Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Do you think Spain beckons with just paella and plazas? Think again, as the country is increasingly becoming a hub for digital nomads, with the world starting to realize its potential as more than just a tourist destination.
Speaking of numbers, in Q4 2024 alone, the country issued 5,619 digital nomad visas, almost double the number it achieved in previous quarters.
To be sure, Spain launched its digital nomad-friendly visa scheme in 2023. More than 7,000 remote workers have become legal long-stay residents under the scheme.
Well, who doesn’t want to sip cortados in Barcelona at sunrise, chit-chat on Slack from a leafy Andalusian courtyard at midday, and then join locals for tapas as dusk sweeps in.
Sounds amazing, right? Well, you can get yourself a Spanish digital nomad visa and live the grand Spanish life.
But does Spain have a digital nomad visa? Of course, it has, and in this blog, we will explain Spanish visa requirements, how to apply for it, and more.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Spain digital nomad visa, you must:
- Be a non-EU or non-EEA citizen.
- Work remotely for a company or clients outside Spain. Freelancers can have Spanish clients as long as they make up less than 20% of their income.
- Show either a university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Digital nomad visa Spain income requirements: You must earn at least €2,763 per month (roughly twice Spain’s minimum wage). If you bring dependents, you need extra income to cover them.
Documents you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of income and remote employment (contract or client agreements)
- Clean criminal record from the past 5 years
- Private health insurance valid in Spain
- Recent passport photo
A digital nomad visa grants an initial stay of up to one year (if applying from abroad) or three years if you switch your status while in Spain. And the best part is that you renew your visa for up to five years total.
For country-specific Spain digital nomad visa requirements, it would be best to visit a Spanish embassy in your country to get everything in detail. Also, it goes without saying, but a clean criminal record also helps you improve your visa approval chances.
How To Apply For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The application process depends on where you are when you apply for a digital nomad visa for Spain.
1. Apply from your home country
Are you applying for a digital nomad visa for Spain from your home country? The process starts with visiting a Spanish consulate and submitting your visa application there, including the national visa form.
You also need to pay the visa fee, which comes in at around €73. Last but not least, you will also be required to furnish your documents, such as proof of income, employment or freelance contracts, a criminal record certificate, and health insurance valid in Spain.
2. Apply from within Spain
Are you already in Spain on a tourist visa or another valid permit? Well, you can easily apply for a three-year residence permit to live a digital nomad life there. These applications have quicker turnaround times as you have to consult directly with Spain’s immigration office instead of going through a consulate in a different country.
You’ll need a Foreigner’s ID (NIE) and proof that your current stay is legal. Once you get the permit, it can be renewed later for up to five years.
3. After arrival
After arriving in Spain, you have 30 days to register your address and apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). You can do this at a local immigration office or police station. The TIE serves as official proof of your residency in Spain.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
While applying for Spain digital nomad visa, one can make small mistakes that can be completely avoided if given proper attention.
For instance, missing or outdated documents, especially criminal record certificates or proof of remote employment, or details of family members, are some of the most common mistakes that can cost dearly while applying for the Spanish digital nomad visa.
On the other hand, at times, applicants do forget to get their documents apostilled or translated into Spanish. Failure to do this leads to automatic rejection of the visa application.
Another frequent slip is insufficient proof of income. The visa officers want to see consistent earnings above the €2,763 monthly threshold, not just one or two high-paying months.
Finally, skipping the health insurance requirement or submitting policies that do not cover Spain fully is a red flag. Double-check coverage details before applying, as Spain’s consulates are strict on this point.
Final Words
Spain is ticking all the right boxes when it comes to attracting digital nomads. On the 2025 Digital Nomad Index, the nation scored 89.12. Thanks to its strong infrastructure, open policies, and laid-back lifestyle.
If you haven’t been there, try grabbing a coffee in Barcelona or a sunny terrace in the Canary Islands, and you will see why it’s worth it. On top of all, you get fast Wi-Fi and reasonable rents that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
If your idea of work-life balance includes morning emails and evening tapas, apply for Spain digital nomad visa today! Also, don’t forget to check the best travel tools for digital nomads in 2025 to stay on top of your remote work game.