Spain's Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply

Spain’s digital nomad visa: why it matters

Working remotely in Spain as a foreigner just got a whole lot easier with the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa, a permit that finally gives non‑EU remote workers a clear, legal route to live and work from Spain with fast processing times and specific tax advantages.

Approved by the Spanish Parliament at the end of 2022, this visa sits under the new Startups Law and is designed to attract international talent, freelancers, and remote employees who want Spain’s work–life balance without the stricter conditions of other residency options. Parliament’s approval marked a major shift in how Spain treats remote work.

So, if you're eager to kickstart your working life abroad in a country that offers fantastic work-life balance and without the restrictions of other residency visas, this particular visa could be the one for you.

What this guide covers

Below we provide you with a comprehensive guide that outlines all the necessary requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, the tax benefits that come with it, and the essential legal information that you must be aware of before submitting your application.

In this article we will discuss:-

• What the digital nomad visa is
• What the benefits are of obtaining one
• Who is eligible for the visa
• What the requirements are
• How and where to apply
• And lots more...

Let’s dive in.

What is Spain’s digital nomad visa?

How the visa fits into Spain’s Startups Law

Spain passed the Startups Law at the end of 2022, with the aim of attracting remote workers, digital nomads, and new startups.

The digital nomad visa, which is part of this law, is one of the most anticipated and talked-about features. It will allow non-EU freelancers and remote workers to have entry and residency rights in Spain, along with certain tax benefits. The visa is known in Spain as the "Visado para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional" or the visa for remote workers.

Who the visa is for

Another incentive of the visa is that it allows non-EU citizens the opportunity to live in Spain and work remotely here for up to 5 years. This is not the case with other residency permits such as the non-lucrative visa which is another popular visa for those from outside of the EU to settle in Spain.

Income split between foreign and Spanish clients

However, it is important to note that 80% of your business income must be generated from outside of Spain. You may provide a service to Spanish customers or businesses but this must equate to a maximum 20% of your total income.

This is because the visa is primarily for those who want to work remotely from Spain serving their existing clients or employer.

You can read an English-language overview of the Startup Law that created Spain’s digital nomad visa here.

How long is the digital nomad visa valid?

This will depend on whether you apply for it while you are in Spain or from your home country.

If you are in Spain as a tourist (less than 90 days) you may apply for the visa while here. If successful, the visa will be valid for an initial three years.

Alternatively, you can apply from a Spanish consulate in your home country. If this is the route you take, the validity of the visa will be one year.

Note that the visa, regardless of which route you took to obtain it, can be extended for up to five years. If initially applying from Spain, you will have one renewal period of two years taking you to the five years. If applying from outside of Spain, you will have two renewal periods of two years taking you up to the five years required for permanent residency.

Furthermore, these years count towards permanent residency and Spanish citizenship if you wish to apply. After 5 years of residency, you can apply to become a permanent resident in Spain.

How long does it take to get the visa?

One of the standout features of the Digital Nomad Visa application process is its expedited resolution system, which promises a turnaround time of only 20 days.

Additionally, it utilises a legal system referred to as the "positive administrative silence". This means that if the administration fails to respond within 20 days of submitting the application, it will be considered approved!

What are the benefits of the digital nomad visa?

There are numerous benefits to the digital nomad visa. These include:-

• Free movement throughout the EU - Remote workers and their family members will enjoy free movement within the EU.
• Tax incentives - Digital nomads will pay a lower non-resident income tax of 24% on incomes up to €600,000 and 47% for incomes above this threshold. After five years, you will move to the general tax regime.
• No requirement to complete modelo 720 - There will be no requirement to complete modelo 720 for wealth tax declaration. Another saving!
• Bring your family with you - Family members may reside in Spain with you during your residency.
• You may leave Spain for longer than six months - You can leave Spain for longer than six months and still retain your residency rights.

See here for the pros and cons of the digital nomad visa and find out if it is right for you.

Who is eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa?

Here is the list of requirements that you must understand before proceeding.

Note that there are two profiles of foreigners who can obtain this permit, each with slightly different requirements:-

• Employed workers who are allowed to work remotely from another country while in Spain.
• Self-employed workers with clients or sources of income outside of Spain.

If you want to apply for the digital nomad visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:-

• Work for a company located outside of Spain or have a freelance relationship with a non-Spanish company.
• Incomes received from Spanish companies cannot exceed 20% of the total.
• Have at least 3 months of work experience with the company or clients before applying.
• Have a contract with the same company for at least 1 year.
• Show evidence of either 3 years of work experience or a degree from a reputable university, vocational training, or business school.
• Provide a criminal records certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days, legalised and apostilled.
• You must not have been living in Spain within the past 5 years previous to your application.
• Submit a declaration of no criminal record for the last 5 years.
• Fill out the application form and pay the administrative fee (Modelo 790, Code 038).
• Obtain health insurance for digital nomad visas with full coverage throughout Spain.
• Show proof of earning at least €2,762 per month (equivalent to €33,144 annually, based on 200% of IPREM), or hold savings of €30,240; add €11,340 annually per family member (75% of IPREM each).

Income requirements

To support your relocation to Spain, you must demonstrate adequate financial resources. This equates to 200% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI).

As of January 31, 2023, the Spanish government increased the monthly minimum wage to a gross payment of €1,260 (€1,080 over 14 payments).

Therefore, you must have a minimum income of €2,520 per month or €30,240 per year, which can be verified with job contracts, invoices, or bank statements.

For the first dependent (including your spouse or partner) the amount is 75% of the SMI. This equates to €11,340 per annum.

For each subsequent dependent, i.e. children, the amount is 25% of the SMI which equates to €3,780 per annum.

How do you apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa?

There are two main ways to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa, depending on whether you are already in Spain or still in your home country.

Option 1: Apply from inside Spain (already in Spain)

• Enter Spain legally – You must be in Spain on a valid short‑stay (for example, as a tourist for up to 90 days) when you submit your application.
• Complete the MI‑T application form – Fill out the MI‑T application form for international teleworkers, making sure all sections are completed and signed.
• Pay the government fee (Tasa 038) – Pay the administrative fee using Modelo 790, Code 038, which is the standard rate for work and residence authorisations linked to the international mobility rules. Keep the proof of payment, as it must be included in your file.
• Prepare your supporting documents – Gather your passport copy, proof of income, criminal record certificate (legalised/apostilled), health insurance, proof of work relationship (contract or service agreements) and any translations required by the authorities.
• Submit your application online – File the MI‑T form and supporting documents through the Spanish administration’s online platform for residence authorisations for international teleworkers (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos – UGE).
• Wait for a decision – The law uses an expedited system, and if the administration does not issue a resolution within 20 working days, the application is treated as approved under “positive administrative silence”.

Option 2: Apply from your home country (consulate route)

• Contact your nearest Spanish consulate – Check the consulate’s page for “visado de teletrabajo de carácter internacional” or “digital nomad visa” and download their checklist and national visa form.
• Book an appointment – Follow the consulate’s instructions to book a visa appointment and confirm how they want documents presented (originals, copies, translations, apostilles, etc.).
• Complete the national visa form – Fill in and sign the national visa application form, including your intended date of entry, Spanish address, contact details and employer / client details.
• Pay the consular visa fee – Pay the national visa fee at the consulate (amount and payment method vary by country) and keep the payment receipt as part of your file.
• Submit your documents in person – Attend your appointment and hand in your passport, completed visa form, proof of work relationship, income evidence, criminal record certificate, health insurance and any other documents listed by that consulate.
• Collect your visa and travel to Spain – If approved, you will receive a digital nomad visa (usually up to one year), which allows you to enter Spain and later move onto the residence authorisation once in the country.

Whichever route you choose, make sure your documents are up to date, correctly translated where required, and that you keep copies of everything you submit, including proof of fee payments, to avoid delays or refusals.

Frequently asked questions about Spain’s digital nomad visa

Can I bring my family with me on a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Your spouse or long-term partner, dependent children and, in some cases, dependent parents can be included so they live with you in Spain under your digital nomad status.

Can I work for Spanish clients while on this visa?

You can work for Spanish clients or companies, but income from Spain must not exceed 20% of your total professional income so that your main activity remains with foreign clients or employers.

Does time on the digital nomad visa count towards permanent residency and citizenship?

Yes. Years spent in Spain under the digital nomad visa normally count towards the five years needed for permanent residency and can also help you reach the residence period required for Spanish citizenship, provided you meet all other legal conditions.

Do I have to pay tax in Spain as a digital nomad?

In most cases you will be considered tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, but you can usually opt for a special regime that taxes employment and certain income at a flat rate and may offer relief from double taxation, so personalised tax advice is strongly recommended.

Can I switch from another residency permit to the digital nomad visa?

In some situations it is possible to move from another Spanish residence permit to the digital nomad route, as long as you meet the remote work, income and clean criminal record requirements at the time you apply.

Conclusion

Spain’s digital nomad visa is designed to give non-EU remote workers a clear, flexible way to live and work legally in Spain while enjoying specific tax advantages and a route to long-term residency. For many freelancers and remote employees, it offers a more attractive set of conditions than traditional non-lucrative or standard work permits.

Ready to start your digital nomad journey?

If you are planning to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa, make sure you have suitable private health cover in place before you submit your application. Check out our health insurance plans for digital nomads and residency visas and get a free, no-obligation quote today.