Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: A New Opportunity for Remote Workers (By our Immigration Lawyer)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: A New Opportunity for Remote Workers (By our Immigration Lawyer)

Spain has introduced an exciting new pathway for non-EU citizens who wish to live and work remotely from its sunny shores: the Digital Nomad Visa. If you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur keen on basing yourself in Spain (perhaps in beautiful Valencia) while working for foreign clients or employers, this visa could be the ideal solution. In this article, we explain what the Digital Nomad Visa is, who qualifies, and how our immigration lawyers can help you obtain it.

What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa (officially a form of residence permit for international teleworkers) was created by Spain’s new Start-Up Law (Ley de Startups). It allows non-European Economic Area citizens to reside in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. Key features of this visa include:

• Initial Validity: Up to 12 months if you apply from outside Spain with a visa, or directly a residence authorization for up to 3 years if you apply from within Spain (e.g., if you’re here on a tourist status and convert to the permit).
• Renewable: After the initial period, it can be renewed for up to 5 years total. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may qualify for permanent residency.
• Work Scope: Visa holders can work remotely for foreign companies or their own foreign-registered businesses. They are generally allowed to have a maximum of 20% of their income come from Spanish sources (to keep the primary focus abroad).
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse and children can join you in Spain under a family reunification process, provided you show additional sufficient income to support them.

Importantly, digital nomad residents can also opt for a favorable tax regime (often called the “Beckham Law”), paying a flat 24% income tax on qualifying income up to €600,000 instead of progressive rates – a significant perk for many.

Who Is Eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa?

To qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet several requirements:

• Remote Work Status: You should be a remote employee (or freelancer/entrepreneur) working for companies outside Spain. If employed, your employer must authorize remote work. If freelance, you should have contracts with foreign clients.
• Professional Experience or Education: You’ll need to demonstrate you’re a qualified professional. This can be shown by either having a university degree/professional training, or at least 3 years of work experience in your field.
• Stable Income: You must prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any dependents). Generally, the income requirement is at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. In 2025, that’s around €2,800 per month (approximately €33,000 annually). If family members accompany you, an additional ~€9,000 annually per dependent is required.
• Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a police clearance certificate from your home country (and any country you’ve lived in recently) showing no serious criminal convictions in the past five years.
• Health Insurance: Non-residents must have public or private health insurance valid in Spain (coverage can be through a Spanish insurer or an international plan that covers Spain).
• No Spanish Employment Contract: You cannot be employed by a Spanish company (other than possibly doing a small amount of Spanish freelance work as noted). This visa isn’t a pathway to local Spanish jobs – it’s designed for those working overseas while living here.

Application Process

1. Gather Documentation: Key documents include your passport, proof of income (contracts, bank statements, pay stubs), proof of qualifications or work experience, criminal record certificate, and health insurance policy. All foreign documents should be translated into Spanish and apostilled as needed.
2. Choose Application Route: You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country for a one-year visa that lets you enter Spain and then convert to the residence permit. Alternatively, if you are already in Spain legally (e.g. on a visa-free tourist entry), you can apply directly for the residence permit for teleworking within the first 3 months of your stay.
3. Submit the Application: Applications in Spain are filed with the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas), a special immigration unit for these types of visas. The law sets a fast-track decision period (around 20 business days). If applying via consulate, submit all forms and fees as instructed by the consular office.
4. Approval and NIE: Upon approval, you’ll receive a visa or authorization letter. After arriving in Spain (or upon approval if applied in Spain), you must register and obtain your NIE/TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) to formalize residency.
5. Renewal: Near expiry, you can renew for two-year increments by demonstrating you still meet the conditions (continuing remote work and sufficient income).

Why Use an Immigration Lawyer?

While the Digital Nomad Visa is designed to be accessible, navigating the paperwork and ensuring you meet all criteria can be challenging, especially if you’re new to Spain’s bureaucracy. Our immigration lawyers can:

• Pre-assess Your Case: We confirm that your situation fits the visa requirements and advise on any improvements (for instance, contract wording from your employer or setting up a Spanish company if needed).
• Handle Documentation: We guide you on obtaining official translations and apostilles for foreign documents, and help complete application forms (such as the application form EX-15/EX-23 and tax form 790 code 038 for the fee).
• Liaise with Authorities: Whether dealing with a Spanish consulate or the immigration office in Spain, we communicate on your behalf and handle any additional requests for information.
• Ensure Speedy Processing: With experience in the UGE process, our team helps avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or rejections, aiming for approval within the shortest possible timeframe.

Conclusion

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa opens a door for remote professionals to enjoy the fantastic Spanish lifestyle without sacrificing their international careers. If you dream of working from a café in Valencia’s old town or by the Mediterranean, this visa could make it a reality. Contact our immigration lawyer at Expat & Legal Spain to discuss your eligibility and start the application process with confidence. We’re here to make your move to Spain as smooth as possible.

Sandra Márquez

CEO & Lawyer, Expat & Legal Spain