Digital Nomad Visa 2026

Digital Nomad Visa in Spain — Complete Guide

Spain is one of the first EU countries to launch a dedicated visa for remote workers. Since 2023, you can legally live and work in Valencia while earning income from overseas clients. We guide you through every step.

What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups, Ley 28/2022) is a special residence permit for people who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.

Duration

Initially issued for 1 year (visa) or 3 years (residency when applied from within Spain). Renewable for up to 5 years total.

Work Rights

Remote employment for a foreign company or freelancing for international clients. Up to 20% of income may come from Spanish sources.

Tax Regime

Eligible for the Beckham Law — a flat 24% income tax rate on earnings up to €600K (instead of the progressive scale up to 47%).

Family Inclusion

Spouse and minor children can be included in the application. Each family member receives their own residence permit.

Schengen Access

Freedom of movement across all 27 Schengen countries. Travel throughout Europe without additional visas.

Path to Permanent Residency

After 5 years of continuous residence — right to permanent residency. After 10 years — eligibility for Spanish citizenship.

Requirements

Key conditions for applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain:

Verified monthly income of at least €3,256 (4× IPREM 2026)

Employment contract or agreement with a company registered outside Spain (minimum 1 year of collaboration)

For freelancers: contracts with foreign clients + proof of income over the past 12 months

Employer company must have been in operation for at least 1 year

Health insurance covering Spain (public or private, no copayments)

Criminal background check from your country of residence (last 5 years)

No history of illegal stay in Spain

Qualifications: university degree or 3+ years of professional experience in your field

Step-by-Step Process

Two paths: apply from the consulate (abroad) or directly in Spain (if you are already here legally).

Case Assessment

We analyze your income, employment type, and documents free of charge. We determine the optimal application route.

Document Preparation

We help prepare the employment contract, income statements, insurance, criminal record certificate, apostille, and sworn translations.

Application Submission

We submit to the Spanish consulate (visa, 1–3 months) or to the UGE (from within Spain, 20 working days).

Visa / Residency Approval

After approval, you enter Spain (if applied from abroad) or receive your permit directly.

TIE & Settlement

Within 30 days of arrival, we process your TIE (resident card) and help with padrón, bank account, and insurance.

Costs & Timelines

Government fees and estimated expenses for the Digital Nomad Visa application:

€80

Government fee (visa)

Consular fee when applying from abroad

€72–190

Government fee (residency)

When applying from Spain via UGE

€50–150/mo

Health insurance

Private insurance with full coverage

€200–500

Apostille & translations

Sworn translation of documents + apostille

20 days

Processing time

When applying from Spain (UGE). From consulate — 1–3 months

€16

TIE issuance

Fee for resident card after approval

Useful Tips

Start gathering documents 2–3 months before your planned submission — apostilles and translations take time.

The criminal background certificate is valid for 3 months — don't get it too early.

If you're a freelancer, prepare contracts from the last 12 months and bank statements.

The Beckham Law is beneficial at incomes above €50K/year — calculate your tax savings in advance.

Your health insurance must be without copayments (copago) and must cover all of Spain.

When applying from within Spain, you need a legal status — a tourist visa or visa-free stay (90 days) both qualify.

Digital Nomad Visa FAQ

Yes, you can have contracts with several foreign companies or clients. The key requirement is that your primary income source must be outside Spain (at least 80% of income from foreign sources).

What matters is the average income over the last 12 months and having a confirmed contract. Individual months with income below the threshold are not grounds for rejection, as long as the annual average meets the requirements.

Yes, this is one of the fastest routes. If you are legally in Spain (visa-free or tourist visa), you can apply directly through the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). Processing time is 20 working days.

The Beckham Law (Régimen especial de trabajadores desplazados) is a special tax regime with a flat 24% rate on income up to €600K. Activated by filing Form 149 with the tax agency within 6 months of obtaining residency. Valid for 6 years.

If you work under an employment contract for a foreign company — no, autónomo registration is not required. If you're a freelancer, it depends on your work structure, but under the DNV it's usually sufficient to declare income via IRPF. We'll help determine the optimal setup.

The Digital Nomad Visa is not designed for running a business in Spain. For that, a Startup Visa or a standard work/autónomo permit is more appropriate. However, you can own a company abroad and work for it from Spain.

Ready to Start Your New Life in Valencia?

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