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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
Main applicant: €2,800/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage)
Partner: +75% (€1,050/month)
Each child or dependent: +25% (€350/month)
University degree or 3+ years of verifiable experience
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
Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate
Bring all original documents and translations
Receive a 1-year visa
Enter Spain legally (tourist visa or visa-free entry)
Submit application online at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
Get a 3-year residence permit with biometric TIE card
Application resolution: max 20 business days
TIE issuance: 30–45 days after approval
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
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%.
Must register as autónomo (self-employed)
Monthly contribution: €230–€294 depending on income
Access to healthcare, pension, parental leave
Employer may need to register in Spain (complex)
Or rely on international Social Security agreements (A1 form)
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.
| 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 |
Barcelona: tech + lifestyle
Valencia: beach + affordability
Madrid: business + cultural hub
Málaga: sun + international appeal
Private room in coliving: €700–1,200/month
Grocery basket: €200–250/month
Coworking space: €100–300/month
Public transport: €30–50/month
Empadronamiento (town hall registration)
Apply for TIE (residence card)
Open a Spanish bank account
Register for digital signature (Cl@ve or certificado digital)
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.
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
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]...”
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
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
Want to talk to people who’ve already done it?
Here’s where they hang out and share real tips:
Telegram Groups:
“Digital Nomads in Spain”
“Spain Visa Help Q&A”
Slack / Discord:
NomadList Spain
IndieHackers Madrid
Official Sources:
Startup Law - BOE.gov
Official Extranjería Portal (Spain Immigration)
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
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.
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.