💻 Digital nomad visa

Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements & Application

Spain Digital Nomad Visa requirements, documents, income threshold, application routes from inside or outside Spain, family applications and key 2026 updates.

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🔎Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed for eligible non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. The correct route depends on your circumstances, supporting evidence and where you apply. Spain provides two main routes: a consular visa application from abroad and a residence authorisation application when the applicant is legally in Spain. The route, supporting documents and validity can differ, so the correct option should be assessed before filing.

📋What is it?

The digital nomad visa (Startup Law 28/2022) allows non-EU remote workers to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country. In force since January 2023.

📍Can I apply from Spain or abroad?

  • From abroad: the consular route is used for the Digital Nomad Visa.
  • From Spain: eligible applicants who are legally in Spain can apply for the residence authorisation for international remote workers.
  • The official Spanish government information states that the residence authorisation route can grant 3 years when approved, while the visa route is for entry and residence through the consular process.

💶2026 income requirement

Spain's 2026 minimum wage is €1,221 per month in 14 payments, or €17,094 annually. The Digital Nomad Visa financial requirement is set at 200% of the SMI for the main applicant, with additional amounts for accompanying family members. This corresponds to approximately €2,849 per month for a single main applicant when the annual SMI is converted to a 12-month equivalent. The applicable amount should always be checked at the time of filing.

✅Main requirements

  • Work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. If self-employed, work for Spanish clients may be permitted within the legal 20% limit.
  • At least 3 months' existing working relationship with the company
  • The company must have been active for at least 1 year
  • University degree, higher vocational training, or at least 3 years of demonstrable professional experience
  • Minimum financial means are linked to 200% of Spain's SMI, plus 75% for the first accompanying family member and 25% for each additional family member.
  • Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (not required if you contribute to Spanish Social Security)
  • Criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years

📄Required documents

  • Valid passport (at least 1 year remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Employment contract or proof of relationship with the company/clients
  • Company certificate confirming remote work is permitted
  • Academic qualification or proof of professional experience (3+ years)
  • Company registration/trading history proof (1+ year)
  • Proof of income (payslips, contracts, recent invoices)
  • Private health insurance (if applicable)
  • Apostilled and translated criminal record certificate
  • Proof of accommodation in Spain
💡 All foreign documents must be apostilled (or legalised) and officially translated into Spanish.

🌍Applying from outside Spain

  1. Gather all documents and go to the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence (or the nearest one)
  2. Submit the national visa application (type D) with all your documents
  3. Wait for the decision: maximum 10 business days (positive administrative silence applies)
  4. Collect your visa and travel to Spain; you have up to 1 year to enter
  5. On arrival, apply for your TIE (physical residence card) within 1 month

🇪🇸Applying from inside Spain

  1. You must be in a regular situation (e.g. as a tourist) when starting the process
  2. 100% online application to the Large Business Unit (UGE-CE)
  3. Decision within just 10-20 business days
  4. Residence applications submitted from within Spain can grant a 3-year authorisation, subject to the applicable requirements.
  5. Book your TIE appointment after approval

⏱️Processing and duration

  • The Spanish government states a fastest resolution time of 20 business days for the residence application route.
  • A residence application submitted from within Spain can grant a 3-year permit when approved.
  • The consular visa route has its own processing and collection procedure and should be checked with the relevant Spanish consulate.

👨‍👩‍👧Family members & duration

  • You can include your spouse/partner and children in the same application
  • Consular visa route: generally up to 1 year. Residence application from within Spain: 3 years when granted.
  • Renewals remain possible while the legal requirements continue to be met; long-term residence is a separate status subject to its own requirements.

💰Tax benefits

  • Reduced 24% flat rate (IRNR) on the first €600,000 of income, instead of the general progressive tax (up to 47%)
  • Applies for the year of relocation plus the following 5 years (6 years total)
  • Requires not having been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years

❓Digital Nomad Visa FAQ

  • Can I apply from inside Spain? Eligible applicants who are legally in Spain may use the residence authorisation route.
  • How long is the residence authorisation? The official government page states 3 years for the residence application route, subject to the applicable conditions.
  • Can self-employed applicants qualify? Yes. Self-employed international remote workers can qualify, with Spanish professional activity subject to the applicable 20% limit.
  • Can my family apply with me? Eligible spouses/partners, dependent children and dependent relatives may qualify under the applicable rules.

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⚠️ Legal notice · Extramites is an administrative guidance platform for immigration matters. We are not a law firm. For matters requiring legal advice, we collaborate with registered immigration lawyers in Spain. The final resolution of any procedure rests exclusively with the competent Spanish administrative authorities. Extramites assumes no responsibility for the outcome of any procedure.

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