Digital Nomad Visa Spain: How to Live and Work Remotely (2025 Guide)

Spain isn’t just a beautiful place to visit. It’s one of the most strategic choices for remote professionals looking to live and work in Europe. The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain makes it possible for non-EU freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs to relocate legally while staying fully aligned with immigration and tax rules.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa. From eligibility criteria and income requirements to how to apply and what life in Spain actually looks like for digital nomads.

(Article Updated August 2025)

What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a long-term residency permit designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Spain while working for clients or employers based outside the country. This visa was officially launched in early 2023 to attract international talent and support a more mobile global workforce.

The Digital Nomad visa allows eligible non-EU applicants to live in Spain for up to five years, all while working remotely either for non-Spanish companies or by maintaining an international freelance client base. Applicants can apply from within Spain or from abroad and, once approved, enjoy several key benefits:

• Fast-track processing compared to traditional visa types
• Attractive tax incentives for eligible applicants (under the Beckham Law regime)
• Schengen zone mobility, allowing travel throughout most of Europe
• Family reunification, enabling spouses and dependent children to join

Whether you’re a software developer, digital consultant, or creative freelancer, this visa opens the door to living and working legally in Spain, without giving up your international career.

Who is Eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

To apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, you must meet specific legal and professional criteria. This visa is designed for skilled, self-sufficient remote workers who can demonstrate stable income and an international work profile. The key eligibility criteria for the Digital Nomad visa in Spain are as follows:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
• Age 18 or older
• No bans from entering Schengen countries or ongoing entry restrictions
• A remote employment or freelance arrangement in place for at least 3 months prior to applying
• A documented relationship with your foreign employer or clients for more than 1 year
• A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) or proof of at least 3 years of relevant professional experience

Importantly, your work must primarily serve non-Spanish entities. That being said, up to 20% of your total income may legally come from Spanish clients or sources.

This visa is ideal for international professionals who want to live in Spain while working globally, without needing a local job offer or a Spanish work contract.

Keeping your options open? Check out our Digital Nomad Visa Spain vs Portugal comparison.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (2025)

To qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, applicants must provide a full, legally compliant file. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements, including documentation and minimum financial thresholds:

Core Document Requirements

• Valid Passport
  • Must have at least 12 months of validity at the time of application.
• Proof of Remote Work or Freelance Activity
  • Employment contract with a non-Spanish company, active for at least 3 months
  • Freelancers: client contracts and recent invoices or payment records
• Company Incorporation Certificate
  • The employing or contracting company must be operating for more than 1 year.
• Proof of Monthly Income
  • The main applicant must earn a minimum of €2,763/month.
• Private Health Insurance
  • Must be valid in Spain, include emergency care and repatriation, and cover the full stay.
• Criminal Record Certificate
  • Covering the past 5 years of residence.
  • Must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
• Proof of Accommodation in Spain
  • Lease agreement, property deed, or hotel booking valid for initial months.
• Social Security Registration or Coverage Proof
  • Either proof of coverage in your home country, or
  • Registration with Spain’s social security system (for in-country applicants).

All foreign documents, especially legal, civil status, and criminal records, must be:

• Officially translated into Spanish
• Apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of origin

Visa requirements can change – learn how we ensure your Spain Digital Nomad Visa is fully compliant.

Where to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

There are two legal pathways to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, depending on whether you’re inside or outside Spain at the time of application:

Option 1: Apply from Outside Spain

Submit your application at a Spanish consulate in your country of residence. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a 1-year visa. This can then be converted into a 3-year residency permit once you arrive in Spain.

Option 2: Apply from Within Spain

If you’re already in Spain on a tourist visa or short stay, you can apply directly for the 3-year digital nomad residence permit through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE).

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather All Required Documentation

Prepare all documents, ensuring official translations and apostilles are completed where necessary. This includes:

• Proof of remote work
• Income verification
• Health insurance
• Criminal background check
• Proof of accommodation

2. Submit Your Application

If you’re applying from abroad, you can file your application with the Spanish consulate covering your place of residence.

Those applying from within Spain can apply online via the UGE portal (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). At Lexidy, we can submit the application on your behalf.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Application fees can vary depending on your location, but expect to pay around €80-€100. Payment instructions are usually provided by the consulate or you can check out the UGE platform.

4. Wait for a Decision

Processing times are usually quite fast. You can expect a decision between 1 and 20 working days. For some people, additional documents may be requested, which can extend the timeline.

5. Register Locally: TIE and Empadronamiento

Once approved and living in Spain:

• First, register your address (empadronamiento) with your local town hall, and
• Second, apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)

6. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment and Collect TIE

Schedule and attend your fingerprinting appointment at the local immigration office. You’ll then receive your TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). This is your official residence card.

Financial Requirements: How Much Income Do You Really Need?

As of 2025, to qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must demonstrate ongoing, stable income that meets or exceeds government-mandated thresholds. These thresholds are based on the Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples (IPREM), and it is updated annually.

Minimum Monthly Income Requirements (2025)

• Main applicant: €2,763/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage)
• First dependent (e.g., spouse): €890/month (75% of minimum wage)
• Each additional dependent: €300/month (25% of minimum wage)

These figures reflect the financial self-sufficiency expected of remote workers relocating to Spain. It’s not enough to show large one-time payments. Your income must be consistent over time.

What Proof of Income Is Accepted?

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability through professional activity. This means showing a consistent income stream from work or services, not just personal savings.

The following documents are required:

• An employment contract or freelance service agreement.
• Three months of payslips or invoices.
• Three months of bank statements clearly showing those funds being received.

Additional financial sources, such as savings, can be included to strengthen the application, but won’t be accepted on their own.

Life in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Living in Spain as a digital nomad combines the comfort of EU infrastructure with the charm of Mediterranean life. Spain offers a unique balance of affordability, quality of life, and is a popular destination for remote work.

Lifestyle & Cost of Living

Spain’s cost of living is relatively low when compared to other Western European countries. Expenses such as rent, dining, transport, and entertainment remain affordable, especially outside major urban centers. On top of this, the Mediterranean climate brings mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine in many regions.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain

Whether you prefer fast-paced urban life or laid-back coastal living, Spain has something for every type of remote worker. Here are our top 5 favorite cities for digital nomads:

• Barcelona offers a unique blend of sea views with access to the mountains. It’s a city known for its creative flair and is highly connected with excellent international transport links.
• Valencia is an increasingly popular digital nomad hub. Boasting a beach-city vibe, lower prices than the larger cities, and great weather, it’s no wonder the city is increasing in popularity.
  Madrid is Spain’s capital and offers top-tier coworking spaces, cultural events, and corporate networking. Its central location provides easy access to the rest of the country via road, rail and plane.
• Málaga is a sunny hotspot on the Costa del Sol, with strong expat communities and reliable infrastructure. The city is also in very close proximity to some of the best beaches the country has to offer and you’re never far from a co-working space.
• Seville is both a historic city and affordable, with a thriving local culture and warm community feel. While expats are flocking to many Spanish cities, Seville is one that still maintains a true Spanish vibe.

Infrastructure for Remote Work

Spain is well-equipped for remote professionals:

• Widespread high-speed internet and 5G
• Coworking spaces in cities and smaller towns
• Expanding tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems
• Strong digital nomad networks and events to connect with like-minded professionals

Healthcare Access

• Private health insurance is required to apply for the visa and must cover your entire stay.
• After registration and residency approval, you may gain access to Spain’s public healthcare system, especially if you’re contributing to social security.

Schengen Zone Travel

Digital Nomad Visa holders enjoy free movement across the Schengen Area, granting short-stay access to 27+ European countries for business or tourism with no additional visas needed.

Bringing Your Family to Spain

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to relocate with your family, making it a viable long-term option not only for individuals but also for couples and parents with children.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

Eligible family members include:

• Your spouse or legally recognized partner
• Children under 18, or older children who are financially dependent
• In some cases, dependent parents (proof of financial reliance is required)

Each dependent must be included in your application or filed under a family reunification request after your visa is approved.

Financial Requirements for Families

As covered previously, the financial threshold increases for each dependent:

• €2,763/month for the main applicant
• +€890/month for your first dependent
• +€300/month for each additional dependent

For your family to be eligible to join you, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient, regular income to support each family member for the duration of your stay.

Documentation Requirements

To include your family, you’ll need to provide:

• Marriage or partnership certificate (apostilled and officially translated)
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of shared accommodation (e.g., lease or deed)
• Private health insurance for each dependent that meets Spanish visa standards

All documents must be current, consistent, and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator if originally issued in another language.

Schooling for Children

Children on a Digital Nomad Visa can:

• Enroll in Spanish public schools for free, with access to national curricula
• Attend private or international schools, which may offer instruction in English or bilingual formats

Many international schools are located in major cities and offer flexibility for globally mobile families.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Can I renew the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. The initial permit is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 2 years, provided you continue to meet all requirements, including proof of income and health insurance.

What happens if I lose my job or freelance contract?

You must maintain valid income from remote, non-Spanish sources. If your contract ends, you should secure new work quickly to avoid non-compliance. Gaps may be tolerated if temporary and well-documented.

Can I apply for the digital nomad visa while already in Spain on a tourist visa?

Yes. You can apply from within Spain during your 90-day tourist stay. If approved, you’ll receive a 3-year residence permit without needing to leave the country.

Do digital nomads have to pay social security in Spain?

It depends. Employees of foreign companies must register with Spanish Social Security unless covered by a bilateral agreement. Freelancers must register as autónomos and pay monthly contributions.

Can I switch to another visa or permanent residency later?

Yes. After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency. You may also be eligible to switch to other residence permits based on work, family, or business.

How long does the Digital Nomad Visa application process take?

Processing times are typically 20 business days once your application is submitted and complete. Delays may occur if documentation is missing or requires further verification.

Can I work with Spanish clients on the Digital Nomad Visa?

Only up to 20% of your professional activity can be tied to Spanish clients. The primary income must continue to come from non-Spanish companies or clients.

How Lexidy Can Help You Work Remotely from Spain

Navigating Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa process can feel overwhelming, especially when legal, tax, and relocation matters overlap. At Lexidy, we help digital professionals make a smooth, compliant transition to life in Spain.

End-to-End Visa Support

Our dedicated team of immigration experts in Spain assists you with:

• Choosing the right visa path, based on your work and family situation
• Preparing and reviewing all required documentation
• Managing the application process from start to finish, no matter where you’re applying from 
• Guiding you through biometric appointments, NIE registration, and local compliance

Tax and Company Setup

We also provide:

• Tax registration and advice on whether you qualify for regimes such as Spain’s Beckham Law
• Assistance with setting up a Spanish company or branch, which may be required for freelance or entrepreneurial work
• Ongoing support with autónomo registration, invoicing, and compliance

Relocation Made Simpler

If you’re moving with a partner or children, Lexidy can coordinate:

• Family reunification applications
• Housing contracts and local registrations
• Guidance on schooling for children and planning for successful integration

We understand the process, not just from a legal perspective, but from the human side of starting a new chapter abroad. Working with Lexidy can help reduce the stress associated with relocation and set you up for success in Spain!

Ready to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

Spain has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for remote professionals. Along with offering a legal framework through the Digital Nomad Visa, Spain also provides an unbeatable combination of lifestyle, mobility, and strategic tax advantages. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or entrepreneur, Spain now welcomes your talent and independence.

At Lexidy, we help digital nomads turn plans into reality. From paperwork to permits, we simplify every step, so you can focus on building your life in Spain, not navigating red tape.

If you’re ready to work remotely from Spain in 2025, now is the time to act. Fill out the form below to speak to our legal experts for free!