Spain, renowned for its dynamic cities, picturesque coastlines, and exceptional quality of life, has positioned itself at the forefront of the global remote work movement. In response to the rising demand for location-independent work opportunities, Spain has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa—a strategic initiative designed to attract international professionals seeking to live and work legally from one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
Whether you’re a software engineer enjoying a cortado in a Barcelona café, a digital marketer managing campaigns from a Seville rooftop, or a tech consultant catching the sunset in Valencia, this visa offers the perfect blend of career flexibility and Mediterranean lifestyle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain—from eligibility criteria and income requirements to the step-by-step application process and key advantages of choosing Spain as your remote work base.
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What is a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain—also referred to as the Telework Visa in Spain—is a residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or clients.
Introduced in January 2023 under Spain’s “Startups Law,” this visa targets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn their income primarily from sources outside of Spain. It was developed to attract international talent, boost innovation, and revitalize rural areas and smaller towns through digital migration.
Unlike tourist visas, which restrict long-term stays and work opportunities, the Spain digital nomad visa offers a legal, structured pathway for remote professionals to immerse themselves in Spanish culture while continuing their global careers.
Who Can Apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spanish digital nomad visa is open to a range of remote workers, including:
- Freelancers who offer services to international clients.
- Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies.
- Entrepreneurs operating international digital businesses.
- Digital consultants or contractors hired by overseas firms.
In order to qualify, the candidate has to:
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
- Work remotely for businesses located outside of Spain (with a maximum of 20% income from Spanish companies).
- Have a proven track record of a minimum of 3 months with the current employer or client(s).
- Possess a university degree or a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in their field.
Requirements to Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Applying for the telework visa in Spain involves meeting specific conditions that ensure applicants can sustain themselves and contribute to the Spanish economy. These include both general and international worker-specific requirements.
General Requirements:
1. Proof of Remote Work:
Applicants must prove that their job can be done remotely using digital tools and that they have a legitimate employment or freelance relationship with companies based outside of Spain.
2. No Criminal Record:
It is required that the applicant have a clean criminal history from the previous five years in their home country.
3. Health Insurance:
Comprehensive public or private health insurance valid in Spain must be obtained before arrival.
4. Financial Self-Sufficiency:
Proof of sufficient income is necessary (more on that in the next section).
5. Valid Passport:
The passport must remain valid for a minimum of one year after the date of application.
6. Application Fee Payment:
Government processing fees have to be paid upon application submission.
Specific Requirements for International Workers:
1. Employment Contract or Freelance Agreement:
Documentation confirming that the applicant has been working for or with the company or client(s) for at least 3 months.
2. Authorization to Work Remotely:
A letter from the employer or clients confirming permission to work remotely.
3. Professional Qualifications:
University degree, diploma, or documented 3+ years of experience relevant to the job role.
What is the Minimum Income for Digital Nomad Visa Spain?
To demonstrate financial independence, applicants must meet the minimum income threshold based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is the Spanish index used to determine salary thresholds for visas.
As of 2025, the required income is:
- Primary applicant: €2,763/month
- For a couple: €3799/month
- For each additional member: Additional €346/month
This income can come from multiple sources as long as the bulk of it originates from foreign clients or employers.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Applying for the Spain digital nomad visa involves several steps, depending on whether you’re applying from your home country or within Spain under a tourist visa.
Option 1: Applying from Outside Spain
- Visit the Spanish Consulate in your country.
- Submit all required documents (outlined below).
- Attend a visa interview if required.
- Wait for approval (usually takes 4–6 weeks).
- Upon approval, travel to Spain and collect your residence card.
Option 2: Applying from Within Spain
Already in Spain on a tourist visa? You can apply directly from within the country. In this case, the residence permit is granted for three years instead of one.
- Submit your application through Spain’s UGET platform (online immigration portal).
- Upload documents electronically and pay the relevant fee.
- Once approved, visit the immigration office for fingerprinting.
- Collect your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Need Help with Your Application?
At OnDemand International, our experts specialize in remote worker visas and international relocations.
We can assist you in every step—document collection, legal translations, submission, and appointment scheduling—to make your move to Spain seamless.
Documents Required for Digital Nomad or Telework Visa in Spain
Here’s a checklist of documents needed when applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain:
- Valid Passport (minimum one-year validity)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Employment/Freelance Contracts (dated and signed)
- Proof of Work Authorization (employer or client letter)
- Bank Statements (last 3–6 months showing required income)
- Criminal Background Check (with Apostille, issued in the last 90 days)
- University Degree/Professional Certificate
- Private Health Insurance Proof
- Payment Receipt (for visa processing fees)
- Proof of Address (rental agreement or accommodation booking)
All foreign documents needs to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and, if applicable, apostilled or legalized.
Benefits of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
There are several compelling reasons why professionals are choosing Spain as their remote work destination:
1. Live and Work Legally in Spain
No more visa runs or legal ambiguity. The Spanish digital nomad visa offers a legitimate path to stay in Spain long-term.
2. Family Inclusion
Spouses and dependent children may be included under your visa and reside in Spain with you.
3. Path to Residency
After 5 years, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency. The time spent under this visa counts toward long-term settlement in Spain.
4. Tax Incentives
Applicants may qualify for a reduced income tax rate of 24% on the first €600,000 per year under the Beckham Law, applicable for up to 6 years.
5. Travel Within Schengen Zone
As a resident of Spain, you can travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries without additional visas.
6. Amazing Quality of Life
World-class healthcare, rich history, Mediterranean cuisine, stunning beaches, and a lower cost of living than most Western European countries make Spain a dream remote work location.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Processing times vary based on where you apply:
- From outside Spain (via consulate): 4 to 8 weeks on average.
- From within Spain (as a tourist visa holder): 20 business days (fast-tracked under Spain’s administrative system).
Make sure your documents are properly prepared and translated to avoid delays. OnDemand International offers assistance with legal translations and submission, minimizing errors and expediting approvals.
Conclusion
The digital nomad visa in Spain is more than simply a valid document—it’s your gateway to a life where work and wanderlust go hand in hand. With its well-structured framework, attractive tax incentives, and exceptional quality of life, Spain offers an ideal environment for remote professionals seeking both stability and cultural enrichment.
From its vibrant cities and rich heritage to seamless connectivity and access to the Schengen Area, Spain provides all the elements necessary for a successful remote work lifestyle. Moreover, the path to long-term residency and the option to include family members make this visa a strategic choice for professionals planning an extended stay in Europe.
If you are thinking about moving as a digital nomad, now is the right time to explore this opportunity.
At OnDemand International, our team of immigration and global mobility experts can assist you throughout the entire application process. Get in touch with our experts today.
FAQ’s
No, at least 80% of your income must come from non-Spanish companies. However, you may take on some work (up to 20%) for Spanish clients.
The processing time for the visa ranges from 15 to 20 days, depending on the consulate or immigration office.
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children under the visa, but you must show additional financial resources to support them.
As long as you continue working remotely and meet the income requirements, you can switch employers or clients without affecting your visa status.
Yes, if you are in Spain on a tourist visa, you can apply from within Spain without needing to return to your home country.
