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
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
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.
