Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements, Cost and How to Apply
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while working remotely for companies outside Spain. In 2026 you need a gross income of €2,849 per month and either a degree or three years of professional experience. It grants residence for up to three years, and your family can be included.
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What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is the common name for Spain's visa and residence authorisation for international teleworking (teletrabajo de carácter internacional). It allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely, by computer and telecommunication means only, for companies located outside Spain. It was created by Ley 28/2022, the Startups Law, within Ley 14/2013.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa exists in two forms. A visa of up to one year is issued by a Spanish consulate to applicants abroad. A residence authorisation of up to three years is granted in Spain to applicants who are lawfully in the country. It does not apply to EU citizens, and employees may not work for Spanish companies.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa at a glance
Do you meet the main requirements?
- You are a citizen of a non-EU country, for example the UK or the US.
- You work fully online for a company or clients outside Spain, as an employee, freelancer or business owner.
- You earn at least €2,849 gross per month in 2026.
- You hold a degree or have three years of professional experience, and you have a clean criminal record.
Ley 14/2013, articles 61, 74 bis, 74 quater, 74 quinquies, 75 and 76; Real Decreto 126/2026.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa requirements
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa has seven requirements: non-EU nationality, remote work for companies outside Spain, a degree or three years of experience, an established company and working relationship, sufficient income, a clean criminal record, and health cover with social security compliance.
- 1. Non-EU nationality. Open to adult nationals of countries outside the EU. It does not apply to EU citizens or others with equivalent free movement rights.
- 2. Remote work for companies outside Spain. Employees may work only for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may also work for Spanish companies, up to 20% of their total professional activity.
- 3. A degree or three years of experience. A degree from a recognised university, vocational training centre or business school, or three years of professional experience.
- 4. An established company and working relationship. The company needs at least one year of real activity. Your relationship with it must be at least three months old, and it must allow remote work from Spain in writing.
- 5. Income of 200% of the minimum wage. €2,849 gross per month in 2026 for the applicant. See income.
- 6. A clean criminal record. Certificates from the countries where you lived in the last two years, plus a signed five-year declaration.
- 7. Health cover and social security compliance. Spanish social security registration or, for some employees, a home-system certificate, plus health insurance where public cover does not apply. See which rules apply to you.
Common misconceptions
No three-year contract is required; the law asks for a working relationship of at least three months. No property purchase is required either.
Related guides: qualifying without three years of experience and how to prove three years of experience.
Ley 14/2013, articles 61.2, 62.3, 74 bis and 74 ter; UGE documentation list for international teleworkers, version 2.6.
How much income do you need in 2026?
For the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, the main applicant needs €2,849 gross per month in 2026, which is 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI). The figure rises by 75% of the SMI for the first family member and by 25% of the SMI for each further one.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa income requirement by household size, 2026
| Household | Rule | Monthly (2026) | Annual (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant only | 200% of SMI | €2,849 | €34,188 |
| Applicant + 1 | + 75% of SMI | €3,917 | €47,009 |
| Applicant + 2 | + 25% of SMI | €4,274 | €51,282 |
| Applicant + 3 | + 25% of SMI | €4,630 | €55,556 |
How the 2026 figure is calculated
Real Decreto 126/2026 sets Spain's minimum wage for 2026 at €1,221 per month in 14 payments, or €17,094 per year. Amounts are gross. Some consulates publish a lower figure based on the 14-payment amount, so check the page of the consulate where you apply.
How to prove your income
Income is proven with payslips or invoices for the three months before the application, plus a bank certificate for the same months, in your name and stamped or signed by the bank. The bank entries must match the payslips or invoices. If this income is below the minimum, bank certificates showing savings that cover the difference for the whole period of the authorisation can be accepted.
More detail: accepted income types and full rules and why bank statements get rejected.
Real Decreto 126/2026 (BOE-A-2026-3815); Ley 14/2013, article 62.3 f) and twentieth additional provision; UGE documentation list, version 2.6.
Can your family come with you?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, your children and your dependent parents can be included in a Spain Digital Nomad Visa application. The income requirement rises by 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member and by 25% for each further one.
Who can come:
- Your spouse, or your partner in an equivalent relationship.
- Your children under 18, and adult children who depend on you financially and have not formed their own family unit.
- Parents who are dependent on you.
Family members can apply together with you or join you later, and applications filed together are decided together. Family members who hold the authorisation may work in Spain, as employees or self-employed. Household totals are in the income table.
A couple in which both partners work remotely can sometimes file two separate applications instead. Read more on bringing your whole family and on whether to apply separately or as a dependant.
Ley 14/2013, article 62.4 and fourth additional provision; UGE documentation lists for holders (version 2.6) and family members; UGE frequently asked questions.
Employees, freelancers and business owners: which rules apply to you?
Remote employees, freelancers and business owners can all qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. What changes is how the working relationship is proven and which social security route applies.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa rules by work profile
| Remote employee | Freelancer or self-employed | Business owner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who you may work for | Only companies outside Spain | Companies outside Spain, plus Spanish companies within the 20% limit | Your own company outside Spain |
| Spanish clients allowed | No | Yes, up to 20% of total professional activity | |
| Proof of the relationship | Contract, plus an employer letter allowing remote work from Spain with role, duties and salary in euros | Contracts, plus documents setting out the terms of the remote work | Proof of ownership or effective control, plus a company letter with role, duties and pay |
| Minimum seniority | 3 months with the employer | 3 months with the client or clients | Presumed for the sole owner of a company with over one year of real activity |
| Social security route | Employer registers in Spain (Régimen General), or a home-country certificate that expressly covers telework from Spain | Registration in RETA | Registration in RETA |
| Extra documents | Company registry certificate showing one year of activity | Company registry certificate for each client company | Latest company tax return; proof of investment in productive assets; social security report on the company's employees |
Remote employees
Remote employees qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa after at least three months with a company outside Spain. The employer must allow remote work from Spain in a letter stating the role, duties and salary in euros. Employees may not work for any Spanish company. See the remote employee guide.
Freelancers and the self-employed
Freelancers qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa with contracts, at least three months old, with companies outside Spain. Freelancers can work for Spanish clients. That work must be a professional relationship, never employment, and may not exceed 20% of total professional activity. See the freelancer guide.
Business owners
Business owners qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa by proving ownership or effective control of a company outside Spain with more than one year of real activity. The UGE also asks for the company's latest tax return and evidence that it is real and active. See the business owner guide.
Social security: the two routes
Every Spain Digital Nomad Visa holder must be covered by social security. The first route is registration in Spain: employees in the Régimen General through their employer, the self-employed in RETA. The second route is for employees only: a home-system certificate that expressly covers telework from Spain. A pending request is not accepted. See no social security agreement with Spain.
US and UK applicants
UK applicants apply as non-EU nationals since Brexit, with the ACRO police certificate and Companies House records. See the guide for UK citizens.
Applicants from Latin America: see the guide for Latin American applicants.
John Altimari
United States
"Hoply was the best decision I made for my Digital Nomad Visa"
From the very beginning, everything was explained clearly and I felt supported throughout the entire process. What gave me the most confidence was working with María Fernanda, the lawyer handling my case. She reviewed every detail carefully, anticipated possible issues, and always had practical solutions ready. Thanks to her professionalism and expertise my application was approved quickly and without complications. I highly recommend Hoply to anyone applying for a visa in Spain.
UGE documentation list, version 2.6; UGE frequently asked questions 5, 6 and 10; Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis.1 and 74 ter.
Documents you need for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
A Spain Digital Nomad Visa application has nine groups of documents. The exact list depends on your work profile and on the country that issues each document.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa documents by group
| # | Group | What it includes | Who needs it | Formalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identity | Full copy of a valid passport, all pages | Everyone | Copy |
| 2 | Work relationship | Contract; company letter allowing remote work from Spain | Everyone | Sworn translation if not in Spanish |
| 3 | Company | Official registry certificate showing at least one year of activity | Everyone; owners add proof of ownership, company tax return, proof of investment and a social security report | Apostille or legalisation; sworn translation |
| 4 | Qualifications | Degree certificate, or evidence of three years of experience; CV | Everyone | Apostille or legalisation and sworn translation; the CV needs only a simple translation |
| 5 | Income | Payslips or invoices for three months; bank certificate for the same months | Everyone | Bank stamp or signature |
| 6 | Criminal record | Certificates for the countries of residence in the last two years; signed five-year declaration | Adults | Apostille or legalisation; sworn translation |
| 7 | Health cover and social security | Social security commitment or home-country certificate; health insurance policy where required | Everyone, according to route | Policy from an insurer authorised in Spain |
| 8 | Form and fee | Form MI-T, signed; proof of payment of the fee (Modelo 790-038) | Everyone filing in Spain; family members use form MI-F | Fee paid online before filing |
| 9 | Family documents | Marriage or partnership certificate; birth certificates; proof of dependency | Family members | Apostille or legalisation; sworn translation |
Where health insurance is required, it must give cover equivalent to the public health system. Travel policies, reimbursement-only policies and policies with co-payments or waiting periods are not accepted.
Apostilles and sworn translations
Public documents issued outside Spain must be legalised or carry the Hague apostille. Public documents that are not in Spanish need a sworn translation by a translator authorised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each consulate also publishes its own list, which can add documents or steps, so read the page of the consulate where you apply.
More detail: the full checklist by profile and the Spanish terms explained.
UGE documentation lists for holders (version 2.6) and for family members.
How to apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
There are two ways to apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. From abroad, you apply at a Spanish consulate for a visa of up to one year. From inside Spain, you apply online to the UGE for a residence authorisation of up to three years.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa application routes compared
| From abroad (consulate) | From inside Spain (UGE) | |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | Visa for international teleworking | Residence authorisation |
| Maximum initial validity | 1 year | 3 years |
| Decision deadline in law | 10 working days | 20 working days, then approval by administrative silence |
| How you file | As your consulate sets: in person by appointment, or by post at some consulates | Online, yourself or through a representative |
| Next step | Apply for the residence authorisation in the 60 days before the visa expires | Apply for the TIE card |
The consulate route suits applicants who want a decision before they travel. The in-Spain route suits applicants who can enter Spain lawfully, for example visa-free for up to 90 days. You must be lawfully in Spain on the day you file, and filing extends your lawful stay until the decision. Holders of a non-lucrative residence authorisation cannot apply from inside Spain.
More detail: applying from within Spain and holding a Schengen visa from another country.
Applying from inside Spain: step by step
- 1Enter Spain lawfully and keep proof of your entry date.
- 2Gather your documents, with apostilles and sworn translations.
- 3Pay the fee online with Modelo 790-038 and keep the payment reference.
- 4File form MI-T and your documents online with the UGE.
- 5Answer any request for documents within the 10 working days given.
- 6Receive the decision, register with social security and apply for the TIE card.
Applying at a Spanish consulate: step by step
- 1Find the consulate for your place of residence and read its telework visa page.
- 2Obtain a NIE first if your consulate asks for one.
- 3Gather the documents on the consulate's list, with apostilles and sworn translations.
- 4Submit the national visa application and pay the visa fee.
- 5Collect your visa and travel to Spain within its validity.
- 6Apply to the UGE for the residence authorisation in the 60 days before the visa expires.
Ley 14/2013, articles 74 quater, 74 quinquies, 75.5 and 76.1; Ley 39/2015, articles 30.2 and 68.1; UGE frequently asked questions 12, 15 and 20.
How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa take?
The legal decision time for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is 20 working days at the UGE in Spain and 10 working days at a consulate. Gathering the documents usually takes longer than the decision.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa timeline, legal deadlines and practice
| Stage | Legal deadline |
|---|---|
| Preparation | None |
| Filing to decision | UGE: 20 working days from online filing. Consulate: 10 working days, longer if an interview or more documents are requested |
| Document requests | 10 working days to reply; the decision deadline can be paused in the meantime |
| TIE card | Required when the authorisation is longer than six months |
If the UGE does not decide within 20 working days, the application is treated as approved by administrative silence, and you can ask the UGE to issue the decision. Read more on positive administrative silence, on planning around appointments and on travelling while you wait.
After approval: the TIE card
A residence authorisation longer than six months must be documented with a TIE, the foreigner identity card. You book an appointment with the Policía Nacional, give your fingerprints, pay the card fee of €16.08 in 2026 and return to collect the card. A consular visa works as a residence document on its own while it is valid.
Not keen on dealing with the bureaucracy yourself? Ask our lawyers about our complete concierge package.
Ley 14/2013, articles 75.4, 75.5, 76.1 and 76.2; Ley 39/2015, articles 22.1 a), 30.2 and 68.1; Orden PJC/617/2025.
How much does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa cost?
Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa from inside Spain costs a single applicant €89.34 in official fees in 2026: €73.26 for the UGE application fee and €16.08 for the TIE card. Applying at a consulate costs more, because the visa fee depends on your nationality. Document costs come on top.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa costs (2026)
| Item | Amount (2026) | Paid to | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGE fee (Modelo 790-038) | €73.26 per applicant | Spanish Treasury, online | Each applicant filing in Spain, including family members |
| Consular visa fee | Set by nationality and consulate. US consulates list $190 for US citizens | The consulate | Applicants filing abroad |
| TIE card fee (Modelo 790-012) | €16.08 | Policía Nacional | Holders of an authorisation longer than six months |
| Criminal record certificates and apostilles | Estimate: €80 to €150 per certificate and €40 to €100 per apostille | Issuing authorities | Adults |
| Sworn translations | Estimate: from about €20 per page | Sworn translator | Documents not in Spanish |
| Health insurance | Estimate: €700 to €1,000 per adult per year, often paid upfront | Insurer | Applicants not covered by Spanish social security |
| Social security contributions | Monthly, set by regime and income | Seguridad Social | Everyone registered in Spain, after approval |
Consular fees depend on nationality because Spain applies reciprocity: the Spanish consular section in Washington lists $190 for US citizens and $963 for UK citizens from 1 January 2026.
Document costs depend on how many documents need an apostille and a sworn translation, which depends mostly on your work profile. Based on Hoply's client cases, they usually come to €500 to €1,500 for a remote employee, €600 to €1,800 for a freelancer and €800 to €2,500 for a business owner. Documents already in Spanish need no sworn translation, so applicants from Latin America usually pay less.
Official fees checked on 5 October 2026. Document and insurance amounts are estimates from Hoply's client cases. See the full cost breakdown. See what Hoply costs
UGE frequently asked questions, question 20; Orden PJC/617/2025, annex, item 4.2; fee pages of the Spanish consulates in Washington and Houston.
Do you need a lawyer for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
No. A lawyer is not legally required for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, and you can file the application yourself. The risk is in the details. If the UGE asks for a missing or incorrect document, you have 10 working days to provide it, or the application is treated as withdrawn. The €73.26 fee is not refunded, and certificates and apostilles can expire while you prepare the file again.
Applicants with one employer, complete documents and income well above the threshold often manage alone. Company owners, families, borderline incomes, employees without a social security certificate and anyone filing from inside Spain, where your lawful stay depends on the filing date, are the cases where a lawyer's review matters most.
With Hoply, a Spain-licensed lawyer reviews every document before your application is filed, and if it is refused, we refund our service fee.
Three ways to handle a Spain Digital Nomad Visa application
| Task | Do it yourself | Generalist lawyer or agency | Hoply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility check | Your own reading of the rules | Varies by firm | Free first call, then a lawyer's assessment in the advisory session |
| Document review | You | Varies by firm | Every document reviewed by a Spain-licensed lawyer |
| Filing | You, online or at the consulate | Varies by firm | Filed by your lawyer |
| Replies to document requests | You | Ask whether it is included | Included |
| Case tracking | UGE online portal | Varies by firm | Online platform |
| Price | Official fees and document costs only | Ask for a written quote | €1,195 for the first applicant |
| Guarantee | None | Ask | Service fee refunded if the application is refused |
How Hoply handles your application
Intro call (free)
You describe your work, income and family. We explain the route that fits and how Hoply works.
Advisory session (€90)
In a 50-minute session, a Spain-licensed lawyer assesses your eligibility, answers your questions and gives you a personalised strategy and document checklist. The fee is deducted from your application.
Documents
You upload each document to the platform, which shows guides for your profile and country. Your lawyer reviews every document and tells you what to correct.
Application
Your lawyer files the application, tracks it and stays with you until the decision. Hoply works only on Spanish immigration, and questions are answered within 24 hours.
Compare in detail: DIY vs lawyer vs Hoply in detail, or compare Spain Digital Nomad Visa services.
Hoply pricing for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Hoply charges €90 for an advisory session, €1,195 for the complete application of the first applicant and €600 for each additional family member. If an application prepared with Hoply is refused, the service fee is refunded.
Advisory Session
50 minute work session
- Eligibility assessment
- Q&A session with a Spain-licensed lawyer
- Personalized strategy and required documents checklist
*Consultation can be deducted from the application
Complete Application
First applicant*
- Step-by-step application guidance and document preparation
- Dedicated lawyer support throughout the process
- Full access to our platform for document management
- Money-back guarantee
*Ask for our concierge service if you'd like a hands off experience
Start your applicationAdditional Family Member
Per additional person
- Support for spouse/partner applications
- Guidance for children under 18
- Same comprehensive assistance and document preparation
Not included: official fees, apostilles, sworn translations and health insurance.
What the money-back guarantee covers
If you follow our guidance and your Spain Digital Nomad Visa application is rejected, we refund our service fee. No hidden conditions.
Giona Capurso
Founder & CEO of Hoply
In 2025, all clients who followed our full application process successfully received favorable outcomes on their Digital Nomad Visa applications. We focus exclusively on Spain and have built a team of top local immigration lawyers, whose expertise drives consistent results.
Hear from clients who got their Digital Nomad Visa with Hoply
Steph Miller
UK
"From the first free consultation I felt I was finally in good hands."
I'd been putting off my move to Spain for months because the visa process felt overwhelming. Finding Hoply changed everything! Carolina, the lawyer handling my case, was brilliant and made sure all my paperwork was in order. She explained everything clearly and always got back to me quickly whenever I had questions. When I started doubting myself, her support gave me the confidence to keep going. Instead of feeling stressed, I felt guided and supported. Thanks to Hoply and Carolina, my visa's finally sorted, and I can at last start working from Spain!
See what people like you say:
Working with Hoply: common questions
What is included in the price?
Everything listed on the complete application card. Official fees, apostilles, translations and insurance are paid separately.
How does the refund guarantee work?
If you follow our process and your application is refused, we refund our service fee.
Who guides my application?
A Spain-licensed immigration lawyer who works on Digital Nomad Visa cases, in English or Spanish.
Can I start with the Digital Nomad Visa and later switch to another residency type?
Yes. A holder can apply for another authorisation at any time if they meet its requirements.
Taxes on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and the Beckham Law
Holding the Spain Digital Nomad Visa does not decide your tax. Living in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year generally makes you a Spanish tax resident, and some holders can apply for a special regime with a flat rate for a limited number of years.
General information, not tax advice.
Standard resident taxation and the special regime compared
| Standard resident taxation | Special regime (Beckham Law) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Anyone who is tax resident in Spain | People who move to Spain for work and were not tax resident in Spain in the five previous tax years |
| What is taxed | Worldwide income | Taxed under non-resident rules, with all employment income treated as Spanish income |
| How long | Every year of residence | The year of the move and the five following tax years |
| Commonly excluded | n/a | Professional athletes. Self-employed freelancers, unless they qualify through the entrepreneur or startup-professional routes |
The special regime is not automatic, and it is not decided by the immigration authorities. The Agencia Tributaria states that employees who hold the international telework visa meet the condition of moving to Spain for work. A spouse and children under 25 can also opt in under conditions.
More detail: the Beckham Law guide, autónomo vs Digital Nomad Visa, the autónomo tax calculator and Hoply's relocation and tax service.
Social security contributions after you arrive
Social security is separate from income tax. Employees registered in the Régimen General contribute through their employer, and the self-employed pay monthly RETA contributions. Registration is due after approval and before you start working in Spain. The UGE can cancel the authorisation of a self-employed holder who does not register.
Ley 35/2006 on personal income tax, articles 9 and 93; Agencia Tributaria, Manual de Tributación de No Residentes (October 2026 edition); UGE frequently asked questions 6 and 7.
How long does it last, and can you renew it?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa residence authorisation lasts up to three years and renews for two years at a time while you still meet the conditions.
A consular visa lasts up to one year, and its holder can apply for the residence authorisation in the 60 days before it expires.
Any change that affects the conditions of the authorisation, such as switching from employee to self-employed, must be reported to the UGE within 30 days.
Visa of up to 1 year, or authorisation of up to 3 years
Renewals of 2 years
Long-term residence after 5 years
From Digital Nomad Visa to long-term residence
After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, a Digital Nomad Visa holder can apply for long-term residence. Continuity allows absences of up to six months in a row and ten months in total, or eighteen months in total when the absences are for work.
Ley 14/2013, articles 74 quater.3, 74 quinquies and 76.3 and seventh additional provision; Real Decreto 1155/2024, articles 182 to 185; Civil Code, article 22.
Who reviews this guide and handles your case
This guide is reviewed by a practising Spanish immigration lawyer, and every application is handled by Spain-licensed lawyers.
Natalia Menéndez
Immigration lawyer, Digital Nomad Visa
Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid (ICAM), no. 144948
Spanish, English
Liliana
Senior Immigration Lawyer
Licensed with the Illustrious Bar Association of Málaga with number 7355
"Our work is not only legal, it is also human. Each case represents a life, a story and a future that deserves our maximum effort."
Spain Digital Nomad Visa FAQ
Yes. Without a degree you can qualify with at least three years of professional experience in work similar to your role. The UGE accepts an official employment history that matches company certificates showing dates and duties, or a professional certificate. See degree and experience requirement.
Sources and review history
Primary sources:
- Ley 14/2013, de apoyo a los emprendedores y su internacionalización, consolidated text, articles 61, 62 and 74 bis to 76, and additional provisions 4, 7 and 20.
- Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026.
- UGE documentation list for international teleworkers, version 2.6, and the list for family members.
- UGE frequently asked questions on international teleworkers.
- Ley 39/2015, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común, articles 22, 30 and 68.
- Orden PJC/617/2025, immigration fees.
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, long-term residence, information sheet 49.
- Agencia Tributaria, special regime under article 93 of the income tax law.
- Telework visa pages of the Spanish consulates in Washington and Houston.
Reviewed by Natalia Menéndez, Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid (ICAM) no. 144948.
How this page is reviewed: Natalia Menéndez checks this page against the BOE and the UGE's published guidance every quarter and after each change to the minimum wage. Each review updates the date at the top of the page and the review history below.
Check whether you qualify
Tell us about your work, your income and who is moving with you. A Hoply specialist will tell you whether the Spain Digital Nomad Visa fits your case and what to prepare first.
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