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Spain Digital Nomad Visa: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Living and Working Remotely in Spain

Looking to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain? This guide covers everything: requirements, taxes, how to apply from inside or outside Spain, benefits for remote workers, and how to make Spain your long-term home.

What Is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

If you're a non-EU remote worker or freelancer looking to live legally in Spain while working for foreign clients, this section explains what Spain’s digital nomad visa is and what makes it unique among EU nomad programs.

The visa was launched in 2023 as part of the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022). It allows remote professionals to live in Spain legally while working for companies located abroad. Apply for a 1-year visa abroad or get a 3-year residence permit from within Spain.

Why Spain, Why Now

In a world where mobility is power, Spain has decided to play offense. With the introduction of the digital nomad visa in 2023, it positioned itself not just as a sunny backdrop for remote work, but as a strategic European base for high-skilled professionals worldwide. This guide is not for dreamers — it's for decision-makers. You'll find a structured, practical and realistic roadmap to move legally, optimize taxes, and build a meaningful remote lifestyle from Spain.

The Legal Framework Behind the Digital Nomad Visa

The visa is officially known as the "residence permit for international telework" (residencia para teletrabajo de carácter internacional). It was introduced under Article 74 of Spain’s Startup Law (Ley 28/2022) and clarified by Instruction DGM 1/2023.

What the visa allows you to do:

  • Live legally in Spain as a remote worker or digital entrepreneur

  • Work for non-Spanish clients or companies (up to 20% Spanish clients max)

  • Bring your family with you under one application

  • Apply from abroad or while already in Spain

What it doesn’t allow:

  • To take a local job in Spain

  • To operate as a tourist with Spanish clients above the 20% threshold

  • To skip health insurance or ignore tax compliance

Requirements: Who Qualifies and What You Need

Legal eligibility:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national

  • Be working remotely for a non-Spanish company or as a freelancer

  • Have no criminal record in the last 5 years

Income thresholds:

  • Main applicant: €2,800/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage)

  • Partner: +75% (€1,050/month)

  • Each child or dependent: +25% (€350/month)

Professional criteria:

  • University degree or 3+ years of verifiable experience

Documentation checklist:

  • Passport copy and recent photo

  • Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, invoices)

  • Employment letter or freelance client letters

  • Background check certificate (apostilled + translated)

  • Private health insurance policy valid in Spain

  • Proof of relationship for family members

How to Apply: From Abroad or Inside Spain

Option A: Apply from your country

  • Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate

  • Bring all original documents and translations

  • Receive a 1-year visa

Option B: Apply from inside Spain (recommended)

Timeline:

  • Application resolution: max 20 business days

  • TIE issuance: 30–45 days after approval

The Beckham Tax Regime: How to Save Thousands

Spain offers a unique flat tax regime (Beckham Law) for inbound professionals:

  • Flat 24% income tax on Spanish-source income (up to €600,000)

  • No tax on foreign income (in most cases)

  • Applies for 6 years

Requirements to apply:

  • Register for Spanish Social Security

  • Submit Model 149 within 6 months

  • File yearly via Model 151

Without this regime, income is taxed progressively up to 47%.

Social Security and Work Structure

Freelancers:

  • Must register as autónomo (self-employed)

  • Monthly contribution: €230–€294 depending on income

  • Access to healthcare, pension, parental leave

Employees:

  • Employer may need to register in Spain (complex)

  • Or rely on international Social Security agreements (A1 form)

Real-Life Scenarios and Interviews

Case 1: American UX designer — working remotely for a US tech startup, applied from Spain and now lives in Valencia. Uses Beckham regime, pays 24% flat tax.

Case 2: Colombian content creator — applied from Bogotá, brought her partner and daughter. Paying IRPF under regular rates but living fully legal.

Case 3: Indian developer — runs a SaaS with clients in Canada and Australia, applied with assistance from a Spanish gestor. Runs his business from a co-living in Barcelona.

Spain vs. Other Countries – Full Comparison

Country Min. Income Tax Benefits Permit Duration Apply from Inside Family Included
Spain €2,800/mo ✅ 24% flat tax 3 years ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Portugal €3,040/mo ❌ None 1 year ❌ No ✅ Yes
Italy €8,500/year ❌ None 1 year ❌ No ✅ Yes
Greece €3,500/mo ❌ None 1 year ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Croatia €2,539/mo ❌ None 1 year ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Georgia ~$2,000/mo ✅ Tax-free if <183 days 1 year ✅ Yes ❌ No

Living in Spain as a Remote Worker

Best cities for digital nomads:

  • Barcelona: tech + lifestyle

  • Valencia: beach + affordability

  • Madrid: business + cultural hub

  • Málaga: sun + international appeal

Cost of living snapshot (2025):

  • Private room in coliving: €700–1,200/month

  • Grocery basket: €200–250/month

  • Coworking space: €100–300/month

  • Public transport: €30–50/month

Essential tasks on arrival:

  • Empadronamiento (town hall registration)

  • Apply for TIE (residence card)

  • Open a Spanish bank account

  • Register for digital signature (Cl@ve or certificado digital)

Templates and Resources

Don’t rely on assumptions or second-hand advice. Here’s a curated list of real, vetted resources to help you apply efficiently and confidently — with downloadable templates, official checklists, and trusted expert support.

📄 A. Remote Work Confirmation Letter – Template for Employees

If you're employed by a non-Spanish company, you’ll need a signed letter confirming:

  • You're currently employed

  • You’ve been with the company at least 3 months

  • Your job is fully remote

  • The company allows you to work from Spain

🟢 Use this real example template:
SpainGuru Employer Letter Template

Also helpful:
Consult Immigration – Employer Letter Requirements

💼 B. Self-Employed / Freelancer Income Declaration Templates

If you’re a freelancer with international clients, you may need to provide:

  • A self-signed income declaration

  • A summary of monthly invoices

  • Letters from major clients

🟢 Find examples and community advice:
Reddit – Employer Letter Examples for Nomad Visas

You can also create a short declaration like:

“I, [name], hereby declare that I provide consulting services to [Client A, Country], [Client B, Country]...”

📋 C. Application Checklist with Translation & Apostille Requirements

A complete, editable document checklist covering:

  • Required documents for applicants and family

  • Which documents must be translated

  • Apostille requirements per country

  • Where and how to obtain official translations

🟢 Real example:
Movewise Digital Nomad Visa Checklist

Also see the BLS Spain PDF checklist shared in forums:
ExpatForum Visa Form Tips

👩‍💼 D. Recommended Visa Advisors & Gestorías

If you want legal support or help filing your documents:

  • 🇪🇸 Lexidy Law – Multilingual law firm (Spain, Portugal, Greece)

  • 🇪🇸 NIE Spain – Visa & residency paperwork specialists

  • 🌍 Jobbatical – Remote work visa platform

  • 💼 Migrun – Full-service platform for EU digital nomad visas

  • 🧾 Declarando – Ideal for Beckham tax filing

🌐 E. Community Links & Support Channels

Want to talk to people who’ve already done it?
Here’s where they hang out and share real tips:

✉️ F. Email Templates for Consulate Contact

If you're applying from abroad and need to book a visa appointment:

  • Formal request template (subject: “Digital Nomad Visa – Appointment Request”)

  • Follow-up reminder email after 7 days

  • Checklist of documents to attach and mention

🟢 While no official public template exists, you can draft using the models shared in:
ExpatForum Spain Visa Forms Thread

 


FAQs for spain digital nomad visa

Can I work with Spanish clients? Yes, but max 20% of your income.

Do I have to pay Social Security? Yes, unless covered by A1 certificate.

Can I bring my family? Yes, with extra income proof and documents.

Does this lead to permanent residency? Yes, after 5 years.

How soon should I apply after entering Spain? Within your legal 90-day window.

What happens if I lose income or change clients? You must maintain compliance or risk non-renewal.

Does it help toward Spanish citizenship? Yes — after 2 years (LatAm citizens) or 10 years.

Next Steps

This is your moment to shift from freelance chaos to international structure. Spain offers one of the most robust and rewarding paths for digital nomads — legally, fiscally and personally.

Now you have the roadmap.

Spain’s digital nomad visa isn’t just paperwork — it’s a gateway to a better life. If you're ready to relocate legally, build your business, and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, this is your sign.

Looking for a place to land? Check out Green Living Coliving in Barcelona — flexible housing, strong WiFi, and a curated nomad community to help you settle smoothly.

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