Digital Nomad Visa in Spain 2026: A Complete Guide to Requirements and Application

Remote work has firmly established itself as the new global standard. More and more professionals work from anywhere in the world without being tied to a physical office or the country of their employer. For this reason, the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain remains one of the most popular and stable immigration options for 2026.

If you are considering remote work in Spain, planning a relocation, or looking to live legally in the country while maintaining foreign-sourced income, this guide will help you understand the requirements, application process, and real opportunities offered by the digital nomad visa Spain.

What Is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

The Digital Nomad residence permit was introduced in Spain under the Startup Law — Ley 28/2022, which amended the Entrepreneurs’ Law (Ley 14/2013). These legal provisions established the official status of internacional teletrabajador — an international remote worker.

As of 2026, this immigration regime:

• remains fully in force and actively applied;
• has well-established administrative practice;
• is considered one of the most predictable legalization routes in Spain for remote professionals.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

The regime is available to two main categories of applicants:

Employed Workers

• work under an employment contract;
• employer is registered outside Spain;
• work is performed entirely remotely.

Independent Contractors / Freelancers

• work under service contracts;
• may have multiple clients;
• cooperation with Spanish companies is allowed, but must not exceed 20% of total income.

This distinction is crucial, as it directly affects taxation, social security obligations, and future legal status in Spain.

Social Security: One of the Key Legal Nuances

For employed remote workers, the following rule applies:

• if there is a social security agreement between Spain and the employer’s country, social contributions paid abroad are recognized in Spain;
• if no such agreement exists, the employer must register in the Spanish social security system.

In practice, this requirement often becomes a major obstacle. In such cases, applying as an independent contractor may be a viable alternative.

Freelancers, once approved, must register in Spain as autónomo and independently manage their tax and reporting obligations.

Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad residence permit falls under Spain’s special immigration regime and offers significant advantages:

• residence permit valid for 3 years when applying from Spain;
• family reunification, including adult children and dependent parents;
• family members are granted the right to work;
• access to a special tax regime with a fixed 24% tax rate (subject to conditions);
• legally established processing time — 20 business days;
• free movement within Spain and the Schengen Area;
• access to third-country consulates (USA, UK, Japan, etc.) from Spain.

Financial Requirements in 2026

The income threshold is linked to Spain’s minimum wage (SMI), which is reviewed annually.

Applicable for 2026 (based on the latest published SMI):

• minimum income: at least 200% of SMI;
• guideline amount: from €2,760 net per month;
• income must be received to a bank account;
• cash income, rental income, and investments are not accepted.

For family members:

• +75% of SMI for the first family member;
• +25% of SMI for each additional family member.

Required Documents

The standard application package includes:

• employment contract or service agreement (concluded at least 3 months prior);
• proof that the employer/company has existed for more than 1 year (with apostille);
• university degree with apostille or proof of relevant professional experience;
• criminal record certificate with apostille;
• private health insurance without deductibles, valid in Spain;
• proof of income for the last 3 months;
• bank statements;
• employer’s consent for remote work from Spain.

All documents must be submitted with sworn translations.

How to Apply

Application from Spain

• possible if you are legally present in the country;
• submitted online through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE);
• residence permit is issued for 3 years immediately.

Application via Spanish Consulate

• a 1-year Digital Nomad visa is issued;
• after entry into Spain, a residence permit may be requested.

Taxes and Tax Residency

In most cases, the Digital Nomad residence leads to Spanish tax residency because:

• residence requires staying in Spain for more than 183 days per year;
• professional activity is carried out from Spanish territory.

Employed applicants may qualify for the special expatriate tax regime (commonly known as the Beckham Law), provided all conditions are met.

Frequently Asked Questions and Common Mistakes

Can I work without a contract?
No. The absence of a contract is grounds for refusal.

Can I change clients or employers?
Yes, but the immigration authority must be notified.

Can I open a business in Spain?
Yes, but you cannot work in your own company as an employee.

Can I switch to another residence permit?
Yes. After 1 year, a modification is possible; after 5 years — permanent residence.

Why Spain and the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations for remote workers due to:

• a stable legal framework;
• mild climate and high quality of life;
• clear and transparent immigration rules;
• opportunities for long-term legal residence.

The Digital Nomad Visa Spain 2026 is not an experimental status but a fully established and reliable legal pathway for remote professionals. However, this residence type involves numerous legal and tax nuances that must be carefully assessed before submitting an application.

The lawyers at ProSpainConsulting provide full legal support — from contract and tax analysis to online application filing and communication with immigration authorities.

Contact us to assess your situation and choose the most effective route to legal residence in Spain.