Digital Nomad Visa

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under the 2023 Startup Law (Ley de Startups) and quickly became one of Europe's most popular remote-work routes. It allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for companies based outside Spain, or as freelancers whose clients are mostly abroad - a limited share of income from Spanish clients is permitted.

Two features set it apart. First, you can apply either at a Spanish consulate abroad for a one-year visa, or - if you are already legally in Spain - directly to the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) for a three-year residence authorisation, renewable for two more years. Second, holders can opt into a favourable tax regime, often called the "Beckham Law" arrangement, taxing Spanish-source employment income at a flat 24% up to EUR 600,000 for up to six years, instead of progressive resident rates.

With its climate, infrastructure, healthcare and lifestyle, Spain has become a magnet for remote professionals, and the visa offers a clear, well-defined legal path.

You must be a non-EU/EEA national working remotely for an employer or clients located outside Spain, with the company having existed for at least one year. If employed, your contract should be at least three months old and the employer must permit remote work; if freelancing, no more than around 20% of income may come from Spanish clients.

You need to show income of at least 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage - roughly EUR 2,650-2,800 per month in 2026 - plus extra for dependants. Other requirements: a degree or three-plus years of relevant experience, private health insurance covering Spain, a clean criminal record covering the last five years, and proof you are registered for social security somewhere or will be in Spain.

Step one: decide your route - consular application abroad for the one-year visa, or in-country application to the UGE for the three-year permit if you are already legally in Spain (for example on a tourist stamp). Step two: assemble your dossier: employment or client contracts, proof the company is at least a year old, income evidence, degree or experience certificates, private health insurance, and a criminal-record certificate apostilled and translated into Spanish.

Step three (consular route): book an appointment at the Spanish consulate, submit the application and pay the fee. Step three (UGE route): create an account on the electronic portal, upload documents and pay the tasa. Step four: the authorities review the file - the UGE is known for fast decisions, often within 20 working days, with positive silence applying if they do not respond.

Step five: once approved, collect the visa or authorisation. Step six: after arriving or being approved in Spain, obtain your TIE (foreigner identity card) by registering, getting fingerprinted at a police station and collecting the card. Step seven: register with social security and consider electing the special tax regime within the deadline.

The national visa fee is roughly EUR 80, though it is higher for some nationalities (notably around EUR 160-190 for US citizens under reciprocity rules). The UGE in-country authorisation tasa is modest, around EUR 75-85. The TIE card costs approximately EUR 16-20. Budget EUR 50-150 to apostille and translate your criminal-record certificate and qualifications. Private health insurance with full Spanish coverage typically runs EUR 50-150 per month. Many applicants also pay a gestor or immigration lawyer several hundred euros to manage the filing.

The UGE in-country route is notably quick: the law sets a 20-working-day target, and if no decision is issued within that period, positive administrative silence generally means approval. Consular processing abroad is slower and more variable, commonly taking several weeks to a couple of months depending on the consulate. The three-year authorisation granted by the UGE saves the renewal effort required by the one-year consular visa, which must be converted to a residence permit after arrival.

If you entered on the consular visa, apply for your TIE within the first month: book a police appointment, attend fingerprinting and collect the card once issued. Obtain your NIE number if you do not already have one, as it is essential for banking, contracts and taxes.

Register with the Spanish social security system as required by your situation, and register your address (empadronamiento) at the local town hall. Crucially, if you want the special 24% flat-tax regime, you must elect it within six months of registering with social security - missing this window forfeits the benefit. Open a Spanish bank account, and consult a tax adviser about your residency status and obligations. The three-year UGE authorisation can later be renewed and, after five years of legal residence, supports a long-term residence application.