Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and How to Apply

The Spain digital nomad visa, officially the international telework visa, lets non-EU remote workers live in Spain while working for companies outside the country. The Washington consulate's page lists a monthly income of €2,442 for the applicant, which is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage, plus €916 for the first family member and €306 for each additional one. The visa lasts up to a year, and the residence authorization can run up to 3 years.

Consulates handle details differently and fees are revised quarterly. Read the official Washington consulate page or the page for your own consulate before you apply.

Who qualifies

You must be a non-EU citizen who works remotely, either as an employee of a company outside Spain or as a self-employed professional. You need a degree from a recognized institution, or at least three years of relevant professional experience. Regulated professions need qualification recognition.

Employees may work only for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may take on Spanish clients, but that work cannot exceed 20% of their total activity. Work for individuals, universities, foundations or non-profits is not allowed.

Income requirement

The Washington consulate states €2,442 a month for the applicant, based on a 2026 minimum wage of €1,221 (200%), plus €916 for the first accompanying family member and €306 for each additional member. Any proof of funds is accepted, but ownership, legality and availability must be documented.

Some secondary sources quote about €2,849; that does not match the official page, so follow the consulate.

Documents you'll need

• The national visa application form, passport photos and a valid passport with at least one year left and two blank pages.
• Proof of legal residence in the consulate's district.
• A certificate from your employer or client confirming at least three months of relationship and, for employees, authorization to work remotely.
• A company registry certificate showing it was incorporated at least one year earlier.
• Your degree or proof of at least three years of professional experience.
• Proof of income.
• Health insurance from a Spain-authorized insurer covering all risks, with no co-pays or limits, unless you are covered by Spanish Social Security.
• A criminal record check. US applicants need an FBI check from the last 6 months covering two years, apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

Step-by-step application

1. Confirm requirements and fees with the consulate for your jurisdiction.
2. Gather company documents, income evidence and your degree or experience proof.
3. Buy compliant health insurance.
4. Obtain and apostille the FBI check (or your country's equivalent) and translate it.
5. Book an appointment and submit the file.
6. Wait for the decision, which has a legal deadline of 10 days from when the consulate forwards the documents, and can be extended.
7. Collect the visa within a month of approval and travel to Spain.
8. Apply for the foreigner card or the longer residence authorization through the large-business unit UGE-CE.

Costs and timeline

From 1 January 2026, the visa fee for US citizens is USD 190. UK citizens pay USD 963, Canadians USD 1,566 and Australians USD 3,020, and fees are revised quarterly. Add costs for translations, apostilles and insurance. The 10-day deadline can be extended.

Taxes once you're resident

After more than 183 days in Spain you are generally a Spanish tax resident taxed on worldwide income. The Spanish tax agency says the impatriate (Beckham) regime can cover remote workers who hold the international telework visa: a 24% flat rate on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 for the year of arrival plus five years, if you opt in and were not Spanish-resident in the previous five years. It is not automatic, so ask a Spanish tax adviser. See our Spain guide.

Family members

Spouses, partners, children and dependent parents can apply, each with proof of relationship, insurance and a clean record.

Path to permanent residence and citizenship

The telework residence authorization runs up to 3 years. Long-term residence generally follows after 5 years of legal residence, and Spanish citizenship usually takes 10 years and generally means giving up your previous nationality. Confirm these general rules with the authorities.

Alternatives

• Retired or living on savings: non-lucrative visa, about €2,400 a month.
• Founders: entrepreneur visa.
• Lower income threshold in Portugal: D7 visa at about €920 a month, or D8 at about €3,680.

Popular bases: Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga.