Live in Spain on the
Digital Nomad Visa
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa lets non-EU remote workers, freelancers and families live in Spain while working for companies or clients abroad. However, the real challenge is different. In short, you need to know whether your profile qualifies, whether your documents are strong enough, and which tax risks to avoid before you move.
Can you live in Spain with the Digital Nomad Visa?
Who the visa is for
This visa is for non-EU citizens who work remotely using digital means. Employees, therefore, must work for companies based outside Spain. Freelancers, meanwhile, can work with Spanish clients only when that work stays below 20% of their activity.
How to know if you qualify
So, if you hold a remote role at a foreign company, you may qualify. The same applies if you are a freelancer serving clients abroad. Above all, you need to prove three things clearly: that your work is genuinely remote, that your income is sufficient and stable, and that your documents meet the standard set by Spanish consulates.
- Your income comes mainly from outside Spain
- Your remote work is documented and verifiable
- You meet the income threshold for yourself and your family
- Your health insurance and social security cover Spain
- Your criminal record and qualifications are in order
Who qualifies for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
In practice, two profiles fit this visa. First, the remote employee of a foreign company. Second, the freelancer who serves clients abroad.
Remote employee
- Foreign employer with real activity
- Remote work authorization from the company
- Proof of salary and stable employment
- Company active for at least one year
Freelancer / contractor
- Foreign clients with documented contracts
- Contracts, invoices and payment records
- Spanish clients below 20% of total activity
- Consistent activity for at least three months
Digital Nomad Visa Spain requirements
Below are the twelve documents and conditions that consulates check most closely. Therefore, getting each one right matters.
Non-EU applicant
Citizens of countries outside the European Union.
Remote work for foreign company or clients
At least 80% of income must come from outside Spain.
At least three months of professional relationship
With your employer or clients before you apply.
Foreign company active for at least one year
Employers must show real, ongoing business activity.
Degree or three years of experience
A university qualification or documented equivalent.
Sufficient income under current rules
Usually 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI).
Criminal record certificate
From your country of origin and any country of residence.
Health insurance or social security cover
A private policy or an A1 / social security certificate.
Passport and application forms
A valid passport and correctly completed official forms.
Letter authorizing remote work
Explicit employer or client permission to work from Spain.
Payslips, invoices and bank statements
Financial evidence of stable remote income.
Apostilles and sworn translations
Non-Spanish documents must be legalized and translated.
Small errors in contracts, employer letters, translations or social security documents can delay or weaken an application. Importantly, most refusals are preventable with a proper document review before submission.
How much income do you need?
The income threshold
The financial requirement is linked to the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), which is updated every year. For 2026, therefore, the reference SMI is €1,424.50 per month over 12 payments, giving an annual minimum of €17,094.
Adding your family
The main applicant needs 200% of the SMI, which equals €2,849 per month. In addition, family members add more. First, the spouse or first member adds 75% (€1,068 per month). Then, each further member adds 25% (€356 per month).
Figures are based on the 2026 SMI reference and are gross minimums. Because they change with each official update, you should always confirm the current threshold before you plan your move.
Calculate my eligibility
Apply from Spain or from your country?
You can apply in two ways: from a Spanish consulate in your home country, or while you are already legally in Spain. Each route, however, has different advantages, timelines and requirements.
From outside Spain
- Consulate route at the Spanish embassy in your country
- Visa valid up to one year, convertible to residence
- Best if you want formal approval before moving
- Requirements may vary slightly by consulate
From inside Spain
- Apply while legally in Spain with valid status
- Direct residence authorization up to three years
- Best if you are already in Spain on another permit
- Timing and proof of legal stay are critical
Taxes, Beckham Law and social security
Your visa and your tax position are connected, yet they are not the same process. In other words, getting the visa does not automatically qualify you for the Beckham Law. Therefore, before moving, you should know whether you can apply for the special regime, when Spanish tax residency starts, and which social security route fits your case.
Beckham Law review
We assess whether you qualify for the special regime, what income it covers and how it affects your overall position.
Tax residency planning
We determine when you become tax resident, what triggers it and how to structure your move beforehand.
Social security: A1 / RETA
We analyse your options: an A1 certificate, a certificate of coverage, voluntary Spanish RETA or another route.
From uncertainty to an application-ready file
At every step, you know what is missing, what is risky and what comes next.
Eligibility diagnosis
First, we review your profile, income, employer structure and family situation to confirm the best route.
Document strategy
Next, we build your document list, flag weak areas and mark what needs apostille or sworn translation.
Employer letter review
Then, we draft and review the remote work authorization so it meets consulate standards.
Tax and social security check
In parallel, we review your tax position, Beckham Law eligibility and social security options.
Application preparation
After that, we complete the forms and verify every document against current rules.
Submission support
We then guide you through consulate or in-country submission and track the status.
Post-approval steps
Finally, we handle TIE collection, registration and your next tax and social security actions.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain: frequently asked questions
Ready to start your Digital Nomad Visa application?
Our lawyers review your full profile — visa, tax and social security — so you move to Spain with complete confidence.