Two Paths, One Clearly Better
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa lets non-EU remote workers live in Spain while working for a foreign employer or clients. There are two ways to apply, and choosing the right one can be the difference between a 1-year visa and a 3-year permit.
WHO IT'S FOR
Digital Nomad Visa Spain — Who Qualifies
01
Remote Work for a Foreign Employer or Clients
Your income needs to come from work performed for a company or clients based outside Spain. Freelancers can work for Spanish clients too, as long as it stays under 20% of total professional activity.
02
Employed (W2) or Self-Employed — Both Qualify
You don't need to be a freelancer to qualify. Traditional employees, including US W2 workers, have been approved under this visa, as long as the employer clearly authorises remote work from Spain and the employment relationship is properly documented.
03
A Degree, or 3+ Years of Professional Experience
You'll need a university or business school degree, or at least three years of professional experience in your current field, if you don't have one.
THE STRATEGIC CHOICE
Spain Nomad Visa — Two Application Routes With Different Results
This is the part that catches a lot of applicants out, and it's where good advice actually changes your outcome, not just your paperwork.
1 Year
From Abroad
Applying through a Spanish consulate in your home country gets you an initial visa valid for 1 year, later renewable from within Spain.
3 Years
From Within Spain
If you enter Spain on a visa-free stay and apply from inside the country, within your 90-day window, through the UGE-CE, you get a residence permit valid for 3 years directly, renewable afterwards up to 5 years total.
Why the In-Country Route Is Usually the Stronger Choice
Same visa, same requirements, very different result: three times the initial validity, and one less renewal to manage early on. If your circumstances allow it, entering Spain first and applying from inside the country is usually the better strategy, and it's exactly the kind of decision we walk through with you before you apply, not after.
REQUIREMENTS
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
01
Income — Around 200% of Spain's Minimum Wage
The threshold is set at 200% of Spain's national minimum wage (SMI), adjusted every year. Official consular sources currently show slightly different figures depending on when each was last updated, so we confirm the exact amount in force at the time of your application rather than quoting a number that may already be out of date.
02
Health Insurance and Clean Criminal Record
Private health insurance with no co-pays or deductibles, and a clean criminal record covering the last 5 years, apostilled.
03
The 20% Rule for Freelancers
If you're self-employed, up to 20% of your income can come from Spanish clients, the rest needs to come from outside Spain.
TAX CONTEXT
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Tax — The Beckham Law
24%
A Flat 24% Rate, Instead of Progressive Tax
Digital nomad visa holders who become Spanish tax residents can apply for the Beckham Law regime: a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 a year, instead of the standard progressive rates that reach 47%.
6 Months
A Strict 6-Month Window You Can't Miss
You need to apply within 6 months of registering with Spanish Social Security or starting work in Spain. There's no extension if you miss it, so this is worth planning for before you arrive, not after.
GOOD TO KNOW
Spain Remote Work Visa — Legal Basis and Official Name
The Startup Act (Ley 28/2022)
The visa was introduced under Spain's Startup Act, in force since January 2023, as part of a wider package aimed at attracting entrepreneurship and remote talent.
Its Official Name — Visado para Teletrabajo de Carácter Internacional
You'll sometimes see it called the International Teleworking Visa in official documentation, the formal name behind what's commonly known as the digital nomad visa.
WHY PONTE
Why Choose Ponte as Your Spain Digital Nomad Visa Lawyer
A Lawyer From Day One, Not Just When Necessary
Several services in this space are case-management platforms that bring in a lawyer only if something goes wrong. Your case is handled by a lawyer from the start, not escalated to one after a problem shows up.
24-Hour Quote Guarantee
Send us your situation and we'll come back with a clear quote within 24 business hours.
Free Exploratory Consultation
Not sure whether to apply from abroad or from within Spain? Book a free consultation and we'll help you choose the stronger route for your case.
NEXT STEPS
Bringing Family? Spain Also Offers Family Reunification
If you're moving with a spouse, partner, or children, our Spain family reunification visa page covers how to bring them alongside your own application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
How much income do I need for the Spain digital nomad visa?
Approximately 200% of Spain's national minimum wage, which updates annually. Send us your situation and we'll confirm the current exact figure for your case.
Should I apply from my home country or from within Spain?
If your circumstances allow entering Spain visa-free first, applying from within the country usually gets you a 3-year permit instead of a 1-year visa. We'll help you work out which route genuinely fits your situation.
Can I work for Spanish clients on this visa?
Yes, if you're self-employed, up to 20% of your income can come from Spanish clients. Employees need their employer to be based outside Spain entirely.
Does the digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Time spent legally resident under this visa counts towards permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship, under the same general residency timelines that apply to other routes.
How much does the Spain digital nomad visa cost?
Our Spain Digital Nomad visa service is €2,400 for the main applicant. Each additional adult on the same case is €1,200 (50% off), and each additional minor under 18 is €840 (65% off). Send us your situation and we'll confirm the exact scope within 24 business hours.
Book Your Free Strategy Session for Your Spain Digital Nomad Visa Case
Working remotely and considering Spain? Book a free Strategy Session and we'll confirm the strongest route for your situation.