Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Here’s What You Need to Know

Maria,

Spain’s digital nomad visa would have been my number 1 choice when planning my move to Europe back in 2021. BUT, this visa was only launched in 2023—the reason I took a different route.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out my YouTube video where I shared frequently asked questions about this visa and provided answers coming from an immigration lawyer so you don’t have to.

Anyway, if you’ve been daydreaming about sipping café con leche in a sunny Spanish plaza while knocking out a few hours of remote work, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa makes that more than just a fantasy. If you’re a remote worker looking for sunshine, siestas, and sangria, this might be the visa for you.

Here’s the lowdown on what it is, who it’s for, and how to get it.

What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain launched this visa in 2023 as part of their Startup Act, designed to attract international talent. It’s basically a golden ticket for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Spain while working for companies outside of Spain.

Who Can Apply?

If you:

  • Work remotely for a non-Spanish company, OR
  • Are a freelancer with mostly international clients,
  • Make enough income to support yourself,
  • AND are not an EU/EEA citizen…

Then you’re in the running.

How Much Money Do You Need?

Spain wants to make sure you can support yourself without needing local work. So you’ll need to show:

  • The minimum required amount is equivalent to 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary in 2025 (SMI); 75% of the SMI must be added for the first accompanying family member and 25% for every extra family member.

As per my lawyer, a good income to show is €3,500/month for the main applicant.

They will ask for proof—like work contracts, invoices, and bank statements.

Can I Bring My Family?

Yes! You can bring your spouse/partner and kids with you. Just remember: more people = more required income.

Also, everyone needs health insurance (private or public if you get access).

What About Working With Spanish Clients?

Here’s the catch: only 20% of your income can come from Spanish companies. The rest needs to come from outside Spain.

So if you’re planning to pick up local clients while in Barcelona—do the math and make sure you don’t go over that limit.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Let’s make it simple:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of income (salary, freelance contracts, etc.)
  • Criminal background check (clean, please!)
  • Private health insurance that works in Spain
  • Remote work history (at least 3 months)
  • University degree or 3+ years experience in your field

It sounds like a lot, but it’s manageable with a little prep. For reference, here’s the full list of requirements.

How Long Is the Visa Good For?

  • If you apply from within Spain: You get a 1-year residency permit, which can be extended to up to 5 years.
  • If you apply from your home country: You get a visa for 1 year, then you can apply for a permit once in Spain.

And yes—you can travel freely around the Schengen zone while on this visa. Weekend in Paris? Go for it.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Spain?

Unless you only wanted to work remotely from Spain for less than 6 months, you would inevitably become a tax resident, as renewing the digital nomad visa requires you to live in the country for a minimum of 183 days a year.

Once you’ve got your visa and settled into your city of choice, you’ll need to register as an autónomo (freelancer/self-employed). This step is key—not only does it make your work status official, but it also unlocks a few perks. For starters, you’ll qualify for a reduced 15% income tax rate for the first two years. Plus, registering as an autónomo means you’ll start contributing to Seguridad Social (Spain’s social security system), which gives you access to public healthcare—a huge bonus if you’re planning to stay long-term.

As always, speak to a tax advisor to get the full picture—it’s highly recommended.

How Do I Apply?

You’ve got two options:

  1. Apply from abroad at a Spanish consulate
  2. Apply from within Spain (yes, even on a tourist visa!)

If you’re already in Spain when you apply, you’ll go through the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas), and they’ll process it in 20 business days or more (in theory… it’s Spain, so give it some wiggle room).

Again, I would highly recommend hiring a lawyer to help with your application because submitting documents and getting approval for this visa could be tricky.

What If I Lose My Job while on a Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomad visa requires you to have a stable income, which is typically tied to your remote job. Losing that job could mean you no longer meet the visa’s requirements. If you lost your remote job—

  • You have one month to inform the UGE that you have lost your job.
  • You have to actively seek a new remote job or find another source of income that meets the visa requirements, preferably before your visa renewal. If you don’t find a new job within one-month period, the UGE could revoke your visa. 
  • You have to continue contributing to Seguridad Social monthly.

If you’re unsure about your options, it’s recommended to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer specializing in digital nomad visas in Spain.

Final Thoughts

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is one of the more attractive remote work visas in Europe—thanks to its flexibility, relatively low income requirement, and the fact you can bring your family along for the ride.

And let’s be real—remote work hits different when you’re doing it from a sun-drenched terrace in Málaga.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send me an email.

Expat Life