The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in December 2022 under Spain’s Startup Law (Ley de Startups), is a residence permit designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Spain while working for clients or companies abroad.
This visa is part of Spain’s effort to attract international talent and make the country one of Europe’s leading destinations for digital nomads. It gives non-EU citizens — including those from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries — a legal, flexible way to live and work remotely from Spain.
Who is the Digital Nomad Visa for?
The visa is aimed at professionals who work entirely online and whose income comes from foreign sources. This includes:
- Employees of companies based outside Spain.
- Freelancers and consultants working for international clients.
- Entrepreneurs running their own remote businesses abroad.
It’s ideal for software engineers, marketers, designers, writers, consultants, and startup founders — anyone who can work from a laptop and wants to make Spain their home base.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
To apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, applicants generally need to:
- Prove they work remotely for a non-Spanish employer or clients.
- Show a minimum of three months of professional relationship with that company or client.
- Have a university degree or demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
- Earn at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (around €2,600/month in 2025).
- Provide a clean criminal record for the past five years.
Freelancers can still have some Spanish clients — as long as no more than 20% of income comes from Spain.
What are the key benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa comes with several advantages that make it one of Europe’s most attractive remote-work options:
✅ Legal residence in Spain for up to three years initially, extendable to a residence permit valid for up to five years.
✅ Fast-track approval — applications are typically processed within 20 working days under the Start-up Law.
✅ Family inclusion — spouses and dependent children can be added to the same application.
✅ Access to Spain’s lifestyle and services, including healthcare, education, and banking.
✅ Freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
✅ Potential tax benefits under Spain’s Beckham Law, offering a reduced flat tax rate on Spanish income for up to six years.
✅ The chance to experience life in Spain — from vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid to coastal regions like Valencia, Alicante, or Malaga — while maintaining your international career.
✅ A clear path to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship, giving you the freedom to build your life, career, and future in Spain and Europe.
How long can you stay in Spain with this visa?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa lets you live and work remotely from Spain for up to five years. During this time, you’ll have nearly all the rights of Spanish residents — including the ability to live legally in Spain long-term, rent property, open a bank account, access healthcare, and use public and private services. After five years, you may also become eligible for permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.
What makes Spain attractive for remote workers?
Spain combines modern digital infrastructure with an exceptional quality of life. Reliable high-speed internet, co-working spaces, affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, and a warm climate make it one of the best destinations in Europe for digital professionals.
From the creative energy of Barcelona to the relaxed pace of the Costa del Sol, Spain offers the perfect balance between productivity and lifestyle.
Want to assess your eligibility for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa? Book a call.