introduction
Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations for remote professionals, offering a unique blend of vibrant culture, pleasant climate, and robust digital infrastructure. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced under the Spanish Startup Act, enables skilled workers from outside the EU to legally live and work in Spain while being employed by foreign companies or running their own businesses. This visa allows remote workers to immerse themselves in Spain’s lifestyle while maintaining professional productivity, combining work with exploration and cultural experiences.
Who is eligible?
The Digital Nomad Visa is primarily for non-EU citizens who work remotely. Eligible applicants include individuals employed by foreign companies, self-employed freelancers, and entrepreneurs managing their own international businesses. Applicants must meet at least one of the following professional requirements:
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Hold a university degree, or
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Have at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Additionally, freelancers must ensure that no more than 20% of their income comes from Spanish clients. This ensures the visa remains aligned with its purpose of attracting international remote workers, not local employment.
key requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit several essential documents. A valid passport, typically with at least one year of validity, is required. Proof of remote work is crucial, which may include employment contracts, invoices, or freelance agreements demonstrating consistent earnings. Business owners need to provide documentation confirming their company’s registration abroad. Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Spain is mandatory. Applicants must also submit a recent criminal record certificate from their home country, issued within six months.
income criteria
Applicants must meet the updated financial threshold of €2,763 per month for individuals. For accompanying family members, additional income is required: €1,063 per month for a spouse or partner and €345 per child. These thresholds ensure applicants can sustain themselves and their families while living in Spain without relying on public resources.
application routes
There are two main routes to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa:
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From outside Spain via a Spanish consulate: This route typically grants an initial 1-year visa, suitable for applicants planning to relocate from their home country.
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From within Spain via the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE): Applicants already in Spain may apply through this route and can receive an initial visa term of up to 3 years, offering longer stability from the outset.
Applicants must choose the route that best fits their circumstances and ensure compliance with the corresponding procedural requirements.
application process
The application process begins with obtaining a Foreign Identity Number (NIE), necessary for legal, financial, and administrative activities in Spain. Applicants then schedule a consulate appointment or submit through the UGE if applying from within Spain. All documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Originals and copies are required, and payment of the applicable visa fee is necessary. Careful preparation is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
visa duration
The initial visa duration depends on the application route. Consulate applications from outside Spain are usually valid for 1 year, while applications via the UGE within Spain can be granted for up to 3 years initially. Renewals are possible, allowing continued residence in Spain for up to five years.
processing time
Visa processing generally takes between 15 and 45 days, although timing can vary depending on the consulate or UGE workload, document completeness, and verification processes. Applicants should plan ahead and submit applications well before their intended relocation date to prevent delays.
family and dependents
Family members, including spouses, unmarried partners, and dependent children, can accompany the primary applicant. Each dependent must submit their own application with supporting documents, including birth or marriage certificates, proof of financial support, and health insurance coverage. This provision makes Spain an appealing option for professionals wishing to relocate with their families.
tax benefits and incentives
Spain offers attractive fiscal incentives for digital nomads. Eligible visa holders can benefit from a 24% flat tax rate on eligible income for the first five years. To qualify for this preferential rate, applicants must apply within six months of moving to Spain and must not have been Spanish tax residents in the previous five years. In certain cases, foreign income may receive partial exemptions under bilateral tax treaties. These tax advantages make Spain both a lifestyle and financially strategic destination.
living and working in Spain
Spain offers a high quality of life, combining modern infrastructure with a rich cultural experience. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia feature high-speed internet, coworking spaces, and thriving digital communities. Rural areas are increasingly attractive to remote workers due to targeted programs and improved connectivity. Beyond professional benefits, Spain’s gastronomy, architecture, festivals, and natural beauty provide a lifestyle that blends productivity with leisure.
renewal and long-term residency
Visa holders can renew their Digital Nomad Visa annually, maintaining eligibility for up to five years. To retain residency and long-term benefits, individuals must meet the 183 days/year minimum stay requirement. After five years of legal residence, applicants may apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, they may become eligible for Spanish citizenship. This structured pathway offers both security and opportunities for long-term integration.
regional incentives
Several regions in Spain, such as Extremadura, provide additional support for remote workers. Programs like “Live in Ambroz” offer financial grants of up to €15,000 to applicants relocating to rural areas, helping revitalize local economies. These incentives allow digital nomads to enjoy a higher quality of life at reduced costs while contributing to regional development.
How Lawsentis can help
Navigating the visa process can be complex, but Lawsentis provides expert guidance at every stage. Their team assists with document preparation, certified translations, and accurate application submission. Lawsentis also advises on compliance with residency requirements, tax obligations, and long-term planning in Spain. With their professional support, securing Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa becomes smooth, stress-free, and reliable, allowing remote workers to focus on starting their new life in Spain confidently.