What Is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under the Startup Law (Law 28/2022) to allow non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain.
This visa allows you to:
- Live legally in Spain
- Work remotely for non-Spanish companies
- Bring eligible family members
- Access public healthcare after registration
- Build a long-term residence pathway
If you apply from Spain, the residence permit can last up to three years (sources below, in "Where You Apply Matters").
Who This Visa Is Designed For
You may qualify if you:
- Are a non-EU citizen
- Work remotely using digital tools
- Earn income from outside Spain
- Meet the minimum income requirement
- Have a clean criminal record
Many applicants seek Digital Nomad Visa Spain immigration lawyer guidance when they have mixed income, freelance contracts, or US-based employment, all areas where applications are often rejected without proper review.
Employees vs Freelancers — Why Classification Matters
A common reason for refusal is incorrectly classifying your work.
Employees
- Must work for a non-Spanish company
- Employer must approve remote work from Spain
- The company (or its group) must have had real, continuous activity for at least one year
- Bilateral agreement between your country and Spain
Freelancers / Contractors
- Clients must be mainly outside Spain
- Work for Spanish companies is limited to 20% of your total professional activity (freelancers only; employees may work only for companies outside Spain)
- The companies you work for (or their groups) must have had real, continuous activity for at least one year
- Ongoing professional relationships must be documented
Your income structure is reviewed to ensure alignment with UGE criteria, which is a key reason people choose a Digital Nomad Visa Spain immigration lawyer-guided process.
Income Requirements (2026)
You must show consistent, lawful income:
The euro amount depends on the SMI reference figure applied by the Spanish immigration office, so please don't calculate it yourself. Ask us for the exact figure for your family size before you prepare your bank statements.
Any legally valid proof can be used, for example payslips or the average balance of your bank accounts.
Requirements are set by the Spanish authorities and may change. Last reviewed: September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice about your case.
Where You Apply Matters
Applications can be submitted:
From Spain
- Through UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas)
- You must be legally in Spain when you apply
- Legal deadline to decide: 20 business days from electronic filing
- Residence permit of up to 3 years
From Your Home Country
- Through a Spanish consulate
- Legal deadline to decide: 10 business days, with some exceptions
- The visa is valid for up to 1 year
- During the 60 days before it expires, you can apply in Spain for the residence permit (up to 3 years)
Source: Spain's Law 14/2013, arts. 74 quater–76; Law 39/2015, arts. 22 and 30.2. Processing times vary from case to case.
We help you choose the route that fits your profile best — a core part of responsible Digital Nomad Visa Spain immigration lawyer guidance.
Documents Required (Overview)
Your checklist is personalized, but typically includes:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Employer letter or client contracts
- Proof of income
- Health insurance: public or private, with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, unless your activity will give you insured status under Spain's National Health System
- Criminal background check
- Degree or proof of professional experience
All documents are reviewed for accuracy and compliance before submission.
Family Applications
You may include:
- A spouse or registered partner
- Dependent children
Approved family members may live in Spain and are legally allowed to work or study. Income thresholds adjust based on family size.
After Approval
Once approved, we guide you through:
We don't replace tax professionals — but we make sure you understand what applies to you and when.
