Digital Nomad Visa Spain

Remote work visa for Spain: legal assistance from immigration lawyers

If you’re planning to live in Spain while working remotely, the digital nomad visa in Spain is your gateway to turning that dream into reality.

This special visa allows non-EU professionals to legally reside in the country while continuing their remote work for foreign companies — combining the freedom of a digital lifestyle with the advantages of living in one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations.

At Pellicer&Heredia, we specialize in helping freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers secure this visa. Our expert immigration lawyers ensure that every step of your application is handled with precision — from eligibility review to final approval — so you can focus on building your life and career in Spain.

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Written by our expert digital nomad visa lawyers in Spain, this guide walks you step-by-step through the application process

What is a digital nomad visa Spain?

The digital nomad visa in Spain is a legal residence permit created for professionals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside Spanish territory. Launched in early 2023, this visa enables non-EU citizens to live in Spain while continuing their remote work activities.

It’s part of Spain’s broader effort to attract international talent and support the rise of location-independent workers — professionals in fields such as software development, marketing, design, consulting, and other tech-enabled services. Thanks to this visa, remote workers can enjoy Spain’s excellent quality of life, climate, and cultural richness while maintaining their career from anywhere.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an ongoing professional relationship with a foreign company or client base and rely exclusively on digital communication tools for their work. The visa is initially valid for one year, with the option to convert it into a residence permit for up to three years.

Designed for remote workers

The Spanish nomad digital visa is specifically designed for professionals who perform their jobs entirely online and independently of a fixed location. Whether you work as a freelancer, a full-time remote employee, or you run an international business from your laptop, this visa offers you the legal framework to live in Spain while continuing your professional activity abroad.

This visa is ideal for:

Freelancers or self-employed workers offering digital services to international clients
Employees who work remotely for non-Spanish companies with a flexible work-from-anywhere policy
Entrepreneurs and digital business owners who manage operations for companies established outside of Spain

By relying exclusively on digital tools and telecommunications to carry out your work, you can qualify for this visa to work remotely from Spain and enjoy all the benefits of Spanish residency without needing to relocate your company or clients.

Taxes you will pay with the Spanish digital nomad visa

Obtaining the digital nomad visa in Spain means more than just legal residency — it also brings certain tax obligations that remote workers should plan for. If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you’ll be considered a Spanish tax resident. This means you’ll need to declare and pay taxes on your worldwide income, including Personal Income Tax, which is calculated progressively based on your earnings.

If you’re self-employed, you must also register for VAT, file periodic tax returns, and contribute to Social Security, unless exempt through international agreements.

However, there’s a major advantage: Spain offers a favorable tax regime known as the Beckham Law (special tax regime for workers posted to Spain). Under this scheme:

You’re taxed as a non-resident for up to six years
Your Spanish income is taxed at a flat rate of 24% up to €600,000
Foreign income is exempt from Spanish taxation

This regime can provide substantial tax relief, especially for high earners or professionals with global clients.

How long can I be outside of Spain with the digital nomad visa?

Holders of this type of visa are expected to reside primarily within Spanish territory, but some flexibility is allowed regarding time spent abroad. In general, as a resident, you must not be absent from Spain for more than 6 consecutive months within a 12-month period, or you risk losing your residency status.

The initial remote work visa from Spain is granted for up to one year if applied for from a Spanish consulate. Within the last 60 days of that year, you can apply to convert it into a residence permit for international remote workers, which is valid for up to three years and renewable in two-year increments.

Digital nomad visa requirements for Spain

In order to enjoy the experience of being a digital nomad in Spain, it is essential to comply with a series of legal requirements that ensure a peaceful and safe stay. Below, we detail the main requirements that you need to meet to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain:

Personal documentation

A complete and valid copy of your passport is required, with at least three months of validity after the planned stay in Spain. You must also present a certificate of registration that accredits your residence, and the duly signed visa application form. In addition, a certificate of criminal records from the countries where you have resided in the last two years, legalized or apostilled, is essential.

Professional requirements

You will need to prove that you have maintained an active employment or professional relationship with a foreign company for at least three months prior to the application, either as an employee or as a self-employed person.

Regarding the accreditation of the employment relationship to obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain, it is important to point out some aspects:

The existence of a real and continuous activity for at least one year of the company or group of companies with which the worker maintains an employment or professional relationship.
Documentation proving that the employment or professional relationship can be carried out remotely.
In the case of an employment relationship, the existence of the relationship between the worker and the company not based in Spain must be accredited for at least the last three months prior to the submission of the application, as well as documentation proving that said company allows the worker to carry out the work activity remotely.
In the case of the existence of a professional relationship, it must be proven that the worker has maintained a commercial relationship with one or more companies not located in Spain for at least the last three months, as well as documentation proving the terms and conditions under which the professional activity will be carried out remotely.

Financial proof

It is essential to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to reside in Spain, that is, at least 200% of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI). For the year 2024, the SMI is set at €15,876, so an essential requirement to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain is to prove that you earn more than €31,752 per year.

In the event that the person applying for the digital nomad visa for Spain wants to come with his or her family, the previous limit of the financial requirements will be increased by at least 75% of the SMI for the first person regrouped and at least 25% of the SMI for each additional member. Therefore, if you want to work remotely in Spain with your wife and a child, in the end you must prove total income that accumulates 3 times the SMI limit, that is, an amount of €47,628.

Qualifications

Another requirement to obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain is that you prove your professional qualification or, failing that, a minimum of three years’ work experience in functions similar to those you will perform in Spain.

If your profession is regulated, you must have your qualification homologated according to the current Spanish regulations to carry out said professional activity in the country.

Health insurance

You must have private medical insurance that offers coverage similar to that of the Spanish National Health System. This insurance must be valid throughout the period of authorization.

For those applicants who have a digital nomad visa to work remotely in Spanish territory, it is necessary to take into account the possibilities that exist to reside in Spain with health coverage and the right to work without having to register with the National System.

The first thing to do is to go to the European or international treaties or agreements, depending on the country in which our company is based, to find out whether or not there are agreements between both countries.

1. What happens if there is an agreement on health care?

There is a possibility that the applicant’s country of origin has a health care agreement with Spain and, therefore, can request the corresponding certificate in their country depending on the country.

In most European countries, the document is known as S1, although we can also find it with another name. For example, as S072.

This document, once correctly processed, entitles the applicant to have health care in Spain at a cost to their country of origin.

2. What happens if there is no agreement on health care?

There is a possibility that the applicant’s country of origin does not have a health care agreement with Spain.

In this case, the applicant must take out private health insurance with coverage in Spain and which must have a minimum duration of at least one year.

Once the 1-year period has elapsed, the applicant may choose to apply for the Health Benefit Agreement in Spain. By signing up for this agreement, health coverage is obtained in exchange for a monthly fee.

It may also happen that there is a health care agreement, but the country of origin does not issue the certificate necessary to be able to work in Spain without having to pay into the National System. In this case, it will be necessary to register the company in Spain and register the worker in the National System.

With the registration of the worker, the right to health care in Spain is automatically obtained; without prejudice to the fact that during the first year of residence, private health insurance is required.

Everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa

How to apply for a digital nomad visa Spain?

The process to apply involves several steps that require careful planning, official documentation, and coordination with the relevant authorities. While it may seem overwhelming at first, having a clear roadmap — and the right legal support — can make all the difference.

Here’s a general overview of how the application works:

Step 1 – Gather required documentation

Collect essential documents such as your valid passport, proof of employment or freelance contracts, background check certificates, financial statements, and private health insurance. This step can take 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain and legalize the necessary paperwork.

Step 2 -Submit your application

File your application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Requirements may vary slightly by office, so it’s important to verify the specific process and available appointment slots.

Step 3 – Application review by immigration authorities

After submission, your application will be reviewed, typically within 1 to 3 months. Authorities may request additional documents or clarifications during this period.

Step 4 – Receive approval and collect your visa

Once approved, you’ll be notified and can collect your visa from the consulate. This usually takes a few days to a week, depending on their internal procedures.

Step 5 – Travel to Spain and begin your new chapter

Upon arrival, you’ll be able to register your residency and begin enjoying the benefits of living and working remotely from Spain.

In total, the entire process to obtain the digital nomad visa for Spain can take between two and four months.

How our immigration lawyers help you

At the Spanish lawyer firm Pellicer&Heredia, we understand that applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain involves much more than submitting a few documents — it’s a legal process that demands accuracy, strategy, and deep knowledge of Spanish immigration law.

That’s why our dedicated team of immigration lawyers is here to take care of every detail and ensure your application is a success from day one. Below we explain how we can help you:

We evaluate your individual situation and provide you with personalized advice on the specific requirements you must meet to obtain the digital nomad visa.
We help you gather and prepare all the mandatory documents, ensuring that they comply with the regulations and standards required by the Spanish authorities. This includes income verification, health insurance, criminal background checks and more.
We are in charge of managing the entire visa application process, from submitting the form to following up on the application with the relevant authorities. We keep you informed at every stage of the process.
We facilitate the translation and legalization of documents that are not in Spanish, guaranteeing that they comply with all legal and administrative requirements.
Should complications arise or additional clarifications are needed, we represent you before the Spanish immigration authorities, defending your interests and ensuring a favorable resolution.
We advise you on the tax advantages available to digital nomads in Spain, helping you optimize your tax situation and make the most of tax incentives and exemptions.
In addition to obtaining a visa, we offer you assistance in other important aspects of your integration in Spain, such as registration, opening bank accounts, and finding accommodation.
At Pellicer&Heredia we have a multilingual team that will assist you in Spanish, English, French and many other languages, ensuring clear and efficient communication at all times.
Our commitment does not end with obtaining the visa. We offer you ongoing support during your stay in Spain, assisting with visa renewals and any other legal needs you may have.

Choosing Pellicer&Heredia means having trusted legal experts by your side throughout your journey to live and work remotely in Spain. Let us handle the bureaucracy, so you can focus on your future.

Need help with your digital nomad visa?

Call us at +34 965 480 737 or email us at info@pellicerheredia.com

Questions about the Spanish digital nomad visa

Can I bring my family with the nomad visa to reside in Spain?

Yes, the spouse or person with a similar emotional relationship, minor or adult children who, being financially dependent on the holder, have not formed a family unit by themselves and dependent ascendants who join or accompany foreigners, can apply, jointly and simultaneously or successively, for the authorization and, where appropriate, the visa.

What nationalities can apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain?

The visa is available to all nationalities that do not belong to the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland or are beneficiaries of European status, such as the residence of a family member of a European citizen.

Can a self-employed worker apply for this visa?

Yes, as long as you can prove a professional relationship with the foreign company for which you work for a minimum of three months and the company authorizes the transfer to Spain.

What to do if my nomad visa application is rejected?

If your visa application is rejected, you can review the reason for the rejection and correct any errors or missing documents. You can then file an appeal or reapply for the Spanish digital nomad visa, making sure you meet all the necessary requirements.

What is the difference between the digital nomad visa and other residence visas in Spain?

The main difference between the digital nomad visa and other residence visas in Spain is their purpose. The digital nomad visa is specifically designed for people who work remotely for foreign companies or as freelancers, allowing them to reside in Spain while working remotely. In contrast, other residence visas, such as the work visa or the Golden Visa residence by investment, are aimed at those who have work contracts with local companies or plan to invest in the country.

Is the digital nomad visa in Spain better than other European countries?

The digital nomad visa in Spain offers several competitive advantages compared to other European countries. Firstly, it allows an initial stay of one year with the possibility of renewing for up to two additional years.

In addition, Spain has a more affordable cost of living compared to other European destinations, making it an attractive place for remote workers. Likewise, the climate, quality of life and technological infrastructure are highly valued.