Spain Digital Nomad Visa - 2026 Update

Andy Stofferis

Freelance Writer

Last update 17 February, 2026

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length up to 12 months

Possible to extend? Yes, for up to 5 years

Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA citizens

Minimum Income Requirements ~€2,850–€2,860 per month, equivalent to 200% of the SMI.

Time for visa applications 15-45 days

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Spain Digital Nomad Visa Overview

In January 2023, Spain officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa under the Startup Act (Ley de Startups), a package of measures designed to attract entrepreneurship, innovation, and foreign investment.

The visa allows remote workers to live and work in Spain for up to 1 year when applying from abroad through a Spanish consulate, or up to 3 years if applying from within Spain for a residence authorization. This residence permit can be renewed for additional periods, allowing a total stay of up to 5 years, after which applicants may become eligible for long-term residency.

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income equivalent to 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). As of 2026, this is approximately €2,850+ per month, with higher income thresholds required when including dependents (75% of the SMI for the first dependent and 25% for each additional dependent).

Remote workers must prove:

• A stable employment contract (or ongoing freelance contracts),

• Authorization from their foreign employer to work remotely from Spain,

• That the foreign company has been operating for at least one year.

Freelancers may work with Spanish clients, provided that no more than 20% of their total income comes from Spanish companies, which remains unchanged under current regulations.

Successful applicants receive a residence authorization that allows travel within the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

Many Digital Nomad Visa holders who become Spanish tax residents may apply for Spain’s Special Expat Tax Regime (commonly referred to as the “Beckham Law”). Under current rules, qualifying applicants can pay a flat tax rate of 24% on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 per year, for up to 6 years, instead of being taxed under standard progressive income tax rates.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

Applications for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa are open to non-EU/EEA citizens. Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area do not need a Digital Nomad Visa to work remotely in Spain.

United States citizens and Green Card holders, as well as citizens from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, are all eligible to apply. You can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country or enter Spain as a visa-free tourist and apply for a residency permit from within Spain before your 90-day stay expires. The in-country option typically grants a 3-year residence permit, while consulate applications usually issue a 1-year visa.

Spain has double taxation agreements with over 90 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU member states. These agreements are designed to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income, though tax residency rules and treaty terms may still result in partial obligations in both countries. It’s a good idea to consult a tax advisor to understand your specific situation.

Types Of Spain Digital Nomad Visas

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023 under the Startup Act, is Spain’s first major residence authorization specifically designed for remote workers and freelancers. Before its launch, non-EU/EEA citizens who wished to work remotely from Spain often entered as tourists, which allowed stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period but did not provide a legal pathway to long-term residency.

Spain also offers a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), commonly referred to as a retirement visa. This residence permit is intended for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in local employment. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient passive income or financial savings. As of 2026, the required income is generally tied to Spain’s IPREM indicator and is approximately €2,400 per month (around €28,800 per year) for a single applicant, with additional financial requirements for dependents. The visa is granted for one year initially and can be renewed for two-year periods, allowing residence for up to five years before eligibility for long-term residency.

Spain’s Golden Visa program, which previously granted residency to non-EU nationals investing at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate, was officially eliminated in 2025 following housing market reforms. As of 2026, new applications are no longer being accepted under the real estate investment pathway.

Compared to many other European digital nomad programs, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa remains competitive. The income requirement is set at 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). As of 2026, this equates to approximately €2,850+ per month for a single applicant. Applicants bringing dependents must demonstrate higher income thresholds based on additional SMI percentages.

The Digital Nomad Visa is issued for up to one year when applied for through a Spanish consulate abroad. Applicants who apply from within Spain, if eligible for visa-free entry, may receive a residence authorization valid for up to three years. Renewals are typically granted in two-year increments, and after five years of continuous legal residence, individuals may apply for long-term residency. Spanish citizenship may become possible after ten years of legal residence, though reduced timelines apply for certain nationalities.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Below is a detailed list of the eligibility requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, applicable to remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals who are not EU/EEA citizens.

Proof of Remote Worker Status

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work remotely from Spain via an internet connection. This includes:

• Qualifications: A university degree, professional certificate, or proof of at least three years of relevant work experience.

• Employment Stability: Evidence of current employment or freelance contracts active for at least three months.

• Company Validity: Proof that the employing company has been operational for at least one year.

• Income Source: Freelancers may earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income equivalent to 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI).

As of 2026, this is approximately:

• Individual applicant: ~€2,850+ per month

• First dependent (typically spouse/partner): +75% of SMI

• Each additional dependent: +25% of SMI

Because these thresholds are tied directly to the SMI, they may adjust annually.

Income may be demonstrated through:

• Employment contracts

• Payslips

• Bank statements

Full Health Insurance

Applicants must obtain private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain.

The policy must:

• Provide coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system

• Have no co-payments (sin copago)

• Have no deductibles

• Be valid throughout the applicant’s stay in Spain

Enrollment in Spain’s public health system is not typically available at the time of initial application, so private coverage is required.

You can find our recommendations for the best travel insurance and health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Clean Criminal Record

Applicants for the Spanish DNV must present a criminal record certificate from countries where they have resided in the past two years. The form of proof that can be provided depends on the type of documentation used in the relevant country.

Remember that your document should be translated into Spanish by an approved body and officialized for international use with an Apostille.

Minimum Stay Requirement

Applicants must not be in Spain irregularly at the time of application.

There is no minimum stay requirement to obtain the initial Digital Nomad Visa or residence authorization. However, to renew the residence permit, applicants must demonstrate effective residence in Spain.

In practice, this generally means residing in Spain for at least six months per year, as absences exceeding six consecutive months may impact renewal eligibility and future long-term residency applications.

There is no automatic disqualification for previously holding another Spanish residence permit, but applicants must ensure their prior status has properly expired or been renounced before applying under a new category.

How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa – Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Acquire All The Necessary Documents

The first step in putting together your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application is to gather all the relevant documentation. Some documents must be made official with an Apostille to be used internationally.

Below is a list of the required documents:

• Completed copy of the National Visa Application Form (one for each person)

• Valid passport with one-year validity and two blank pages

• Two passport photos

• Proof of suitable employment (work contract, letter from employer confirming that you can work remotely)

• Proof that your employer/company has been active for at least one year

• Proof of income (payslips, work contract, bank statements)

• Proof of qualifications (university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of experience)

• Proof of health insurance authorized to operate in Spain

• Criminal record check certificates for the last two years (with Apostille and copy)

• Proof of familial relationship to other applicants (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, accompanied by an official Spanish translation. Translations should be made by an officially recognized translation service. Your local embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of approved providers.

Step 2 – Book an Appointment & Pay the Visa Fee

Applications for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa must be made in person at your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate. How to book an appointment depends on your local embassy, and you should visit their website for specific details.

In most cases, you will probably be asked to make an appointment via email. You will be instructed to include the following information and documents in your email:

• Your full name

• A photo of you holding your passpor

• Passport details

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Current contact address (local)

• The type of visa that you are applying for

• Information about any associated applicants

Once you have provided this information, you can expect to receive a link to select your appointment day and time, and information for paying your visa fee. You can expect to get an appointment date roughly two weeks after you get in contact with the embassy.

They will also provide you with information to pay the visa fee, which will probably take the form of a bank deposit. Visa fees vary slightly depending on nationality due to reciprocity agreements, but generally range between €80–€100.

Step 3 – Attend Your Appointment

At your appointment, you will submit your documents and may be asked clarifying questions.

Your passport is typically retained during processing. Processing times are generally 20 working days for in-Spain applications and 15–45 days for consular applications, though timelines can vary depending on workload and documentation completeness.

Step 4 – Wait and Collect Your Visa

You can expect it to take between 15 and 45 days for your visa application to be processed. You may be given a link to track the progress of your application, and you may be asked to submit additional documentation if required.

Some consulates may provide a tracking link or send email notifications regarding the status of your application.

If your application is approved, you have one month to collect your visa from the embassy or consulate. There is usually a daily time slot when you can “drop-in” to the embassy and collect your passport.

If your visa is refused, you will be notified in writing and receive information about why the application was rejected. You have one month to file an appeal with additional documentation following a refusal. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Step 5 – Obtain Your NIE & TIE (Residence Card)

All foreign residents in Spain are assigned a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which functions as both an identification and tax number.

If you apply from within Spain, your NIE is typically assigned automatically as part of the residence authorization process.

After approval, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), your physical residence card, at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or National Police station.

You will generally need:

• Your valid passport with visa

• Resolution of approval

• A completed EX-17 form

• Proof of address in Spain

• Receipt for payment of the TIE administration fee (usually €15-20)

Processing times for the TIE card typically range from 30–45 days, depending on the province.

Timeline for Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The complete process of applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa and obtaining your residency permit in Spain can be time-consuming, mostly due to the time required to gather documents and secure Apostilles and translations where necessary.

As an example, in the United States, obtaining your own criminal background check from the FBI takes three to five working days after the receipt of a fingerprint card sent by post. You can request an Apostille with your background check or send a separate request once you have received the document, but it can take 10-12 weeks for this to be processed.

In the United Kingdom, you can apply for an ACRO Police Certificate online or by post. The process usually takes 12 working days, but you can pay more for an expedited process. You must apply for an Apostille for the document separately, which usually takes about five working days.

After compiling all necessary documents, scheduling an appointment at your local Spanish consulate typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once submitted, visa applications are generally processed within 15–45 business days, though this can vary based on the consulate and application volume.

Upon arrival in Spain, scheduling an appointment to apply for your NIE and TIE may take up to 1 month, with the TIE being issued within 1–3 months thereafter, depending on the local office's processing times.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa In Spain?

The highest costs of applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa often come from gathering the required documents, and prices can vary depending on your country.

Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

United States

• FBI Identity History Summary (background check): ~$18

• Apostille (U.S. Department of State): ~$20–$50

• Official sworn Spanish translation: ~$50–$100 per document

• Visa application fee: Typically €80–€100 (may vary due to reciprocity agreements)

United Kingdom

• ACRO Police Certificate: ~£55–£95 (depending on service speed)

• UK Apostille (FCDO): ~£60+

• Official sworn Spanish translation: ~£30–£80 per document

• Visa application fee: Usually €80–€100 equivalent

Spain-Based Costs (After Approval)

• TIE residence card fee: Approximately €15–€20

• Local administrative forms (if applicable)

Your NIE (foreigner identification number) is typically assigned automatically as part of the residence process and does not carry a separate major fee.

Optional or Additional Costs

You may also incur expenses for:

• Passport photos

• Notarized copies

• Courier/shipping fees

• Express processing services

• Legal or relocation assistance (if used)

Estimated Total Cost: For a single applicant handling the process independently, total document-related and administrative expenses typically range between €300 and €700

Costs may increase significantly if:

• Applying with dependents

• Using expedited services

• Hiring an immigration lawyer

• Translating multiple supporting documents

Taxes for Spain Digital Nomad Visa

If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you will generally be considered a Spanish tax resident and may be subject to taxation on your worldwide income. Even if you spend fewer than 183 days in Spain, you could still be deemed a tax resident if Spain becomes your primary economic center or habitual residence for your family.

Under Spain’s Special Expat Tax Regime (commonly referred to as the Beckham Law), eligible Digital Nomad Visa holders may opt to be taxed as non-residents for income tax purposes.

As of 2026, the regime allows qualifying individuals to pay:

• 24% on Spanish-sourced employment income up to €600,000 per year

• 47% on income exceeding €600,000

This regime generally applies for the year of arrival plus five additional years (six years total).

It is important to note that under this regime:

• Foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Spain (with certain exceptions).

• Spanish-sourced employment income is taxed at the flat rate above.

• Other income types (dividends, capital gains, etc.) may be taxed differently.

To benefit from this regime, you must apply within six months of registering with Spanish Social Security or starting qualifying employment activity.

Spain has double taxation treaties with more than 90 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU member states. These agreements are designed to prevent the same income from being taxed twice, although reporting obligations may still apply in both jurisdictions.

If you register as a freelance or self-employed worker (autónomo) in Spain and do not qualify for the special regime, you will be subject to Spain’s standard progressive income tax rates and mandatory social security contributions. Tax rates and obligations vary depending on your income level and the autonomous community where you reside.

Because Spanish tax treatment depends heavily on your employment structure, income type, and country of origin, professional tax advice is strongly recommended before relocating.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Denial

If your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application is denied by your local embassy, you will receive a notification in writing, and it will explain why the visa was rejected. You are within your rights to appeal the denial, but you must do this within one month of the day that the refusal letter was issued. You should contact the person who wrote the refusal letter or use any specific contact details for your local embassy provided within that letter.

The visa application fee that you paid when submitting your application is non-refundable, even if your visa is still denied following the appeal.

Living in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Spain is a sprawling and exciting country with Mediterranean beaches on one side, Atlantic Ocean coasts in the north, and a vast interior known for bustling cities, cultural diversity, and Spanish cowboys.

Spain is a relatively affordable country, but with all the advantages of being a major part of Western Europe and a partner in the European Union. It is known for its excellent food (paella anyone), fine wines (the home of Rioja), famous artists (Picasso, Goya, and Dali), and passionate and welcoming culture.

Don’t forget the famous Spanish islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Majorca, Lanzarote, and Ibiza.

Capital Madrid

Form of Government Constitutional Monarchy

Population 47.42 million

Climate Temperate with hot summers and mild winters

Language Spanish

Currency Euro

41 people in Spain!

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Spain is a diverse country, and you can experience a lot of different lifestyles traveling across its 17 autonomous regions. Head to the capital Madrid or sunny Barcelona for the best of art and culture and the most active digital nomad communities.

For the best mainland beaches head to the Andalusian south coast, which is known for its old Moorish cities, including Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, which has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world. As you head from Andalucia to Madrid, you will pass through Castilla-La Mancha, the home of Don Quixote’s windmills, Gothic architecture, and fine cheese.

Want skiing in the winter? Head north to the Aragon region near the French border for the Pyrenees mountains. Just south of this, you will find Basque country, which has its own unique language and is known for its pintxos bars and Michelin-star restaurants. Also nearby is La Rioja, known for its excellent wines and stunning hiking trails.

For the quintessential Mediterranean party vibe go to the Balearic Islands, which include Majora, Menorca, and Ibiza. Here you will find both traditional villages and some of the most glamorous hotels and famous nightspots. The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, are located off the northwest coast of Africa.

Attractions and best places to visit

Digital Nomad Hotspots

If your time in Spain is limited or you want to choose a few special places to get to know in-depth, these five cities should be on your bucket list.

Madrid

City in Spain

As well as being blessed with clear blue skies year-round, the capital of Spain is bursting with museums and cultural venues to experience. Each neighborhood has a unique vibe and famous architectural landmarks. You will find quality wine bars serving delicious tapas on every street corner.

Barcelona

City in Spain

Sandwiched between the Mediterranean sea and the Pyrenees mountains, Barcelona is a nature lover’s paradise. Spend mornings at the beach or hiking just outside the city, and afternoons discovering the best of Spain’s modernist architecture and art. The nightlife kicks off around midnight and is sure to impress.

San Sebastian

City in Spain

Located in Basque Country, San Sebastian is known as a food Mecca, with the greatest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants anywhere in Europe. It also has white sandy Bay of Biscay beaches and stunning belle epoque architecture.

Balearic Islands

Islands near Spain

All of these Mediterranean islands are known for their stunning white sandy beaches with unbelievably clear blue water, but there are also rugged cliffs to hike if you turn inland. Of course, the islands are also known for their 24-party culture and the opportunity for celebrity spotting.

Seville

City in Spain

Seville feels like a film set with resplendent palaces, stunning gardens, gothic structures, Islamic remains, and horse-drawn carriages and flamenco dancers in the street. You are also just a skip and a jump away from some of Spain’s best beaches.

Benefits Of Working In Spain as a Digital Nomad

The new Spanish Digital Nomad Visa makes it a very attractive destination for digital nomads since the visa is relatively easy to get with a low income threshold and little additional red tape. It is also renewable for up to five years for anyone who decides to extend their exploration of the country. And why not when you consider the benefits of working in Spain as a digital nomad.

Affordability

Despite being located in the heart of Western Europe, Spain still offers an affordable cost of living. The cost of living in Spain is about 25% lower than in neighboring France.

Excellent Weather

Spain enjoys sunny days most of the year, and while it gets cold in the northern reaches, you can find beach weather in the south year-round.

Amazing Art

Spain has always been a melting pot for culture with Celtic and Iberian roots, Roman influence, and significant period of Moorish dominance, and western European cultural exchange. The result is a country that is home to a diverse and exciting range of art and architecture.

Diversity

While Spain may only be about 75% the size of Texas, every corner of the country feels diverse with different natural landscapes, architecture, food, and even languages in some regions.

Access to the European Union

Your Spanish residency permit will also allow you to travel around Europe, which is affordable with cheap flights and fast trains available internally.

Tax Benefits

Digital nomads working in Spain only need pay 24% tax on income up to €600,000, and are exempt from double taxation.

Cost of Living

Although Western Europe is often associated with high living costs, Spain remains one of the more affordable countries in the region — particularly outside of Madrid and Barcelona. Housing, dining, and transportation costs are generally lower than in many parts of the United States, Canada, the UK, or Australia.

Spain uses the Euro (€), and while economic conditions fluctuate, the country continues to offer a relatively balanced cost-to-quality-of-life ratio compared to other major European destinations.

As of 2026:

• Spain’s minimum wage (SMI) is approximately €1,134 per month (14 payments structure).

• Average salaries vary significantly by region but generally range between €1,800–€2,200 per month gross, depending on sector and location.

• Unemployment has decreased compared to previous years and is closer to 11–12%, rather than the mid-teens.

Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so it’s best to check a live currency converter when budgeting internationally.

Heading to Spain as a Digital Nomad

Spain has long been a popular destination for European digital nomads thanks to the excellent weather, interesting culture, and affordable cost of living.

The introduction of the new Spanish digital nomad visa is sure to see an influx of remote workers and digital entrepreneurs from around the world.

We anticipate that this will result in a major “upgrade” in facilities for digital nomads, including coworking and coliving spaces. Spain will surely be one of the most exciting places in the world for digital nomads in the coming years.

FAQs About Spain Digital Nomad Visa

What is the minimum income required for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Applicants must demonstrate income equal to 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). As of 2026, this is approximately €2,850+ per month for a single applicant. If applying with dependents, the requirement increases by 75% of the SMI for the first dependent and 25% for each additional dependent. Because the threshold is tied to the SMI, it may change annually.

Can U.S. W2 employees apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. While the visa was originally designed with freelancers and contractors in mind, U.S. W2 employees have been approved in recent years. Applicants must demonstrate that their employer authorizes remote work from Spain and that the company has been operating for at least one year. Approvals are evaluated case by case.

Can I work for Spanish clients on the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, but there is a limitation. Freelancers may earn up to 20% of their total income from Spanish companies. At least 80% of income must come from foreign employers or clients.

How long does it take to process the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Processing times vary depending on where you apply.

• Consular applications (from abroad): Typically 15–45 days.

• Applications submitted within Spain: Legally mandated decision period of approximately 20 working days.

Delays can occur if additional documentation is requested.

How long is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa valid?

If you apply from outside Spain, you typically receive a 1-year visa.
If you apply from within Spain while legally present, you may receive a 3-year residence authorization.

The permit can be renewed in 2-year increments, allowing residence for up to 5 years before eligibility for long-term residency.

Do Digital Nomads pay taxes in Spain?

If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you will generally become a Spanish tax resident and may be taxed on worldwide income.

However, many Digital Nomad Visa holders may qualify for Spain’s Special Expat Tax Regime (Beckham Law), which allows eligible individuals to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish-sourced employment income up to €600,000 per year, for up to six years.

Tax treatment depends on your employment structure and personal circumstances, so professional advice is recommended.

Can I bring my family on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. Spouses or registered partners and dependent children can apply as accompanying family members. You must meet higher income thresholds to sponsor dependents.

Family members receive residence permits aligned with the primary applicant’s authorization.

Is private health insurance mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must obtain private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain. The policy must provide full coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system and cannot include co-payments or deductibles.

Can I apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa while in Spain as a tourist?

If you are eligible for visa-free entry, you may apply for the residence authorization from within Spain before your 90-day stay expires. This route typically grants a 3-year permit.

You cannot apply if you are in Spain without legal status.

Can the Spain Digital Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for long-term residency. After 10 years of legal residence, you may become eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship, although reduced timelines apply to certain nationalities.

Author

Andy Stofferis

Freelance Writer

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Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com

He is a contributing writer for various organizations and media involved in the digital nomad industry (AllWork.Space, e-Residency Estonia).

Andy has been running a fully remote digital marketing agency over the past nine years while traveling to more than 50 destinations.