Spain's Digital Nomad Visa: Your gateway to remote work in Europe's most livable country.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers a pathway to live and work in one of Europe's most desirable destinations. Updated for 2026 with current income requirements (€2,763/month), application process, and tax benefits.
In a world where our spending power has simply vanished to the demons of rampant inflation, imagine how happy you will be saving 50%+ of your monthly income
Why the Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (officially the "International Teleworker Visa") has become one of the most attractive options for remote workers worldwide. Since its launch under the Ley de Startups (Law 28/2022), the program has matured into a well-established pathway for non-EU citizens to live and work legally in Spain.
For perspective on the financial benefits, compare the cost of living between Valencia (consistently ranked among the top expat destinations) and New York:
| Consumer Prices in Valencia are approximately 50% lower than in New York, NY (without rent) |
| Consumer Prices Including Rent in Valencia are over 60% lower than in New York, NY |
| Rent Prices in Valencia are approximately 75% lower than in New York, NY |
| Restaurant Prices in Valencia are about 50% lower than in New York, NY |
Imagine saving 50%+ of your monthly income while living in one of the world's top cities for expats. Add to that the benefits of excellent public healthcare, quality schools, and a lifestyle that prioritizes work-life balance.
For those working North American hours, the 6-hour time difference with the East Coast means your workday could run from noon to 8pm—leaving mornings free for Spanish life and evenings for the famous late-night social scene.
Regarding healthcare in Spain, the country consistently ranks among the highest in the world according to Numbeo's Healthcare Index.
Current Requirements (Updated January 2026)
Here are the essential requirements for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, updated to reflect the latest changes effective December 7, 2025 (source):
- Eligibility: Available to non-EU citizens without a criminal record who have an existing employment or freelance contract with a company outside Spain. You must have a university degree or at least three years of professional experience, plus documented ability to work remotely.
- Financial Requirements: Applicants must prove minimum monthly income of €2,763 (200% of Spain's 2025 SMI of €1,381.33/month, calculated from annual SMI of €16,576 in 12 payments). For families:
- Add €1,036/month (75% of SMI) for a spouse
- Add €345.33/month (25% of SMI) per dependent child
- Duration: Initial visa valid for 1-3 years, renewable for additional periods up to 5 years total (at which point you may qualify for permanent residency).
- Health Insurance: You must have health insurance coverage valid in Spain for your entire stay. See our guide to health insurance in Spain or request quotes from our health insurance comparison tool.
- Taxation: Digital nomads can opt for the special tax regime under the Beckham Law, paying a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income for up to 6 years. Note: You may still have tax obligations in your home country depending on their rules for tax residency and foreign income.
- Application Process: Applications can now be submitted at Spanish consulates worldwide—a significant improvement from the initial Spain-only requirement. Required documents include:
- Criminal background check from all countries of residence in the past 2 years (plus a declaration covering the past 5 years)
- Documents must have a Hague Apostille and be translated by a sworn translator
- Proof of employment/freelance contract with company outside Spain
- Bank statements demonstrating required income
Requirements may be adjusted periodically. Always verify current requirements with your nearest Spanish consulate or the Ministry of Migration.
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Non-Lucrative Visa
Many people who previously considered the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) will find the Digital Nomad Visa a better fit—it explicitly permits remote work, whereas the NLV prohibits working in Spain.
Important: If you previously obtained an NLV and are now considering switching to the DNV, be aware that demonstrating current employment may conflict with your original NLV application (which required declaring you would not work). Consult with a lawyer or gestor before making any changes.
Get Help with Your Application
We offer gestoria services to support your Digital Nomad Visa application through the Expatriator Gestoria Shop.
Sources:
What other requirements are necessary? Not be in Spain illegally at the time of application.
FAQs for "Teleworkers of International Character" i.e., Digital Nomads
The following constitutes the translated version of the FAQs from the UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas Colectivos Estrategicos)
Article 74 bis of Law 14/2013
Third-country nationals who travel to Spain to remotely perform labor or professional activity for companies located outside the national territory, using only computer, telematic and telecommunication systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is an international teleworker?
- An authorized worker to remain in Spain to perform a labor or professional activity from a distance for companies located outside the national territory, using only computer, telematic and telecommunication systems.
Who can obtain authorization as an international teleworker?
- A national from a third state, of legal age (does not apply to citizens of the European Union or those to whom European Union law applies).
Can a self-employed person be considered an international teleworker?
- Yes, as long as they can prove a professional relationship with the foreign company for which they work for a minimum of three months and that company authorizes the transfer to Spain.
What other requirements are necessary?
- Not be in Spain illegally at the time of application.
- No criminal record in Spain or in the country/countries where they have resided for the five years prior to the application.
- Have a public or private health insurance policy contracted with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.
- Have sufficient economic resources for themselves and their family members during their period of residence in Spain.
Can they perform other work in Spain?
- Based on the premise that their work can only be performed exclusively through computer, telematic and telecommunication systems, two scenarios are possible:
- Employment relationship: In Spain, they can only work for the company located outside the national territory for which they perform the teleworking service.
- Professional relationship: They can work for a company located in Spain, as long as they maintain the professional relationship with the company for which they request authorization and the percentage of such work with the Spanish company/s is a professional relationship (never employment) and is not more than 20% of their total professional activity.
What absences outside the national territory can an international teleworker accumulate?
- They can be absent for a maximum of six months per calendar year in order to maintain the requirements for obtaining authorization.
Can family members obtain authorization/visa?
- Yes, the spouse or person with a similar relationship of affection, minor children or older children who, depending on the holder's economic support, have not established a family unit by themselves and the ascendants in charge, who meet or accompany the foreigners, can jointly and simultaneously or successively apply for authorization and, where applicable, the visa.
Do minimum economic resources need to be demonstrated?
- Yes, Additional Provision Fourth of Law 14/2013 establishes that residency authorizations allow for residing and working (both self-employed and on behalf of others).
Can family members work in Spain?
- Yes, if they meet the requirements and obtain authorization.
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