Spain Digital Nomad Visa Overview

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the Telework Visa (visado de teletrabajador de carácter internacional), enables non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Spain while employed by or providing services to companies located outside Spanish territory. Introduced under Law 28/2022, this residence program offers remote workers and digital professionals a structured pathway to establish legal residence in Spain.

NTL International works with specialized legal teams to guide clients through the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process. The program provides qualified remote workers with the opportunity to experience Spain's lifestyle, culture, and business environment while maintaining their international employment relationships.

Legal Framework and Authorization

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa operates under the legal framework established by Law 28/2022 (Final Provision Fifth), which modified Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization. This legislation defines digital nomads as nationals of third countries who travel to Spain to carry out remote work or professional activities for companies located outside Spanish territory through exclusive use of computer, telematics, and telecommunication systems.

The program is administered by Spanish consulates abroad for initial visa applications and by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGECE) of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations for residence permit applications filed within Spain.

Financial Requirements

Note: Income requirements are based on Spain's Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), which adjusts annually. Financial means must be demonstrated through employment contracts, payslips, bank statements, or client invoices for self-employed individuals. Legal and administrative fees for visa processing, document preparation, and professional advisory services are not included in the above financial thresholds. All documents require official translation to Spanish and may require apostille or legalization depending on country of origin.

Eligibility Criteria

Professional Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following educational or experience requirements:

• Graduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized university, college, or business school
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in current field of activity
• Professional training certification from prestigious vocational institutions

Employment Structure

For Employees: Must work remotely for company or companies located outside Spain. Employment relationship must have existed for at least three months prior to visa application. Employer must provide certification confirming remote work authorization and contract duration.

For Self-Employed Professionals: May work for international clients. Can also provide services to Spanish companies provided such work does not exceed 20% of total professional activity. Must demonstrate ongoing client relationships and service contracts.

Additional Requirements

• Age 18 or older
• Valid passport with minimum one year validity and two blank pages
• Clean criminal record certificate from countries of residence
• No previous refusal of entry to Spain or Schengen Area
• Not classified as undesirable or sanctioned in Spain
• No illegal residence in Spain during past five years

Application Procedures

Two Application Pathways

Option 1: Apply from Abroad (Initial Visa)

Applications submitted at Spanish consulates or embassies in applicant's country of citizenship or legal residence. Approved applications receive 1-year visa valid for entry and residence. Processing typically takes up to two months from submission of complete documentation.

Option 2: Apply from Within Spain (Direct Residence Permit)

Individuals legally present in Spain (including on tourist visa or visa-free entry) may apply directly for 3-year residence permit through UGECE. This pathway bypasses initial 1-year visa stage. Application must be submitted while legal presence in Spain is maintained.

Required Documentation

• Completed national visa application form with recent photographs
• Valid passport (original and complete copy)
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
• Proof of professional qualifications (degree certificates or experience documentation)
• Employment contract or client service agreements
• Company registration certificate showing minimum one year operation
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, invoices)
• Health insurance certificate from Spanish-authorized provider
• Social Security registration documentation or international agreement certificate
• Proof of Spanish address (rental agreement or property ownership)

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must provide comprehensive health insurance coverage from provider authorized to operate in Spain. Insurance must cover all risks normally insured by Spanish public health system including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, childbirth, and health promotion.

Critical Requirements:

• No deductibles or copayments permitted
• Must cover 100% of medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses
• Coverage must be maintained throughout entire period of residence
• Travel insurance does not satisfy requirement

Alternative: If international Social Security agreement exists between Spain and applicant's country, certificate of coverage from home country Social Security system may replace private insurance requirement.

Social Security Obligations

For Employees

Foreign company must register with Spanish Social Security system and make contributions for employee. Alternatively, if international Social Security agreement exists, employee may maintain coverage under home country system with applicable legislation certificate.

For Self-Employed

Must register with RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos) Spanish Social Security system for self-employed workers. Responsible for own social security contributions as independent professional.

Residence Timeline and Renewal

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After five years of continuous legal residence under Digital Nomad Visa, holders may apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración) in Spain. Spanish citizenship through naturalization becomes available after ten years of legal residence.

Family Inclusion

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa permits inclusion of eligible family members in the same application:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Dependent children (under 18 or financially dependent if over 18)
• Dependent relatives in ascending line (parents, grandparents) who form part of family unit

Each family member requires separate visa application with additional income threshold as specified in financial requirements section. Family members receive same residence validity period as main applicant.

Program Benefits

Residence and Mobility

• Legal residence in Spain for up to five years (1+3+2 structure)
• Freedom to live in any Spanish region or city
• Visa-free travel throughout Schengen Area
• No minimum stay requirement for initial visa year
• Minimum six months presence required in 12-month period for renewal

Tax Benefits

Digital nomad visa holders may be eligible for Spain's special tax regime ("Beckham Law") offering favorable tax rate of approximately 15% on first €600,000 of income for initial five years. This represents significant tax optimization compared to standard progressive tax brackets. Eligibility requires separate application and strategic tax planning.

Healthcare and Services

• Access to Spanish public healthcare system upon Social Security registration
• Quality public and private education institutions
• Safe and stable living environment
• Extensive coworking spaces and digital infrastructure

Processing Timeline

Visa processing from consulates abroad typically requires up to two months from submission of complete documentation. Direct residence permit applications filed within Spain may be processed in approximately two weeks to two months depending on UGECE workload and application complexity.

Approved applicants must collect passport with visa within one month of approval notification. Entry to Spain must occur within visa validity period. Residence permit application (if converting from visa) should be submitted two months before visa expiration date.

Conclusion

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa provides qualified remote workers and digital professionals with a structured pathway to legal residence in Spain. With minimum monthly income of €2,763, clear professional qualification requirements, and renewable residence permits leading to permanent residency, the program offers an accessible option for non-EU citizens seeking to establish residence in Spain while maintaining international employment relationships.

NTL International works with specialized legal teams to guide clients through documentation preparation, application procedures, and compliance requirements. For detailed assessment of your eligibility and comprehensive guidance on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our advisors.