Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirments: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Living & Working Remotely in Spain Without Stress

Spain has always been a dream destination. However, now it’s more than just a holiday hotspot. Thanks to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs can legally live and work in Spain while enjoying its culture, food, beaches, and relaxed lifestyle.

If you are confused about the Spain digital nomad visa requirments, don’t worry. This guide explains everything in simple language, step by step. Even if you have never applied for a visa before, this blog will make the process clear and stress-free.

So, let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Spain Is Becoming a Hotspot for Digital Nomads Worldwide

Why Spain is a top destination for digital nomads

Spain is no longer just about flamenco, football, and fiestas. Instead, it has become a global hub for remote workers. Fast internet, affordable living costs (compared to many EU countries), and a warm climate make Spain irresistible.

Moreover, Spain understands the future of work. That is why the government introduced the digital nomad visa. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain legally while working online for foreign companies or clients.

Most importantly, the Spain digital nomad visa requirments are designed to be practical. Unlike traditional work visas, you don’t need a Spanish employer. Instead, you just need proof that you earn income remotely.

What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa? A Simple Explanation

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a long-term residence permit created under Spain’s Startup Act. It allows remote workers to stay in Spain for up to one year initially, with extensions possible for up to five years.

In addition, this visa is perfect for:

Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies
Freelancers with international clients
Online business owners and entrepreneurs

Unlike tourist visas, this visa gives you legal residency, access to healthcare, and the ability to rent property easily.

Therefore, understanding the Spain digital nomad visa requirments is the first step toward a smooth relocation.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirments: Complete Eligibility Criteria Explained

Spain digital nomad visa requirments checklist

Before applying, you must ensure you meet the basic eligibility rules. Fortunately, Spain has kept these conditions quite reasonable.

Who Can Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

To qualify, you must:

Be a non-EU / non-EEA citizen
Work remotely using digital tools
Earn income from outside Spain (at least 80%)
Have professional experience or a relevant degree
Show financial stability

Additionally, Spain wants to ensure you won’t compete with local workers. That is why your income must mainly come from outside Spain.

Employment and Freelance Rules You Must Know

If you are employed, your company must:

Exist for at least one year
Allow you to work remotely from Spain

If you are a freelancer:

You must have multiple international clients
Spanish clients must not exceed 20% of your total income

These rules form the foundation of the Spain digital nomad visa requirments, so make sure you meet them before moving forward.

Income Requirements: How Much Money Do You Need to Earn?

Income requirements for Spain digital nomad visa

One of the most searched questions is about income. Thankfully, Spain is transparent about this.

Minimum Income Threshold

As of now, you must earn at least:

200% of Spain’s minimum wage
Approximately €2,400 – €2,700 per month (amount may change yearly)

For families:

Additional 75% for a spouse
Additional 25% per child

This income proves that you can support yourself without relying on Spain’s social system.

Accepted Proof of Income

You can show income using:

Bank statements
Payslips
Client contracts
Tax returns

When applying, always provide clear and well-organized documents. This greatly improves approval chances for meeting the Spain digital nomad visa requirments.

Required Documents: What You Must Prepare Before Applying

Required documents for Spain digital nomad visa

Document preparation is the most important part of your application. Missing papers can delay or reject your visa.

Essential Documents Checklist

You will need:

Valid passport
Passport-size photos
Proof of remote work
Proof of income
Clean criminal record certificate
Health insurance valid in Spain
Proof of address (temporary is acceptable)

Every document should be translated into Spanish by a certified translator if required.

Education or Experience Proof

You must also show:

A university degree or
At least 3 years of professional experience

This rule confirms your professional background and is a key part of the Spain digital nomad visa requirments.

Health Insurance & Background Checks: Non-Negotiable Requirements

Health insurance requirement for Spain digital nomad visa

Spain takes health and safety seriously. Therefore, you must meet these two conditions strictly.

Health Insurance Rules

Your health insurance must:

Cover 100% of medical expenses
Be valid throughout Spain
Have no co-payments

Travel insurance is not enough. You need full private health insurance.

Criminal Record Certificate

You must provide:

A police clearance certificate
Issued within the last 90 days
From all countries you lived in during the last 5 years

This ensures compliance with the Spain digital nomad visa requirments and avoids legal complications.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Without Confusion

Spain digital nomad visa application process

Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is easier than many EU visas.

Where to Apply

You can apply:

From your home country via Spanish consulate
Or from Spain while on a legal stay

Applying from Spain is often faster.

Processing Time & Fees

Processing time: 20–45 days
Application fee: varies by country
Residence card fee: additional

Once approved, you receive a residence permit and can start your digital nomad life legally.

Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads: A Huge Advantage of Spain

One of the biggest perks is Spain’s tax regime for digital nomads.

Special Tax Regime (Beckham Law)

Under this law:

You pay 24% flat tax
Only on Spanish-sourced income (up to a limit)
Valid for up to 6 years

This makes Spain very attractive compared to other EU countries.

However, tax rules depend on your situation. Therefore, consulting a tax advisor is highly recommended when meeting Spain digital nomad visa requirments.