Who qualifies
- You are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You work remotely for a company outside Spain, or as a freelancer with clients mostly outside Spain (work for Spanish clients may not exceed 20% of your total).
- Your relationship with the company or clients has existed for at least three months, and the company has been trading for at least one year.
- You have a university degree or professional qualification, or at least three years of experience in your field.
- You have no criminal record in Spain or the countries you lived in over the last five years.
- You have health insurance (Spanish public cover through social security, or private insurance).
Income requirement in 2026
You must earn at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (SMI). With the 2026 SMI set at €1,221 a month in 14 payments, that works out to about €2,849 a month (about €34,000 a year). Each family member adds to it: about 75% of the SMI for the first (roughly €1,068 a month) and 25% for each additional one (roughly €356 a month). Confirm the figures with the consulate or the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) before you apply, as they follow each year’s SMI.
Two ways to apply
From abroad, at a Spanish consulate: you get a one-year visa, then apply for a residence card in Spain before it expires.
Inside Spain, while legally present (for example during a visa-free stay): apply online to the UGE for a residence authorisation of up to three years, renewable for two more. Decisions are meant to come within 20 working days.
Documents (typical)
- Passport and photos.
- Proof of remote work: contract and a letter from the employer allowing remote work from Spain, or freelance contracts with clients.
- Proof of company history and of the three-month relationship.
- Degree certificate or proof of experience.
- Proof of income (payslips, bank statements).
- Criminal record certificate(s), apostilled and translated.
- Health insurance.
- Social security: either a certificate showing you remain covered by your home country’s system, or registration in Spain.
Tax
Living in Spain for more than 183 days a year makes you tax resident. Many digital nomad visa holders can opt into the Beckham Law regime, paying a flat 24% on Spanish-sourced work income up to €600,000 instead of progressive rates.
Family
Spouses, partners and children can apply with you. Your spouse can work in Spain.
Official sources: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visas) · Immigration e-office (Sede Electrónica)
