How to get a digital nomad visa for Spain

Spain has long been a favourite for remote workers drawn towards its warm climate, vibrant culture and great internet infrastructure. Now, with the digital nomad visa, non-EU citizens can live and work legally in Spain while keeping their remote jobs or freelance clients abroad.

Whether you're a salaried employee working remotely or a self-employed freelancer, we will walk you through the process of getting the Spanish digital nomad visa from start to finish.

This step-by-step guide covers:

• Who is eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa
• Income requirements and how to prove your employment
• How long the visa is valid and what alternatives exist
• How to apply and where to submit your application
• Which documents you’ll need
• How long the process takes
• What to do once you arrive in Spain

And, of course, we'll let you know how health insurance works in Spain.

What is the Spanish digital nomad visa?

The Spanish digital nomad visa is a residence permit for non-EU/EEA remote workers who want to live in Spain while working for companies or clients outside the country. It’s designed for freelancers and employees who can work online, offering them the chance to stay in Spain for up to one year, with the possibility to extend beyond that.

Who can apply for the digital nomad visa?

To qualify for Spain’s digital nomad visa, you must either:

• Be employed by a company located outside of Spain (and have worked with them for at least three months), or
• Be self-employed, with clients based primarily outside of Spain

In both cases, your job must allow you to work fully remotely using digital tools, and your employment or services should not impact the Spanish labour market directly.

Income requirements and proof of employment

You’ll need to show that you can financially support yourself while living in Spain. The general guideline is:

• At least 200% of Spain’s minimum monthly wage (SMI): roughly €2,400 per month or about €28,800 per year gross income before tax.
• If you’re planning on bringing family members with you, you’ll need to add around €850/month per dependent.

To prove your income:

• Employees must show a signed employment contract and a letter from their employer confirming remote status.
• Freelancers should submit contracts from international clients, professional licenses (if applicable) and any proof of business activity they can offer; it all helps your application.

How long does the visa last?

The digital nomad visa is typically issued for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years. After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

If you don’t meet the criteria, Spain offers these other visa routes:

• Freelance visa: For self-employed professionals who want to work with Spanish clients and register as autónomo (self-employed) in Spain.
• Entrepreneur visa: For those planning to start a business that is considered to be innovative or economically beneficial to Spain.

Each visa type has different requirements, especially when it comes to tax registration, business plans, and clients, so be sure to explore which best fits your lifestyle before applying.

How to apply for the digital nomad visa

You can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa in one of two ways: either from your home country or from within Spain.

If you apply from your home country, you’ll need to visit your nearest Spanish consulate or embassy and submit your application before entering Spain. You can wait in your home country while it’s processed, then travel to Spain once approved to finalise your residence permit.

Alternatively, if you’re already in Spain on a valid tourist visa, you can apply from within the country during your 90-day stay. You can do this through Spain’s immigration office (Extranjería) rather than a consulate, and it allows you to remain in Spain legally while your application is processed. One advantage of this route is that the initial residence permit is usually granted for up to three years, compared to just one year if you apply from abroad.

Regardless of where you apply, make sure all required documents are properly translated into Spanish and, where necessary, apostilled.

Required documents for the digital nomad visa

Here’s what you typically need to apply:

1. Valid passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay.

2. Proof of remote work or freelance income

Include your employment contract, company letter, client contracts or freelance invoices. You’ll need to show at least three months of work history.

3. Proof of qualifications

A university degree or at least three years of relevant work experience in your field is often required.

4. Criminal background check

Issued in your home country and apostilled, this must be no older than three months.

5. Proof of address

If applying from within Spain, a rental contract or temporary address should be included.

6. Health insurance

You must have visa-compliant expat health insurance with full coverage in Spain, including hospitalisation and emergency care. Feather offers trusted insurance for digital nomads that meets these requirements and can be obtained instantly online.

Where to submit your application

If applying from abroad, you’ll need to submit your application to your local Spanish consulate or embassy. Use Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs site to locate the right consulate in your country and check their specific requirements and appointment procedures.

If applying from within Spain, you submit your documents through the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos) via their online portal or with the help of an immigration lawyer.

How long does the process take?

Spanish digital nomad visa processing times vary by location, but generally:

• From abroad: 4-8 weeks after submitting at the consulate
• From Spain: 20 working days once submitted online

It’s important to make sure that your documents are complete and accurately translated before applying: missing or incomplete paperwork could delay your application or cause a rejection.

After you arrive in Spain

Once you’ve received your digital nomad visa and moved to Spain, there are a few key steps that you should follow to start this exciting new chapter the right way:

• Register your address (empadronamiento) at your local town hall
• Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days of arrival
• Open a Spanish bank account; (some consulates may ask you to do this earlier)
• Stay compliant with Spanish tax regulations.

Many digital nomads also choose to connect with local co-working spaces, expat communities and professional networks to make the transition smoother.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a great opportunity for remote workers who want to enjoy life in one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations, legally and with peace of mind. By following these steps and preparing your application carefully, you’ll be well on your way to living and working in Spain.

And don’t forget: valid health insurance is essential both for visa approval and your day-to-day security in Spain. Feather makes this step simple with fast, compliant digital plans built for expats and freelancers alike.