The Complete Guide to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Beginners

At one time or another, almost everyone has dreamed of leaving their familiar surroundings behind and trying something new. And if your wish list includes figuring out how to work remotely in Spain, you're in the right place.

Through the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Program, non-EU/EEA citizens can live in Spain for a period of one year initially, with the option to extend. So if you're looking to make a change in 2025, read on to learn all about the requirements and process to obtain your Spain digital nomad visa.

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain digital nomad visa is the way in for people not currently entitled to work in the country. The typical tourist visa (and non-lucrative visa) allows citizens from places like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 consecutive days. But let's face it – that's really not enough time to experience this amazing country.

As a digital nomad, Spain is still open to you as an option due to the digital nomad visa, which launched in January 2023. Once approved, you can do remote work in Spain for one year (or up to three years if you're already legally in Spain).

Essentially, the Spain digital nomad visa is a telework visa that's issued to foreigners who work with non-Spanish companies, at least most of the time.

• 80% of the work must be for non-Spanish companies.

• It's a 1-year visa, or valid for 3 years if applying from Spain.

• Renewable up to 5 years.

• Must meet minimum earnings and experience or education requirements.

  
  

Eligibility & Requirements to Start Your Spain Adventure

Sorting through the visa requirements and eligibility can feel daunting, but we'll break everything down for you:

Who Can Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

In general, any non-EU/EEA citizen can apply, provided they are 18 or older and:

• Are working remotely for a non-Spanish company and have a minimum of 3 months of work experience at said company; or

• Are a freelancer or are self-employed, where the majority of income comes from abroad (up to 20% of income from Spanish sources is permitted); and

• Have graduated from a recognized university, professional training program, or business school, or can prove at least 3 years of professional work experience.

  
  

Income & Proof of Work

Just because you meet the visa requirements above doesn't mean you'll be granted your visa. Unfortunately, there are other hoops to jump through to be authorized to operate in Spain, starting with proving your work history and income.

Your income requirement depends on whether or not you're staying in Spain alone or as a family. The Spain digital nomad visa allows remote workers and families to stay together, so your spouse, children, and any 'ascending' relatives (parents, grandparents) who are directly in your care.

As a single person, your basic income requirement is 200% of the Spanish minimum wage. In 2025, the monthly minimum wage is €1,184, so that means you need to show income of €2,368 (about US$2,760) per month to qualify.

Your spouse and dependents raise this amount by a further 75% and 25% each, respectively. Here's a summary of the actual 2025 income requirement for the visa based on your family situation:

To put this in perspective, your annual earnings need to be at least €28,416 (US$33,200) when applying for a Spanish digital nomad visa alone.

To prove your income, you'll need at least one of the following:

• Bank statements

• Pay slips

• Invoices showing stable income

  
  

You also need to prove that, as a freelancer, most of your clients are from abroad, or if you're a remote employee, that your contract is with a company located outside of Spain. You may also be asked to provide income tax returns to confirm the information.

Education & Experience

In addition to the other Spain digital nomad visa requirements, you need to prove that you have at least three years of professional work experience or a completed degree/certification from an internationally recognized institution.

To prove your education, you will be asked for a copy of the actual degree. For professional experience, the same employment contracts, pay stubs, and invoices will typically be accepted. The work experience must be in the same field for which you'll be pursuing remote work in Spain.

Note that any official documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled to be recognized here. 

Health Insurance

As part of the Spanish digital nomad visa application process, proof of public or private health coverage in Spain for the duration of the initial application (one year minimum) is required. This health insurance must not have a limit or co-payment and must cover all risks.

Certain countries, like the US, have a social security agreement with Spain. If that's the case for you, you'll need to provide documentation that confirms this and that you are covered for all the same risks that are offered as part of the Spanish healthcare system.

As a last step, you'll need to complete a Responsible Declaration of Compliance with the Spanish Social Security System

You'll Need a Foreign Identification Number (NIE)

This number needs to be requested before you apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa. The request for an NIE has to be done in person, either in Spain or through your resident country's Consular Offices

Essentially, this will serve as your Spanish tax number to file and claim any tax benefits. To get an appointment, you'll need to send an email and provide the following documentation:

• The application form. Completed, but not signed.

• Proof of why you require the NIE in the first place.

• Original and a photocopy of your passport.

• A completed form 790 (for payment), along with the current fee on the day of the appointment of £8.15 (about $11).

  
  

Other Document Requirements

Expect further visa requirements in order to complete your application. These include:

• Passport – Include both the original and a copy of your passport. It must have at least one year's validity and not have been issued more than 10 years ago.

• Photos – Provide one recent passport-sized photo.

• Proof of current residence – Submit a copy of your driver's license, student ID, or state ID. In some cases, lease agreements and utility bills will also be accepted.

• Criminal record check – Obtain a clean police record check from every country you've resided in for the previous five years. If this isn't possible, you can also complete a "Responsible Declaration" as an alternative.

• Disclaimer form – Sign the disclaimer form, and include it with your submission.

• Visa form – Complete the official digital nomad visa application form in full.

• Proof of housing in Spain – Include your property deed, rental contract, or a notarized invitation if staying with friends or family.

  
  

And if you're heading to Spain with family members, you'll also need:

• Proof of the relationship in the form of marriage certificates, birth certificates, or legal partnership documents. These must all be apostilled and often require translation into Spanish.

• For adult children, you'll have to prove their financial dependence. The same goes for any older relatives in your care.

  
  

The Digital Nomad Visa Application Process in Spain 

To apply for a digital nomad visa, you have two options: apply at your nearest embassy or consulate, or from an immigration office in Spain. It may seem odd to live in Spain without a visa, but most countries allow enough time on their tourist visa to complete the process.

1. Gather all your documents.

2. Obtain an NIE.

3. Schedule your appointment, either in Spain or your home country.

4. Attend the interview.

5. Pay the processing fee – payable even if the visa is refused.

6. Receive your digital nomad visa and start working remotely from Spain once your visa is valid!

   
   

The visa timeline, from when you apply for the digital nomad visa to receiving it, is typically between two and three months. Note that this does not include the time it will take to get your criminal record checks or request and translate other official documents.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa – A Path to Residency & Citizenship

Depending on where you apply, your visa will be valid initially for one to three years. After that, it's possible to renew for up to five years. 

Once you have five years of living in Spain continuously, you can apply for your permanent residence in Spain. After 10 years, it's possible to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa

Taxes

The Spain digital nomad visa has tax advantages if you're a tax resident here. Visa holders who pay taxes in Spain will pay a flat tax rate between 19% and 24% on income up to €600,000. This is often substantially less than what you'd be paying at home.

Family Reunification

With the digital nomad visa, you don't have to move to Spain alone. Immediate family members like your spouse and dependents like children are welcome to join you, provided you meet the relationship and minimum income requirements.

Quality of Life

Spain's warm climate, ever-present culture, and safety are just some of the other benefits this digital nomad visa offers. The country is also full of English-speaking immigrants and expats, so building a network, even if you don't speak Spanish, is totally possible.

Big City or Country Life

With relatively good infrastructure, specifically high-speed internet, digital nomad visa holders can choose to live where they're most comfortable. Barcelona and Madrid are top spots for obvious reasons, as are Valencia and Seville. For a quieter life, choose smaller towns along the coast or inland near vineyards and farmland.

Cost of Living

You may be surprised to learn that the cost of living in Spain is lower than in many Western countries. In fact, people from outside of Spain (French people, basically) travel across the border regularly for groceries, clothing, and other household items.

Choosing Spain for Your Digital Nomad Visa

Spain is an amazing destination for digital nomads with great beaches, exciting cities, and mouth-watering food, not to mention the safety and good infrastructure. With the payment of the visa fee and a little time spent gathering documentation, you can spend an unforgettable year in Spain (or longer). Now you know exactly how to apply got the Spain digital nomad visa in 2025, and who knows, maybe you'll never look back!

Of course, Spain isn't the only sunny European country where you can live as a digital nomad. Check out our Portugal digital nomad visa guide too!

FAQs About the Digital Nomad Visa Spain

Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Launched in 2022, remote workers can apply for this relatively new digital nomad visa as non-EU citizens. Then, as a freelancer with this work visa, you can live and work in Spain. The validity of the visa can be for one or three years, depending on where you apply.

Who is eligible for Spain's digital nomad visa?

Non-EU/EEA citizens (18+) working remotely for foreign employers or clients (80% non-Spanish) that meet income and qualification criteria. EU citizens don’t need this visa; they're already allowed to live and work in Spain for as long as they like.

What is the digital nomad visa income requirement in Spain?

For 2025, single applicants must prove a monthly income of at least €2,368 (about US$2,760). This is 200% of the Spanish minimum wage. If you apply for a visa with a spouse or dependents, that amount increases. For a couple, the minimum is €3,256 (US$3,800), and for each child, add another 25% of the Spanish minimum wage (€296/$340).

Are there tax benefits to this visa?

The Spain digital nomad visa qualifies for a non-resident income tax regime with an income tax rate between 19% and 24%. As long as Spain has double taxation agreements with your home country (outside Spain), you're likely to save.

How long does the digital nomad visa process take in Spain?

After you've prepared all the documents, including a criminal record check and sourcing birth certificates and marriage licenses, the application process will generally take between 4 and 12 weeks. Applying for the NIE will add time as well – up to three weeks.

Can you bring family?

Yes, the Spanish digital nomad visa allows your spouse/partner and children (under 26, financially dependent) to apply with you. They will get their own visas, which will allow them to live and study (not work) in Spain. Plus, if you're the sole caregiver for an elderly parent, they can travel, too.

Does the digital nomad visa allow you to work for a Spanish company?

No. The visa only permits remote workers to work with non-Spanish clients and companies. The only exception is that freelancers can have clients or companies within Spain as long as they account for no more than 20% of their overall earnings.

How long does it take to get an NIE (Foreign Identification Number) in Spain?

In general, the process takes 3 weeks, but it can take longer due to higher-than-average demand. You'll receive notification of the visa by email.

Can I apply for a Spain golden visa instead of the digital nomad one?

Unfortunately, Spain stopped issuing golden visas in April 2025. This would have permitted visa holders to enter Spain to live and work, provided they made a significant investment in the country, most often real estate. Luckily, you can still travel to Spain as a digital nomad!

How much does it cost to get a Spain digital nomad visa?

The visa fee varies by country, but will typically range from €60–90 ($70-$105), and the average is around $80. There are outliers, though, and if you're a citizen of Australia, for example, the digital nomad visa in Spain can set you back up to €2,280.85 ($2,665), and for Canada, it's €1,186.60 (CA$1,900).