Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements, Process & Application Guide

Digital nomad working from Barcelona Spain with Mediterranean view

Peter Schneider

January 20, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Spain's digital nomad visa launched in January 2023 and has quickly become one of Europe's most attractive options. The combination of favorable tax treatment (15% flat rate), relatively low income requirements, and Spain's exceptional quality of life makes it a compelling choice.

This guide walks you through everything needed to apply for Spain's Ley de Startups visa in 2026—from eligibility to step-by-step application.

This guide is part of our Complete Digital Nomad Visa Guide. For insurance requirements, see our travel insurance guide.

Quick Overview

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Income Requirement€2,646/month

Initial Duration1 year

Renewal Duration3 years

Processing Time20 days (target)

Tax Rate15% flat for 4 years

Path to ResidencyYes (5 years)

Spain offers the lowest income requirement among major European digital nomad visas

What Is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain's digital nomad visa was created under the Ley de Startups (Startup Law) passed in December 2022 and implemented in January 2023. It's officially called the "Visado para Teletrabajo de Carácter Internacional" (International Remote Work Visa).

Key Features

| Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Target audience | Remote workers for non-Spanish companies | | Income requirement | €2,646/month (2x minimum wage) | | Initial duration | 1 year | | Renewal | 3 years (renewable) | | Tax regime | 15% flat rate vs. up to 47% standard | | Work restriction | Must work for non-Spanish employer | | Family inclusion | Yes | | Path to citizenship | 10 years (2 years for some nationalities) |

The 15% Tax Advantage

Spain's special tax regime for remote workers (similar to the older "Beckham Law") offers:

15% flat tax on Spanish-source income for first 4 years
Compared to: Standard Spanish rates of 19-47%
Applies to: Income up to €600,000/year

This represents significant savings for higher earners. Someone earning €60,000/year pays €9,000 under the special regime vs. potentially €15,000+ under standard rates.

Eligibility Requirements

Income Requirements

Spain requires proof of 2x the Spanish minimum wage:

2026 requirement: €2,646/month (€31,752/year)
Acceptable income: Salary, freelance, business revenue
Documentation: 3+ months of bank statements, contracts

Family Income Adjustment

If including family members, the income requirement increases: +75% of minimum wage for first dependent, +25% for each additional dependent.

Employment Requirements

Critical distinction: You must work remotely for a non-Spanish company.

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | Employer location | Outside Spain | | Client location | Can be anywhere (including Spain for freelancers) | | Work type | Remote/telecommuting | | Employment duration | 3+ months with current employer | | Contract type | Employment or freelance |

Spanish Client Rule

Freelancers take note: You can have Spanish clients, but Spanish client income should not exceed 20% of your total income. The visa is designed for those primarily working for international clients.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Age: 18+ (no upper limit)
No prior Spanish residency: Not been tax resident in Spain for previous 5 years
Clean criminal record: No felony convictions
Health insurance: Coverage valid in Spain
Passport validity: 1+ year remaining
Education/experience: Degree or 3+ years professional experience

Required Documents

Complete Document Checklist

| Document | Details | Notes | |----------|---------|-------| | Valid passport | 1+ year validity | Color copy + original | | Passport photos | 2 recent, biometric | White background | | Visa application form | Modelo EX-01 | Completed in Spanish | | Criminal background check | Apostilled, less than 3 months | FBI for US citizens | | Health insurance | Full coverage in Spain | Public health equivalent | | Proof of income | 3+ months statements | Bank statements + contracts | | Employment contract | Showing remote arrangement | Or client contracts | | Professional qualification | Degree or 3 years experience | Notarized, apostilled | | Personal statement | Remote work explanation | In Spanish preferred | | Proof of accommodation | Rental contract or booking | For initial period |

Document Preparation Notes

Apostille requirements:

FBI background check must be apostilled by US State Department
University degree must be apostilled
Allow 4-8 weeks for US apostille process

Translation requirements:

All non-Spanish documents must be translated by certified translator
Spanish consulates maintain lists of approved translators

Health insurance specifics:

Must cover full stay duration
No co-pays or deductibles preferred
Repatriation coverage required
€30,000+ medical coverage

Step-by-Step Application Process

Option 1: Apply from Outside Spain (Consulate)

Step 1: Gather Documents (4-8 weeks)

Request FBI background check (2-3 weeks)
Obtain apostille from State Department (3-4 weeks)
Get documents translated (1-2 weeks)
Collect income proof from banks/employers
Obtain health insurance

Step 2: Schedule Consulate Appointment (2-4 weeks)

Spanish consulates in the US:

Washington DC
New York
Los Angeles
Miami
Chicago
Houston
Boston
San Francisco
San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Appointment Scheduling

Spanish consulates often have limited appointment availability. Book 4-6 weeks in advance.

Step 3: Submit Application

At your appointment:

Present organized document folder
Submit completed EX-01 form
Pay visa fee (~€80)
Provide biometrics if required
Receive receipt

Step 4: Wait for Decision (10-20 days)

Spain's target processing time is 20 days, often faster than other European visas.

Step 5: Collect Visa and Travel

Collect approved visa from consulate
Travel to Spain within 90 days
Begin residence permit process

Option 2: Apply from Inside Spain (UGE)

If you're already in Spain legally (tourist visa or other valid status), you can apply through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE).

Requirements:

Legal status in Spain
Same documentation
Apply online through UGE portal

Process:

Register on UGE website
Upload all documents
Pay fee online
Attend appointment (usually within 2 weeks)
Receive TIE (residence card) directly

In-Country Application Advantage

Applying from within Spain is often faster (2-4 weeks total) and avoids consulate appointment delays. Many nomads enter on tourist status and apply locally.

After Approval: Setting Up in Spain

NIE/TIE Process

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your foreigner ID number, assigned with visa approval.

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Physical ID card, obtained after arrival.

To get TIE:

Schedule appointment at Oficina de Extranjería
Submit passport + visa + photos + form EX-17
Pay fee (~€16)
Receive TIE card (2-4 weeks)

Empadronamiento (Census Registration)

Required for many services:

Go to local town hall (Ayuntamiento)
Bring passport, TIE, rental contract
Register address
Receive certificate immediately

Tax Registration

To benefit from the 15% tax regime:

Apply within 6 months of arrival
Register at Agencia Tributaria
Submit Modelo 149 form
Receive confirmation of special regime

The Spanish Tax Advantage

Special Tax Regime Details

| Aspect | Standard Rate | Special Regime | |--------|--------------|----------------| | Income tax (€0-12,450) | 19% | 15% | | Income tax (€12,450-20,200) | 24% | 15% | | Income tax (€20,200-35,200) | 30% | 15% | | Income tax (€35,200-60,000) | 37% | 15% | | Income tax (€60,000+) | 45-47% | 15% | | Duration | Permanent | 4 years |

Who Benefits Most

Significant benefit (€5,000+/year savings): Earners above €40,000/year

Example calculation:

Income: €60,000/year
Standard tax: ~€15,000
Special regime: €9,000
Annual savings: €6,000

Important Limitations

4-year limit: After 4 years, standard rates apply
Spanish source only: Foreign income rules differ
Capital gains: Different treatment under special regime
Application deadline: Must apply within 6 months of arrival

Living in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Best Cities for Nomads

Barcelona

Pros: Beach + city, international community, design culture, excellent food
Cons: Expensive, touristy, Catalan language
Cost: €2,000-3,000/month
Nomad vibe: Creative, startup-heavy

Madrid

Pros: Central location, cultural richness, better value than Barcelona
Cons: No beach, hot summers, cold winters
Cost: €1,500-2,500/month
Nomad vibe: Business-oriented, traditional

Valencia

Pros: Perfect climate, beach, affordable, great food (paella!)
Cons: Smaller international community
Cost: €1,200-1,800/month
Nomad vibe: Balanced lifestyle

Málaga/Costa del Sol

Pros: Year-round sun, beach, growing tech hub
Cons: Tourist-heavy summers, less cosmopolitan
Cost: €1,000-1,600/month
Nomad vibe: Relaxed, outdoor-focused

Seville

Pros: Authentic Spanish culture, affordable, beautiful architecture
Cons: Extremely hot summers, fewer international services
Cost: €1,000-1,500/month
Nomad vibe: Cultural immersion

Canary Islands (Las Palmas, Tenerife)

Pros: Perfect year-round climate, beach, affordable
Cons: Island isolation, limited direct flights
Cost: €1,000-1,500/month
Nomad vibe: Digital nomad hotspot

Cost of Living Comparison

| Expense | Barcelona | Madrid | Valencia | Las Palmas | |---------|-----------|--------|----------|------------| | 1BR apartment | €1,200-1,600 | €1,000-1,400 | €700-1,000 | €650-900 | | Coworking | €150-250 | €150-200 | €100-150 | €100-150 | | Meal out | €12-18 | €10-15 | €10-14 | €8-12 | | Transport | €40 | €55 | €35 | €35 | | Total monthly | €2,200-2,800 | €1,800-2,400 | €1,400-1,800 | €1,200-1,600 |

Coworking Spaces

Barcelona:

OneCoWork (multiple locations)
MOB (Makers of Barcelona)
Betahaus Barcelona
Aticco

Madrid:

Impact Hub Madrid
WeWork (multiple)
Utopicus
Spaces

Valencia:

Wayco
LaTermica
Start Valencia

Las Palmas:

Restation
The House
Talleres Palermo

Renewal and Long-Term Options

Visa Renewal

After the initial 1-year visa:

Renewal period: 3 years
Requirements: Continue meeting income/employment criteria
Process: Apply at Oficina de Extranjería
Timeline: Apply 60 days before expiration

Path to Permanent Residency

After 5 years of legal residence:

Apply for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración)
Demonstrate continuous residence
Pass background check
No language requirement for EU long-term residence

Path to Citizenship

| Nationality | Time to Citizenship | |-------------|---------------------| | Latin American countries | 2 years | | Portugal, Andorra, Philippines | 2 years | | Equatorial Guinea | 2 years | | Sephardic Jews | 2 years | | All others | 10 years |

Additional requirements:

Pass Spanish language test (DELE A2)
Pass cultural/civics test (CCSE)
Renounce previous citizenship (except some exceptions)

Citizenship Renunciation

Spain generally requires renouncing your original citizenship. This is a significant consideration for US/UK citizens. Some exceptions exist for citizens of countries with dual nationality agreements.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Pros

Apply early—consulate appointments book out 4-6 weeks
Get documents translated by certified translators
Apply for special tax regime within 6 months
Consider entering on tourist visa and applying via UGE
Keep Spanish client work under 20% of income
Register empadronamiento immediately after arrival

Cons

Don't work for Spanish companies on this visa
Don't exceed 20% Spanish client income
Don't miss the 6-month tax regime application deadline
Don't expect instant bank account opening (it takes time)
Don't ignore regional differences (Catalan in Barcelona)
Don't forget summer heat in southern cities

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The digital nomad visa specifically requires remote work for non-Spanish employers. Working for a Spanish company requires a different visa type. Freelancers can have some Spanish clients, but this should be under 20% of total income.

Show an average over 3-6 months that meets or exceeds €2,646/month. Include bank statements, client contracts, and invoices. Consistency helps—irregular income with occasional high months may face more scrutiny.

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included. Income requirements increase: +75% minimum wage for first dependent (~€993), +25% for each additional (~€331). Include their documents (passports, relationship proof) in your application.

Not for the visa application. However, Spanish proficiency significantly improves daily life. English is common in major cities but limited elsewhere. Spanish is required for citizenship applications (DELE A2 level).

Once approved for the special tax regime, you pay a flat 15% on Spanish-source employment income for 4 years. This applies instead of progressive rates (19-47%). Apply at Agencia Tributaria within 6 months of residency. Foreign source income may be taxed differently.

Yes, with NIE/TIE and proof of address (empadronamiento). Opening accounts can be bureaucratic—some nomads use digital banks (N26, Revolut) initially while navigating traditional bank requirements.

After 4 years, you transition to standard Spanish tax rates (19-47% progressive). Many nomads reassess at this point—some stay for lifestyle, others relocate to maintain tax efficiency. You can apply for other visa types to stay long-term.

Yes, the Canary Islands are an autonomous Spanish community with the same visa rules. They have special economic zone benefits and no VAT (IGIC instead at 7%). Same digital nomad visa applies, making them popular for tax-efficient living.

Timeline Summary

| Step | Duration | Notes | |------|----------|-------| | Document gathering | 4-8 weeks | FBI check + apostille | | Consulate appointment | 2-4 weeks | Book early | | Visa processing | 10-20 days | Faster than most EU | | Travel + initial setup | 1-2 weeks | TIE, empadronamiento | | Tax regime application | Within 6 months | Don't miss deadline | | Total (from decision) | 3-4 months | Faster than Portugal |

Conclusion

Spain's digital nomad visa strikes an excellent balance between accessibility (lower income requirements than Portugal), tax efficiency (15% flat rate for 4 years), and quality of life (diverse cities, excellent weather, rich culture). The streamlined UGE process for in-country applications makes it even more accessible.

The main considerations are:

Restriction to non-Spanish employers
4-year limit on tax benefits
10-year path to citizenship (unless qualifying for 2-year track)

For those who qualify, Spain offers one of Europe's most attractive digital nomad packages—especially for higher earners who can maximize the tax benefit.