Spain’s digital nomad visa is finally here, and it’s a game-changer for remote workers. Since its launch in 2023, thousands of location-independent professionals have already made the move to enjoy Spanish life while working for companies outside Spain. With lower income tax rates, stunning locations from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, and a straightforward application process, this visa offers one of Europe’s most attractive packages for digital nomads.
I’ve researched everything you need to know about applying for and obtaining Spain’s digital nomad visa in 2025. This guide covers all requirements, documents, application steps, and answers the most common questions to help you make your Spanish digital nomad dreams a reality.
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain digital nomad visa (officially called the visa for remote workers or “visado para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional”) is part of Spain’s Startup Act passed in December 2022. It allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for companies outside Spain or for Spanish companies (with restrictions).
Unlike tourist visas that limit your stay to 90 days within a 180-day period, this visa lets you legally live in Spain for 1-5 years. It also comes with significant tax benefits and the ability to bring family members with you.
Key Benefits of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Before diving into the requirements, let’s look at why this visa has become so popular:
- Extended legal stay: Live in Spain for up to 5 years (initial 12 months + renewals)
- Tax advantages: Pay just 15% income tax instead of the standard 24%+ for the first 4 years
- Family inclusion: Bring your spouse/partner and children
- EU travel: Freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area
- Path to permanent residency: Counts toward the 5 years needed for permanent residency
- No in-person interview: Unlike many visas, no interview is required
These benefits make Spain’s offering one of the most competitive digital nomad programs in Europe, rivaling Portugal’s D7 visa and Croatia’s digital nomad visa.
Who Qualifies for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet these core requirements:
1. Remote Work Status
You must be one of the following:
- An employee working remotely for companies outside Spain
- An employee working for Spanish companies (maximum 20% of your income)
- A freelancer with multiple clients (maximum 20% can be Spanish companies)
2. Professional Experience
You need to demonstrate:
- A university or vocational degree, OR
- At least 3 years of professional experience in your field
- Proof of ongoing work relationship with your employer/clients
3. Financial Requirements
You must prove sufficient income to support yourself:
- Monthly income of at least 200% of Spain’s minimum monthly wage (approximately $2,800 in 2025)
- For family applications, an additional 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member (approximately $1,050) and 25% for each additional family member (approximately $350)
4. Health Insurance
You must have comprehensive private health insurance with a company authorized to operate in Spain.
5. Clean Criminal Record
You need a clean criminal record certificate from all countries you’ve lived in during the past 2 years.
Required Documents for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Here’s a comprehensive list of documents you’ll need to prepare:
Personal Documentation
- Valid passport (with at least 1 year validity remaining)
- Completed national visa application form
- Recent passport-size photos (white background)
- Criminal record certificate from countries where you’ve lived in the past 2 years, apostilled/legalized
- Medical certificate stating you don’t have diseases requiring quarantine (issued within 3 months)
Professional Documentation
- University degree or vocational training certificate (apostilled/legalized) OR proof of 3+ years professional experience
- Employment contract or service agreements showing remote work arrangement
- Company registration documents if you’re self-employed
- Letter from employer confirming permission to work remotely (for employees)
Financial Documentation
- Bank statements showing regular income for the past 3-6 months
- Proof of minimum required income (pay slips, contracts, tax returns)
Additional Requirements
- Comprehensive private health insurance policy valid in Spain
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental agreement, property deed, hotel reservation for initial stay)
- Visa application fee payment receipt (approximately $85)
All non-Spanish documents must be translated by a sworn translator and either apostilled (if your country is part of the Hague Convention) or legalized by the Spanish consulate in your country.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for Spain’s digital nomad visa follows these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather all required documents listed above. This is typically the most time-consuming part of the process, especially obtaining criminal record certificates and getting documents apostilled. Start at least 2-3 months before your planned move.
Step 2: Apply at the Spanish Consulate
If you’re outside Spain:
- Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence
- Submit your application and all supporting documents
- Pay the visa application fee
- Processing typically takes 15-30 days
If you’re already legally in Spain:
- You can apply directly through the Immigration Office (Extranjería) or online via the government portal
- Processing typically takes 20 days
Step 3: Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport valid for one year or, if you applied within Spain, a digital approval.
Step 4: Enter Spain and Get Your TIE
After arriving in Spain, you must:
- Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento) within 30 days
- Apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE) at the local immigration office
- The TIE is your physical residence permit and must be obtained within 30 days of arrival
Step 5: Register for Tax Purposes
To benefit from the special 15% tax rate:
- Apply for an NIE (foreigner identification number) if you don’t already have one
- Register with the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria)
- Complete Form 149 to apply for the special tax regime
Costs of Applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect (converted to USD):
- Visa application fee: Approximately $85
- Document translation: $15-30 per page
- Document apostille/legalization: $20-100 per document
- Private health insurance: $50-200 per month depending on age and coverage
- TIE card fee: Approximately $16
- Optional legal assistance: $500-2,000 if using an immigration lawyer
Total estimated cost: $800-3,000 depending on your situation and whether you use professional help.
Renewing Your Digital Nomad Visa
The initial visa is valid for 1 year. After that, you can renew it for periods of 2 years at a time, up to a maximum of 5 years in total. Here’s how the renewal process works:
Renewal Requirements
- You must still meet the original eligibility criteria
- Proof of continued remote work arrangement
- Evidence of sufficient income
- Valid health insurance
- Clean criminal record in Spain
- Proof you’ve spent at least 183 days in Spain during the previous period
Renewal Process
Submit your renewal application within 60 days before your current permit expires. You can do this online through the Extranjería website or in person at your local immigration office.
Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Spain
One of the biggest advantages of Spain’s digital nomad visa is the special tax regime known as the “Beckham Law.” Here’s what you need to know:
Special Tax Rate
Instead of Spain’s progressive income tax rates (which can reach up to 47% in some regions), digital nomad visa holders pay:
- Just 15% on income up to €600,000 (approximately $660,000)
- 24% on income exceeding that amount
Tax Residency Rules
You become a tax resident in Spain if:
- You spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year
- Your “center of economic interests” is in Spain
With the digital nomad visa, you’ll likely meet these criteria, making you a Spanish tax resident. However, the special tax regime means you’ll only pay Spanish taxes on your Spanish-sourced income plus 15% on your worldwide income.
How to Apply for the Special Tax Regime
To benefit from the reduced 15% tax rate:
- Register with the Spanish tax authorities within 6 months of arriving in Spain
- Submit Form 149 declaring your intention to use the special tax regime
- Provide documentation proving your digital nomad status
This special tax rate applies for up to 4 tax years, making Spain particularly attractive compared to other European digital nomad destinations.
Best Places in Spain for Digital Nomads
Spain offers diverse options for digital nomads, from bustling cities to coastal retreats. Here are some top locations to consider:
Barcelona
The tech hub of Spain with:
- Thriving startup ecosystem and coworking spaces
- International community and English widely spoken
- Excellent public transport and walkability
- Beach and mountains within easy reach
- Average monthly cost: $2,500-3,500
Madrid
Spain’s capital offers:
- Central location with great connections to the rest of Spain
- Rich cultural scene with world-class museums
- Vibrant nightlife and food scene
- More affordable than Barcelona
- Average monthly cost: $2,200-3,000
Valencia
The up-and-coming digital nomad favorite with:
- Lower cost of living than Barcelona or Madrid
- Beautiful old town and modern City of Arts and Sciences
- Beach lifestyle with excellent climate
- Growing nomad community
- Average monthly cost: $1,800-2,500
Málaga and Costa del Sol
Perfect for sun-seekers with:
- 300+ days of sunshine per year
- Growing tech scene and digital nomad infrastructure
- International airport with good connections
- Beautiful beaches and outdoor lifestyle
- Average monthly cost: $1,700-2,400
Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria)
Year-round spring-like climate with:
- Fastest growing digital nomad scene in Spain
- Numerous coworking spaces and nomad communities
- Lower cost of living than mainland Spain
- Stunning natural landscapes
- Average monthly cost: $1,600-2,300
Real-Life Examples: Success Stories
Sarah from the US
Sarah, a software developer from Chicago, applied for Spain’s digital nomad visa in early 2024. “The process was straightforward but document-heavy,” she says. “I spent about a month gathering everything, including getting my criminal background check apostilled.”
She now lives in Valencia, working remotely for her US-based company while paying just 15% income tax. “I’m saving thousands in taxes compared to the US, and my quality of life has improved dramatically. I’m a 10-minute bike ride from the beach and my rent is half what I paid in Chicago.”
Raj from India
Raj, a freelance digital marketer from Mumbai, chose the Canary Islands for his Spanish digital nomad experience. “I applied from India and the whole process took about 6 weeks,” he explains. “The most challenging part was proving my freelance income was stable enough.”
Now based in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Raj enjoys the island’s perfect climate and growing digital nomad community. “There are coworking spaces everywhere, and I’ve connected with clients and collaborators from all over the world. The internet is fast, and the lifestyle is unbeatable.”
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite being one of Europe’s more straightforward digital nomad visas, applicants still face some common hurdles:
Document Authentication
Challenge: Getting documents apostilled or legalized can be time-consuming.
Solution: Start this process early, at least 2-3 months before applying. Consider using specialized services that handle document authentication.
Proving Remote Work Status
Challenge: Some applicants struggle to adequately document their remote work arrangement.
Solution: Get a detailed letter from your employer specifically stating you’re permitted to work remotely from Spain, or for freelancers, compile client contracts showing ongoing relationships.
Meeting Income Requirements
Challenge: Proving stable, sufficient income, especially for freelancers with fluctuating earnings.
Solution: Provide bank statements showing consistent income over 6-12 months. If your income fluctuates, ensure your average exceeds the minimum requirement.
Finding Suitable Health Insurance
Challenge: Not all international health insurance policies meet Spain’s requirements.
Solution: Choose a policy from a company authorized to operate in Spain with no copayments or waiting periods. Popular options include Sanitas, Adeslas, and Cigna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family with me on Spain’s digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can bring your spouse or partner and children under 18 (or older if they’re financially dependent). They’ll receive dependent visas that allow them to live in Spain with you. Your spouse/partner will also be allowed to work in Spain without needing a separate work permit.
Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for the digital nomad visa?
No, there is no Spanish language requirement for the digital nomad visa application. However, learning basic Spanish will significantly improve your experience living in Spain, especially outside major cities and tourist areas where English proficiency may be limited.
Can I work for Spanish companies with this visa?
Yes, but with limitations. Your income from Spanish sources cannot exceed 20% of your total income. The primary purpose of this visa is for you to work remotely for non-Spanish companies or clients.
How long does the application process take?
The official processing time is 20 days for applications submitted within Spain and up to 30 days for applications submitted at Spanish consulates abroad. However, gathering all required documents beforehand can take 1-3 months depending on your country and situation.
Take Action: Your Path to Spanish Digital Nomad Life
Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a remarkable opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries while working remotely and enjoying significant tax benefits. The process is straightforward if you prepare properly and gather all the required documentation.
If you’re ready to make the move:
- Start gathering your documents immediately (especially those requiring apostille)
- Research your preferred Spanish location based on your lifestyle and budget
- Secure appropriate health insurance coverage
- Book an appointment with your nearest Spanish consulate or prepare for an online application if you’re already in Spain
With proper preparation, you could be living your Spanish digital nomad dream within a few months. The combination of Mediterranean lifestyle, reduced taxes, and the ability to explore Europe from your new base makes this one of the most attractive visa options for remote workers worldwide.
Don’t wait – Spain is actively welcoming digital professionals, and this opportunity to legally live and work in Spain while paying significantly reduced taxes may not last forever. Take the first step today by organizing your documents and planning your Spanish adventure.
