Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements,
Tax Benefits and Application Process.
A 12-month renewable residence permit for non-EU remote workers and freelancers, with optional tax treatment under the Beckham regime at a flat 24%.
Quick answer — The Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens working remotely for non-Spanish companies (or freelancers with a maximum of 20% of their income from Spanish clients) to legally reside in Spain for up to 5 years. Applicants must prove income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (≈ €2,762/month in 2026), private health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Eligibility requirements
Who qualifies
- Non-EU/EEA citizenship.
- Remote work for foreign companies, or freelance work where ≤ 20% of income comes from Spanish clients.
- Minimum gross monthly income: 200% of SMI (~€2,762/month) plus +75% per spouse and +25% per dependent child.
- Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
- At least 3 years of professional experience in the relevant field, or a related university degree.
- Clean criminal record (last 5 years).
The Beckham Law tax option
Special tax regime
- Flat 24% on the first €600,000 of Spanish-source income.
- 47% above that threshold.
- Foreign income generally not taxed in Spain.
- Election must be filed within 6 months of registering with Social Security.
Application process · 6 steps
Step by step
- 1. Eligibility review.
- 2. Document gathering (apostille + sworn translation).
- 3. Filing at consulate (from outside Spain) or UGE-CE (from inside Spain on a tourist stay).
- 4. Resolution within 20 working days.
- 5. NIE / TIE issuance.
- 6. Beckham Law election within 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. Spouse, registered partner and dependent children can join the application, subject to a higher income threshold (+75% for spouse, +25% per child).
How long is the Digital Nomad Visa valid?
One year from the consulate, extendable to a 3-year residence permit, then renewable for another 2 years (up to 5 years total before applying for long-term residency).
Do I need to pay Spanish social security?
Yes, unless your country has a totalisation agreement with Spain that allows you to remain on the home-country system (currently the US, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Brazil and others — case-by-case).
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Yes, but only up to 20% of total income. Above that threshold the visa is not the right vehicle.
Does the Digital Nomad Visa lead to Spanish citizenship?
After 5 continuous years you can apply for long-term residency, and after 10 years for citizenship (2 for Latin American, Filipino, Andorran, Equatorial Guinean, Portuguese and Sephardic Jewish applicants).