Spain's Digital Nomad Visa
Discover how to work remotely from Spain for foreign companies or as a freelancer with international clients, taking advantage of a unique tax regime.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa for international teleworking, commonly known as the "Digital Nomad Visa," allows non-EU citizens to reside and work remotely from Spain. It is designed for employees of companies located outside of Spain and for freelancers whose clients are predominantly abroad.
Introduced by the Startups Law (Law 28/2022), this visa aims to attract talent and qualified professionals, offering a legal pathway to live in Spain while maintaining an international career.
Main Requirements
To apply for this visa, you must meet a series of key conditions:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country.
- Legal Status: Not be in an irregular situation in Spain.
- Criminal Record: Have a clean criminal record in Spain and in countries of residence for the past 5 years.
- Health Insurance: Have comprehensive public or private health insurance in Spain.
- Financial Means: Prove sufficient income, amounting to 200% of the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) for the main applicant, plus 75% for the first family member and 25% for each additional member.
- Qualifications: Be a graduate/postgraduate from a reputable university or business school, or prove a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience.
If you work for a company (employee):
- Company History: The company must have been active for at least one year.
- Work History: You must have worked for the company for at least the last 3 months.
- Company Permission: The company must explicitly authorize you to work remotely from Spain.
If you work as a freelancer (self-employed):
- Professional Relationship: Prove a professional relationship of at least 3 months with your foreign clients.
- Limit on National Income: No more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish companies or clients.
- Terms of Service: Provide documentation proving the terms and conditions of your remote professional activity.
Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
Legal Residency
Allows you to legally reside and work in Spain for an initial period of up to 1 year (visa) or 3 years (residence permit), which is renewable.
Family Reunification
Allows your spouse or partner, dependent children, and dependent ascendants to accompany you from the beginning.
Favorable Tax Regime
You can opt into the special impatriate tax regime (similar to the Beckham Law) and pay a flat 24% tax rate on your income up to €600,000.
Flexibility
Enjoy mobility within the Schengen Area and Spain's quality of life while maintaining your international professional career.
Application Process
The process varies depending on whether you apply from abroad (visa) or while already legally in Spain (residence permit):
- From Abroad: You apply for the visa at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. Once approved, you travel to Spain to get your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
- From Spain: If you are already legally in Spain (e.g., on a tourist visa), you can directly apply for the residence permit at the Large Business and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE-CE).
This is a process that requires meticulous preparation of documents. The resolution period by the UGE-CE is typically 20 working days.
Interested in the Digital Nomad Visa?
We can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your documentation, and guide you through the application process so you can work remotely from Spain.
Get Digital Nomad Visa Advice