Can you imagine working by the sea, enjoying the sun, Spanish culture and cuisine—without quitting your international job? If you’re a remote professional, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa can turn this new way of working into reality. Spain offers a legal framework specifically designed to allow foreign workers to work remotely from within its territory. In this article, we explain what the digital nomad visa is, its requirements, how to apply, and the key updates up to 2025.

WHAT IS THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?

The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to legally live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or as freelancers with international clients. It was introduced in 2023 under the Startups Law, as part of a national strategy to attract international talent.

This visa is primarily aimed at two professional profiles:

Employees with authorisation to work remotely.
Freelancers/self-employed professionals who provide services mainly to foreign companies (with a maximum of 20% of income from Spanish sources).

MAIN REQUIREMENTS

To obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet several basic criteria:

Education or experience: a university degree or at least three years of professional experience.
Prior employment relationship: a contract with the foreign company of at least 3 months, and the company must be over 1 year old.
Minimum income: at least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Wage (SMI). Currently, this equates to around €2,646 per month. If applying with family members, you must prove additional income.
Private health insurance valid in Spain.
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence.
Not being in an irregular situation in Spain at the time of application.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE VISA

There are two ways to apply for the digital nomad visa:

From abroad, via the Spanish consulate. In this case, you will be granted an initial visa valid for up to 1 year, which can be renewed.
From within Spain, if you are already in the country legally (e.g. as a tourist). This route allows you to apply directly for an initial residence permit of up to 3 years. The application must be submitted to the Large Companies Unit (UGE) or the immigration office.

The basic documentation includes:

Application form
Passport
Employment contract or documents proving freelance activity
Evidence of income
Proof of qualifications or experience
Health insurance
Criminal record certificate

All documents must be translated and legalised/apostilled, where applicable.

DURATION AND RENEWALS

The initial duration of the visa depends on how you apply:

1 year if you apply from your country of origin
3 years if you apply from within Spain

In both cases, it is renewable. After five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for long-term residency. Time spent on this visa also counts towards eligibility for Spanish citizenship by residence. Additionally, you can bring your family with you (spouse, children, or dependent ascendants) and access the Spanish healthcare and education systems.

UPDATES IN 2025

Since its implementation, the digital nomad visa has undergone few legal changes. However, authorities have clarified certain technical aspects, such as the requirement for employees to provide certificates proving social security coverage. Minimum income thresholds are adjusted annually in line with the SMI. The procedure has been streamlined, and Spain remains committed to this model of attracting talent, with fast resolution times (up to 20 working days) and positive administrative silence if no response is given within that time.

IN CONCLUSION…

The Spanish digital nomad visa is an exceptional opportunity for professionals who want to combine remote work with the Spanish quality of life. If you meet the digital nomad visa requirements, the process is accessible and offers numerous personal and professional benefits.

Need help starting your application? At www.serviciosdextranjeria.com we provide personalised advice and complete management of the process, so all you need to do is pack your bags. Contact us and start your professional adventure in Spain.