Spain's Ley de Startups created one of Europe's more attractive digital nomad visas. You need about €2,849/month in income and a non-Spanish employer (or mostly non-Spanish clients if freelancing). The real kicker: you may qualify for the 'Beckham Law' tax regime, paying non-resident tax rates on Spanish income. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia — pick your tapas capital.
Who actually qualifies
- ✓Bachelor's or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution, OR 3+ years of professional experience
- ✓Remote employees must work exclusively for non-Spanish companies
- ✓Freelancers: up to 20% of income can come from Spanish clients
- ✓Minimum income: 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage (~€2,849/month in 2026)
- ✓No criminal record
- ✓Valid health insurance authorized to operate in Spain
The paperwork pile
- 📄Visa application form
- 📄Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- 📄Health insurance certificate (public or private, valid in Spain)
- 📄Proof of financial means (bank statements showing ≥€2,849/month)
- 📄Employment contract or freelance client agreements
- 📄Professional qualifications (degree or experience proof)
- 📄Criminal background check (apostilled)
- 📄NIE application (foreigner identification number)
- 📄Proof of accommodation in Spain
What it'll cost you
The waiting game
Processing time
20 working days (official) for visa; residence card takes additional weeks
Path to permanent residency
5 years of continuous legal residency → long-term EU residence authorization
Path to citizenship
10 years of legal residence (2 years if from a Spanish-speaking country, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea)
The tax situation
May qualify for the 'Beckham Law' (IRNR regime): flat ~24% tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000, instead of progressive rates up to 47%. Only applies if you haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the prior 5 years. Apply within 6 months of getting your NIE.
Bringing your person
Spouse can work in any job or self-employ once they receive their TIE residence card.
Cities where this visa works
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa take to process?▼
20 working days (official) for visa; residence card takes additional weeks
Can the Spain Digital Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency?▼
5 years of continuous legal residency → long-term EU residence authorization
How long until citizenship in Spain?▼
10 years of legal residence (2 years if from a Spanish-speaking country, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea)
What are the tax implications of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?▼
May qualify for the 'Beckham Law' (IRNR regime): flat ~24% tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000, instead of progressive rates up to 47%. Only applies if you haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the prior 5 years. Apply within 6 months of getting your NIE.
Can my spouse work on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?▼
Spouse can work in any job or self-employ once they receive their TIE residence card.
Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with official government sources.