Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Complete Guide
Spain is becoming an increasingly popular country for remote workers who want to combine work and travel. In 2026, the Digital Nomad Visa opens new opportunities for legal residence and work within the country.
Introduction
In recent years, remote work has become not just a trend but a full-fledged lifestyle. For professionals who can perform their duties from anywhere in the world, Spain offers a unique opportunity — the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa allows you to legally reside in the country while continuing to work for a foreign employer or run your own online business.
Spain attracts digital nomads for good reason. It offers a mild climate, picturesque cities and coastlines, and developed infrastructure for online work — high-speed internet, coworking spaces, and international communities. The country also provides access to the Schengen Area, simplifying travel across Europe.
The main benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain include:
- Residence permit for several years with the possibility of extension;
- Access to the Schengen Area without additional visas;
- Tax incentives for certain categories of workers and entrepreneurs;
- High quality of life, including comfortable housing, healthcare, and transportation;
- Cultural and social diversity, with a developed community of expatriates and remote professionals.
This visa is suitable for those who want to combine professional mobility with comfortable living in Europe and a secure legal environment.
What Is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
The Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of visa for foreign citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or run their own online business. It differs from tourist and standard work visas in its duration, the ability to work legally, and the potential for multi-year extensions.
Key features of the visa:
- Long-term legal residence in Spain (from 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years);
- Permission to work for a foreign employer or run your own online business;
- Simplified application procedure compared to regular work visas;
- Available to freelancers, remote employees of international companies, and entrepreneurs;
- Access to infrastructure and resources for digital professionals.
It is important to note that the Digital Nomad Visa differs from a standard residence permit: it is specifically designed for remote workers and allows maintaining tax residency in another country under certain conditions.
Legal Basis for the Digital Nomad Visa
In Spain, residence for digital nomads is officially introduced and regulated based on amendments to existing legislation. The main legal act that establishes this is:
- Law 28/2022, of December 21, on the Promotion of the Ecosystem of Emerging Companies — often referred to as the “Startup Law”, published in 2022 and effective from the end of December 2022.
This law introduced changes to another key legal act:
- Law 14/2013, of September 27, on Support for Entrepreneurs and Their Internationalization — amended to include a new section introducing the legal category of “teletrabajadores de carácter internacional” — international remote workers, more commonly known as digital nomads.
Practical Implications
- The Digital Nomad Visa category does not exist as a separate law — it emerged from amendments to existing legislation;
- The new status allows foreigners who work remotely for foreign companies to obtain residence and live in Spain;
- The law establishes general requirements for applicants, rights to work, and conditions of residence;
- The amendments also provide the possibility to apply for residence while already in Spain, provided the conditions are met.
Main Goals of the Law
- Attract international remote workers and investors;
- Support startups and companies in technology and digital services;
- Simplify the residence application procedure for professionals with verified income;
- Create clear rules for taxation and residence for foreign workers.
What the Law Guarantees to Applicants
- The ability to legally reside and work remotely in Spain;
- Access to long-term residence with the possibility of extension;
- Clear requirements regarding income, insurance, and documentation;
- The right to bring family and children if financial conditions are met.
Understanding these legal foundations helps prepare documents accurately, interpret requirements correctly, and confidently apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Main Requirements for Obtaining the Visa
- Citizenship and legal status: a valid passport and the right to enter Spain are required.
- Income: proof of stable income, usually between 2,000 and 3,000 euros per month (exact amounts depend on the time of application).
- Health insurance: a policy valid in Spain.
- Additional documents: criminal record certificate, proof of employment or business, photographs, application form.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is intended for professionals who can work remotely without being present in an office in Spain. The main applicant categories include:
- Non-EU citizens wishing to legally reside in Spain;
- Remote employees of international companies under contract with a foreign employer;
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals providing services to foreign clients;
- Professionals with verified experience in their field.
Main Requirements for Applicants
- Verified income above the established minimum threshold;
- Valid employment contract or proof of self-employment;
- No criminal record and no issues with immigration authorities;
- Possession of health insurance valid in Spain.
The visa is suitable for both individual professionals and families, provided that income is sufficient to support a spouse and children.
Application Procedure
- Document Collection: prepare your passport, income certificates, insurance, and other necessary papers.
- Application Submission: online via the official Spanish immigration portal or at the consulate.
- Payment of Fees: pay the consular fee and any additional charges if required.
- Processing: usually takes 1 to 3 months. After approval, you will receive a visa to enter and work in Spain.
Income Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
Spanish authorities set a minimum income level to qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa. This ensures financial independence and the ability to live comfortably in the country.
For 2026, the minimum monthly income is approximately 2,500–3,000 euros for a single applicant. For family residence, the amount increases depending on the number of family members.
Minimum Income
- For an individual – usually between 2,500 and 3,000 € per month;
- For a couple – approximately 3,500–4,500 € per month;
- For a family with children – 4,500 € and above, depending on the number of children and their needs.
How Income Is Verified
- Bank statements for the last 6–12 months;
- Contracts with foreign employers or service agreements;
- Statements from platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Patreon, YouTube, and other online income sources;
- Documents proving the regularity and stability of income, including charts and average income calculations.
Special Considerations for Freelancers and Business Owners
- One-off projects should ideally be structured to resemble a permanent contract;
- Income in different currencies must be converted to euros and shown through official transactions;
- Cryptocurrency income must be converted to fiat and documented through official bank transfers.
Recommendations
- Create a clear dossier with monthly breakdowns to demonstrate income stability;
- Consider the total household income if applying with a spouse and children;
- Check the consulate or UGE-CE requirements in advance, as minimum amounts may change.
Complying with these requirements significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa and extending residence in the future.
How to Prepare a Dossier and Verify Income for the Digital Nomad Visa
Structuring Income
To improve the chances of visa approval, it is important to organize your dossier so that income appears stable and easily verifiable:
- Break down income by month: prepare a table with monthly income for the last 6–12 months.
- Calculate average income: show that your monthly average consistently exceeds the minimum threshold.
- Show income growth trend: graphically or in a table, indicate increasing income over time to demonstrate stability.
- One-off projects: if there are single orders, structure them as “similar to permanent contracts,” for example, several recurring projects with one client or a long-term contract with partial payments for different stages.
Income from Freelance Platforms
Income from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr may be irregular. It is important to explain fluctuations correctly:
- Prepare statements and screenshots of payments for 6–12 months;
- Explain that some months had more orders than others, while the average income remains above the threshold;
- If there are regular clients, list them separately to show stability.
Multi-currency Accounts, Cryptocurrency, and Platform Income
Income from international sources requires careful documentation:
- Multi-currency accounts: provide statements in the original currency and, if necessary, convert amounts to euros for clarity.
- Cryptocurrency: show official transactions and conversions to fiat money to confirm real income.
- Platforms such as YouTube, Patreon, Twitch, etc.: use payment reports, PDF statements, dashboard screenshots, and bank transfer confirmations.
The main goal is to show that your income is stable, documented, and meets the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa. A well-structured dossier significantly improves the chances of approval.
Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, a complete set of documents is required to confirm identity, professional activity, and financial capacity.
- Passport with at least six months of validity;
- Employment contract or proof of remote work/own online business;
- Proof of income – bank statements, tax returns, invoices from clients;
- Criminal record certificate from the country of permanent residence;
- Health insurance valid in Spain;
- Resume or diploma confirming professional experience;
- Additional documents if required: references, portfolio, business registration.
It is important to prepare all documents in advance, ensuring they are translated into Spanish and notarized if required by the consulate or immigration authorities.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain can be done in two ways: through the consulate in your country of residence or while already in Spain. The main steps for each option are outlined below.
1. Application Through a Foreign Consulate
- Collect the complete set of documents according to the consulate’s requirements.
- Schedule an appointment and submit your application at the Spanish consulate.
- Pay the consular fee (the amount depends on the country of submission).
- Wait for processing — usually up to 20 working days.
- Receive the visa and enter Spain for further registration.
2. Application From Within Spain
- While in Spain, prepare the documents for submission through the appropriate immigration office.
- Complete the application form and attach all supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable government fees.
- Wait for the decision from the immigration authorities — usually up to 20 working days.
- After approval, receive the residence permit (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE).
It is recommended to submit documents in advance and carefully check all certificates and translations to avoid rejection due to formal errors.
When to Apply Through the Consulate or Within Spain
Application Through the Consulate
This option is suitable when:
- You do not have a Schengen visa or the right to legally stay in Spain;
- You want to minimize the risk of refusal, especially if there were previous issues with tourist visas;
- You plan the relocation in advance and can wait several weeks outside of Spain for the decision.
Applying through the consulate may take 2–4 weeks but reduces the risk of violating visa rules and allows you to prepare for entry into Spain with a valid visa.
Application From Within Spain on a Schengen Visa
This method is more logical if:
- You have a valid Schengen visa or the right to legally stay in Spain;
- You want a faster decision, sometimes within 2–3 weeks;
- You plan to immediately obtain residence for up to 3 years without needing to leave and re-enter.
Applying within the country accelerates the process and allows you to begin the procedure for obtaining the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) immediately.
Risks and Planning
- If the decision is delayed, it is important to plan your departure in advance to avoid violating the 90/180-day Schengen rule;
- Consider the time needed to prepare documents and possible delays in immigration processing;
- When applying from Spain, do not exceed the Schengen stay limit and monitor the validity of your current visa.
Proper planning of entry and application submission helps minimize refusal risks and ensures legal stay throughout the visa process.
Typical Cases of Refusal and How to Act
Common Reasons for Refusal and How to Correct Them
- Insufficient income stability: income is one-off or irregular. Correction: add contracts with recurring payments, calculate average income, and show an upward trend.
- Incomplete or incorrect document translations: errors in Spanish translations, missing notarization. Correction: provide correct translations, notarization, and scans of original documents.
- Unclear income sources: income from platforms like Upwork/Fiverr or multi-currency accounts. Correction: include screenshots, statements, explanatory letters, income charts, and convert amounts to euros.
- Family income issues: spouse appears fully dependent. Correction: demonstrate spouse’s activity through education, freelance projects, insurance, and stable income of the main applicant.
Reading the Motivation Section of a Refusal
The motivation section contains the specific reasons for refusal. It is important to:
- Separate formal reasons (incomplete document package, form errors) from factual reasons (income below threshold, doubts about stability);
- Check references to legislation or internal consulate instructions cited;
- Determine whether an appeal is possible or if it is easier to submit a new application with a corrected dossier.
Appeal vs. Reapplication
- Appeal: suitable if the refusal is formal, documents were correct, but bureaucratic errors occurred. Appeal deadlines are limited, and decisions may take 1–3 months.
- Reapplication: more commonly used if the dossier was insufficiently prepared or improvements are needed in income documentation, translations, or proof of stability.
Practical Tips for Communication With the Consulate / UGE‑CE
- Always keep copies of emails and official notifications;
- If clarification is needed, ask specific questions about documents or procedures, avoiding general phrases;
- When communicating by email, include the case number, submission date, and exact list of documents;
- For reapplication or appeal, attach a cover letter explaining corrections and referencing the previous refusal.
Following these practical recommendations can significantly increase the chances of a successful visa on a subsequent attempt.
Cost of Obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa
When planning relocation to Spain, it is important to consider all expenses for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa. The total cost includes several main items:
- Consular fee: paid when submitting the application through the consulate and usually ranges from 60 to 100 euros depending on the country of submission.
- Government fees: for obtaining the visa and TIE in Spain — approximately 10–15 euros per residence card, plus administrative charges.
- Health insurance: mandatory for the visa application; the cost depends on age and coverage and ranges from 50 to 150 euros per month.
- Document translations and notarization: expenses for official translations and apostilles may range from 50 to 200 euros.
The total cost of obtaining the visa for one person usually ranges between 200–500 euros, excluding relocation, accommodation, and living expenses in Spain. For families, costs increase depending on the number of members.
Extension and Conditions of Stay
The visa is usually issued for up to 1 year with the possibility of extension. Renewal depends on maintaining income and meeting other requirements. It is important to comply with residence and tax rules.
Validity and Renewal of the Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is issued for a limited period with the possibility of extension. This allows legal residence and work in the country for several years.
- Initial visa period: usually 1–2 years depending on the region and verified income.
- Renewal: after the initial period, the visa can be extended up to 5 years if all conditions are met: maintaining income, insurance, and professional activity.
- Path to permanent residence: after 5 years of legal residence, it is possible to apply for permanent residence (residencia permanente) in Spain.
It is important to comply with all visa conditions and not violate residence rules to ensure smooth renewal. It is also recommended to monitor legislative changes that may affect periods and requirements.
Taxes and Financial Considerations for the Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomads in Spain must consider tax obligations, which depend on residency status and type of income. It is important to understand how to avoid double taxation and take advantage of available benefits.
- Beckham Law tax regime: allows foreign specialists and entrepreneurs to pay a fixed 24% tax rate on income up to a certain threshold instead of the standard progressive rate.
- Resident tax rates: under the standard tax system, rates are progressive and may reach up to 45% depending on income.
- Double taxation: Spain has agreements with most countries to avoid double taxation. It is important to correctly declare income and provide documentation of taxes paid in the source country.
- Financial reporting: digital nomads should retain all income proofs, bank statements, and tax declarations for visa renewal purposes.
It is recommended to consult a tax advisor in advance to choose the optimal regime and avoid issues with the Spanish tax authorities.
Common Mistakes, Regime Comparisons, and Tax Minimization
Many applicants choose the Digital Nomad Visa based on expected tax benefits without fully understanding the actual tax mechanism:
- Expecting complete tax exemption in Spain, although most resident income is taxable;
- Failing to account that income from Spanish sources or local activities is subject to standard taxation;
- Not knowing the rules for determining tax residency (usually ≥183 days per year).
Comparison with Alternatives
In some cases, it may be more beneficial for a digital nomad to follow the standard resident tax regime rather than the special regime:
- If planning to open a local business in Spain — the standard resident regime allows operating without restrictions;
- For income not related to foreign employers, the special regime does not provide additional advantages;
- The standard regime suits those living in Spain for more than 183 days and willing to pay regular taxes.
How to Minimize Double Taxation
To legally reduce tax burden and avoid double taxation:
- Use double taxation treaties between Spain and your income source country;
- Declare income and pay taxes according to rules in both countries if required;
- Keep official documents confirming tax payments abroad;
- Avoid aggressive optimization schemes that may cause visa renewal denial or fines.
The main goal is to understand which income is taxable, choose the appropriate residency regime, and document all operations. This reduces risks and ensures safe stay in Spain under the law.
Bringing Family on the Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa allows not only working and living in Spain but also bringing family members — spouse and children. Certain conditions must be met, and additional documents provided.
- Spouse: proof of marriage is required (marriage certificate, translated into Spanish and notarized).
- Children: birth certificates translated into Spanish and notarized.
- Financial requirements: the applicant’s income must cover expenses for all family members, including housing, food, insurance, and children’s education.
- Health insurance: mandatory for all family members and valid in Spain.
Once documents are approved, family members receive dependent resident status, allowing legal residence in Spain and access to basic social services.
Financial Requirements and Applying With Family
Financial Requirements for Family
When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa with a spouse and children, it is important to demonstrate that the main applicant’s income covers the family’s expenses without reliance on Spain’s social assistance system:
- The minimum income for a family of 2–3 people is usually 3 500–4 500 euros per month, depending on the region;
- Income must be documented: bank statements, contracts, proof of regular payments;
- The dossier should demonstrate income stability to convince the consulate that the family can fully support itself independently.
Children’s Education: Schools and Kindergartens
- Public schools: free state schools are available to children with valid residence, but places may be limited depending on the district;
- Concertado schools: partially subsidized schools where part of the fees are covered by the state; access possible with legal parental status;
- Private schools: fully paid schools, costs may range from 500 to 1 500 euros per month per child; often require income documents and proof of residence;
- To prepare children’s documents, collect birth certificates, passports, vaccination records, and Spanish translations in advance.
Risk of “Family Migration” and How to Minimize It
Consulates assess how dependent the family is on the main applicant and local social services:
- If the main applicant is financially strong and provides income while the spouse does not work, it is necessary to document the family’s financial independence;
- For spouses, provide proof of activities: freelance work, education, projects — to show they are not fully dependent on the applicant;
- Properly structure the dossier: emphasize income stability, insurance coverage, and plans for independent living without relying on public assistance.
Following these recommendations reduces the risk of refusal when applying for the entire family and demonstrates to the consulate that your family is fully self-sufficient financially and socially.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Advantages:
- Legal residence and access to the Schengen Area without additional visas.
- Tax benefits for certain categories of employees and entrepreneurs.
- High quality of life: mild climate, developed infrastructure, coworking spaces, international community.
- Ability to bring family and obtain dependent resident status.
- Simple application procedure compared to standard work visas.
Disadvantages:
- Bureaucracy: it is necessary to gather and properly organize a large number of documents.
- Income requirements: the minimum income level must be officially documented and verified.
- Tax residency: failing to meet the conditions may result in being subject to Spain’s standard taxation system.
- Business limitations: not all types of activities or companies may qualify for obtaining the visa.
Common Reasons for Rejection When Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
Despite the simplified procedure, many applicants face rejections. The main reasons include:
- Insufficient income: monthly income below the established threshold or lack of supporting documentation.
- Document errors: incorrect translations, missing notarizations, or invalid certificates.
- Unverified work experience: absence of contracts, references, or portfolios that confirm qualifications.
- Immigration history issues: prior visa violations in other countries or criminal records.
- Health insurance: lack of insurance or coverage not meeting Spain’s requirements.
To minimize the risk of rejection, it is important to prepare a complete set of documents in advance, verify translations, and ensure compliance with Spanish legal requirements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Prepare all documents in advance, avoiding translation errors.
- Clearly verify income and employment with official certificates.
- Check up-to-date requirements on official Spanish immigration service websites.
- Do not delay submission, as processing may take several months.
Long-Term Scenarios and Risks with the Digital Nomad Visa
Changing Residence Type After 3–4 Years
If after a few years you wish to switch from the Digital Nomad Visa to another type of residence, it is important to understand how it works:
- Empresa propia (own business): registration of a company in Spain is required, along with a business plan, proof of economic activity, and verified income;
- Trabajo por cuenta ajena (employment): a contract with a Spanish employer is required, and a work visa must be obtained; the Digital Nomad Visa itself does not grant the right to work for a Spanish company;
- Student visa: transition is possible but requires enrollment in an accredited educational institution, proof of tuition payment, and health insurance.
Regarding Children
- Parents with a Digital Nomad Visa grant children legal residence in Spain, access to schools and healthcare, but it does not accelerate the path to citizenship;
- To obtain citizenship, children must reside in Spain for a required period (usually 10 years, shorter for certain categories);
- Access to universities depends on parents’ legal status and residence, as well as the type of school attended (public, concertado, private).
Risks of Being “Tied” to One Country
Although the Digital Nomad Visa is often marketed as an “ideal entry to the EU,” there are important considerations:
- Spain is a strict tax and immigration resident country, requiring income declaration and compliance with residence rules;
- Continuous residence in the country makes you a tax resident, affecting income from other countries;
- The Digital Nomad Visa restricts work to foreign employers, so you remain “tied” to remote activities until changing the visa type.
It is important to plan long-term, considering possible residence changes, educational and tax consequences, and the restrictions associated with the Digital Nomad Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay taxes in Spain?
Yes, if you reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you must pay taxes as a resident.
How long does the application process take?
Usually from 1 to 3 months depending on the consulate and completeness of documents.
Can I combine the Digital Nomad Visa with studies in Spain?
Yes, with a Digital Nomad Visa you can take online courses or attend in-person classes, but work must remain remote for a foreign employer.
Can I travel around Europe with a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, the visa allows free travel within the Schengen area up to 90 days in any 180-day period, following residence rules.
How can I check the status of my visa application?
Application status can be tracked through the Spanish consulate where the application was submitted or via the Spanish immigration service portal for applications submitted within Spain.
Can I change my residence within Spain?
Yes, digital nomads can move between cities in Spain, but it is important to update the address in the TIE and notify local authorities if required.
What penalties exist for violating visa conditions?
Violating visa conditions, such as failing to maintain remote work status, may result in fines, denial of renewal, or visa cancellation.
Do digital nomads have access to local healthcare?
Digital nomads with health insurance have access to private healthcare. To access free public healthcare, appropriate social insurance must be arranged.
Are there age limits for the visa?
There are no official age restrictions; the main requirement is meeting financial and professional criteria.
Can I work for multiple foreign employers simultaneously?
Yes, provided all income sources are documented and the total income exceeds the minimum threshold required for the visa.
Can I open a bank account in Spain with this visa?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa allows opening a Spanish bank account, facilitating rent, utilities, and financial management.
Do I need to know Spanish to apply for the visa?
No, Spanish language knowledge is not mandatory, although basic skills will help in daily life and interactions with local authorities.
Can I change my employer after obtaining the visa?
Yes, provided you maintain income and continue remote work for a foreign employer. Changes must be reported to immigration authorities.
How long does it take to receive the visa?
Typically, processing takes up to 20 business days through the consulate or Spanish immigration authorities.
Do I have to stay in Spain for 183 days to maintain the visa?
Yes, to renew the visa and maintain tax status, residence requirements must be met — usually around 183 days per year.
Can I work for a Spanish company on the Digital Nomad Visa?
No, the visa is intended for working for a foreign employer or running an online business. Employment with a Spanish company requires a separate visa type.
Conclusion
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain 2026 is an excellent opportunity for remote work in Europe. It is suitable for those willing to meet income and documentation requirements. Plan ahead, check up-to-date information on official websites, and prepare documents carefully.
The Digital Nomad Visa opens new opportunities for professionals who wish to work remotely and live in Spain. It allows legal residence, access to quality infrastructure, bringing family members, and building international connections while maintaining remote work for a foreign employer or running an online business.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is important to prepare all documents in advance, verify income, obtain health insurance, and comply with Spanish legal requirements. With proper preparation, the Digital Nomad Visa becomes a convenient tool for a comfortable and secure life and work in Spain.
Take advantage of this opportunity to combine career and travel, explore Spain and the Schengen area, and develop your professional potential in an international environment.
