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
When submitted correctly from Spain, approvals may be granted for up to three years.
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
- Company must have existed for at least one year
- Bilateral agreement between your country and Spain
Freelancers / Contractors
- Clients must be mainly outside Spain
- No more than 20% of income may come from Spanish companies
- 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.
Savings alone are not sufficient. Income must be supported by contracts, payslips, invoices, or bank statements.
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)
- Faster processing (often 20 days)
- Up to 3 years of residence permit
From Your Home Country
- Through a Spanish consulate
- Longer timelines
- Only 1 year of residence permit
We help you choose the safest route based on your profile — 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 (only for employees)
- 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.
