting the requirements you can switch to other residence permits, permanent residency, or eventually citizenship.
Globexs specializes in helping remote workers and expats relocate to Spain with the Digital Nomad Visa. From document preparation and translations to insurance, NIE/TIE, housing, and family relocation, we handle every detail so you can focus on your new life. Contact us today to start your application with expert guidance.
