Spain has become one of the globe's hottest destinations among digital nomads and work-from-anywhere professionals. Professional opportunity and sunny Mediterranean lifestyle combine in the Spanish nation to create the ultimate base among worldwide professionals. Spain boasts a thriving tech industry, low cost of living, and excellent infrastructures, making the country a compelling blend of business savvy and lifestyle.
Spain has also seen the economic and cultural potential in welcoming foreign remote talent in recent years. It has followed new policies that invite professionals with expertise to move in without bureaucratic constraints. Presenting the Digital Nomad Visa Spain became the catalyst that enables non-EU individuals to legally reside in Spain and maintain work with foreign employers or clients.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain – Explained
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under the Spain Startup Act as part of the government initiative to entice foreign professionals who work remotely and foreign entrepreneurs. It provides a straightforward legal way for non-EU nationals to reside in Spain and work virtually for businesses located somewhere else.
This venture is among Spain's initiatives in becoming a global hub of innovation and digital transformation. By inviting digital specialists to live and work there, Spain strengthens its economy, facilitates cultural exchange, and revives towns—especially smaller towns and islands that are actively welcoming new additions.
1. International Remote Worker / Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa)
This is the official and most popular Spain Digital Nomad Visa scheme. It is open to remote workers, freelancers, or business founders who work through the computer and carry out their activity for foreign clients or bosses. It is a visa that grants legal residence to people who receive income abroad and live the Spanish lifestyle, with professional security and location freedom combined.
Duration Stay/ Validity: The first visa, if issued in your home country, is valid for a maximum of 12 months. On arrival in Spain, you can exchange it for a residence authorization valid for three years, which can be renewed for another two years. After five consecutive years of regular legal stay, you can apply for prolonged or permanent residencies, granting longer rights just like Spanish nationals.
Permitted Activities: Visa holders can work from home for a foreign-based employer, have an online business that caters to foreign clients, or be a freelance service provider for different clients in foreign countries
Prohibited Activities: No work is permitted directly with any Spanish company beyond the permissible percentage. No work that comes under local licensing, such as regulated professions, is allowed without special permission.
Renewal: Renewal is not difficult at all as long as you continue meeting all the conditions of eligibility. You must continue retaining the level of income, the employment or client association, and evidence of continuous coverage under the taxation and health insurance obligations.
2. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The majority of the remote workers were previously dependent on the Non-Lucrative Visa. However, the visa is actually designated for people who want to reside in Spain without pursuing any work-based activity.
Duration of Stay: The Non-Lucrative Visa is given one year's residence as a starter and can be renewed annually up to five years, and thereafter, one can opt for permanent residency.
Permitted Activities: Holders can reside in Spain on the basis of passive sources like saving, pension, or revenue on investments. This visa is more focused on residence, rather than work.
Prohibited Activities: No work activity, such as work from home on behalf of foreign companies, is legally permitted with this visa. It has unofficially been used by certain work-from-home professionals, although this is risked with prosecution.
Renewal: Renewals need evidence of sustained self-support and personal health coverage. Though stable, the visa is not very practical for working professionals who have plans on doing worldwide work legally.
3. Freelancer / Self-Employed Visa
The Freelancer Visa, also called the Autónomo Visa, is another alternative for individuals who wish to open a business or work with Spanish clients. It is suitable for businesspeople, advisors, and artistic professionals who desire to work on the ground or develop a mixed work life that blends Spanish and foreign clients.
Duration of Stay: Valid for one year, the visa can be renewed every two years as the applicant maintains qualifying income and business needs.
Permitted Activities: You can have a registered Spanish business, be self-employed and pay as an autónomo, and service local and foreign clients. It is suitable for professionals who will be resident in Spain on a long-term basis.
Prohibited Activities: You cannot work under a Spanish employment contract without switching to a different visa category.
Renewal: Renewal is subject to evidence of continuation of business activity, financial viability, and tax compliance.
ZetSIM – Best eSIM for Spain in 2025
In the ultra-connected world that we live in today, quality mobile data is the unlocked that every Spanish digital nomad needs. Working at that Barcelona café or exploring the beaches near Málaga asks that you always, always be connected. Enter the ultimate eSIM for Spain available, the one and only ZetSIM. ZetSIM offers hassle-free coverage to traveller’s, expats, and nomads without physical SIMs or local contracts.
What is ZetSIM?
ZetSIM is a worldwide eSIM service that provides quick, reliable, and secure data connection in over 120 countries, including Spain. Created with the contemporary traveler as well as with digital nomads in consideration, the service lets you prebook data plans online before the trip, and you get the data as soon as you arrive.
Unlike the regular SIM card, an eSIM or embedded SIM is actually integrated into your device or phone directly. This means that you can virtually install multiple plans, switch networks instantly, and be saved from the trouble of having to purchase local SIM cards in every new destination.
Benefits of Using ZetSIM Spain eSIM
Instant Activation – Get your Spain eSIM activated instantly when you purchase through QR code, no paper work or physical SIM is required.
No Roaming Fees – Make local calls in Spain without the outrageous cost of roaming charges. Multiple Device Compatibility – Supports nearly all the newest smartphones, tablets, and laptops that have eSIM capability.
Flexible Data Plans – Choose short-term or longer-term plans that fit into your plan of traveling or work-from-remote schedule.
Keep Your Primary Number – Use your normal SIM for calling whilst ZetSIM takes care of your data connection.
High-Speed 4G/5G Network – Experience Spain's leading networks for seamless, unbroken internet connection.
Ideal for Digital Nomads – Work from any part of Spain — coworking spaces, hostels, or even the beach — with assured stable internet connection.
Requirements For Being a Digital Nomad in Spain
Applicants must satisfy general and special requirements in order to be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain. Those requirements ensure that the incoming professionals are stable enough financially, legally compliant, and actually involve themselves in the activity of remote work.
The Spanish government has kept the process inclusive for both the employed and self-employed. Regardless of whether you're a full-time work-from-home employee or a freelance worker who serves clients abroad, the scheme is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate different professional histories without sacrificing transparency and accountability.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be non-EU nationals, at least 18-year olds, and should have no conviction in any crime in the past five years. You should be insured under public or private health insurance that is accepted in Spain and have stable finances that are ample enough to provide for you and any dependents.
Not any less important is proof of remote work. You must be able to present proof that your work is possible online and that your business or company is located outside Spain. This is just to ensure that the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is helping true teleworkers and not local job seekers.
Specific Requirements for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Applicants should have worked remotely at least three months before the date of the application, from their employer or client who should have had a setup in Spain at least one year. Freelancers should be able to demonstrate that at least 80% of the income is derived from non-Spanish clients.
The economic threshold is the key:
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Main applicant: minimum €2,760/month or €33,120/year.
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Spouse or partner: +€1,035/month.
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Each dependent child: +€346/month.
These amounts allow the digital nomads to live off the money independently. Also, papers need to be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled, and the applicants need a NIE number before or at the start of the process.
Documents Required for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The documentation process is quite detailed, and accuracy is the secret to success. An applicant is required to provide a complete file with personal, financial, and work documents. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork may delay or cause any rejection.
Required documents are:
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Completed visa application form (Type D).
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Current passport photo with plain background.
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Valid passport with at least a six-month validity.
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Documentation of ownership back home or in the Consular District.
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Certificate of criminal record (90 days).
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Contracts of employment or freelance that indicate work-from-home capability.
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Continuation of employment evidence (tax statements or payslips).
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Bank statements with enough income.
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Private health insurance valid in Spain.
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Accommodation evidence (rental agreement or accommodation receipt).
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University degree or professional certification.
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Translations and Apostilles of all foreign documents.
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Medical certification that you are in sound health.
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Visa fee receipt and photocopy of passport.
It is best that all your papers be retained both physically and electronically in order to avoid delay when being processed.
How to Apply for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain will either be when one is within Spain or when they are abroad. It is slightly different in terms of process, but the same sequence applies when submitting the documents, then checking, followed by collection of the residence card.
1. Application through Spanish Embassy or Consulate
This is the standard procedure for non-domestic applicants. Start by gathering your papers, making sure the translations and the apostilles are done. Next, make an appointment through your local Spanish consulate and go yourself, presenting your petition in person.
2. Applying from Within Spain
If you are already legally in the country of Spain (e.g., on a tourist visa), then you can apply directly for the residence permit equivalent of the digital nomad visa. Apply online or in person via the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. It will, on average, take approximately 20 working days for the processing.
3. Online Application through Government Portal
Partial online application access is available through the Spanish government. Filling out forms, submitting documents, and making fee payments is possible through official portals, along with monitoring the status of your Spain Digital Nomad Visa application. Biometric validation and issuing of cards, however, require appearance in person.
4. For U.S. Applicants
US nationals must apply through the Spanish Consulate that is closest to them in the US. It is all managed by Spanish authorities—USCIS is not involved in handling Spain Digital Nomad Visa applications. Requirements can differ between the document requirements from one consulate to another, so check before applying.
Cost of Applying for Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa Spain Application is reasonably priced compared to other residency strategies. How much is the breakdown below estimated?
|
Item |
Cost (€) |
Notes |
|
Visa Fee |
80–90 |
Paid at consulate |
|
Residence Permit Fee |
73.26 |
Ministry fee |
|
Renewal Fee |
78.67 |
For 2-year renewal |
|
NIE Application |
9–10 |
Required for ID |
|
Apostille/Translation |
30–60 per document |
Varies by origin |
|
Health Insurance |
50–150/month |
Based on coverage |
|
TIE Card Fee |
16 |
Identity card issuance |
|
Miscellaneous |
100–200 |
Copies, transport, etc. |
FAQ’s
How hard is it to get a Spain digital nomad visa?
It is fairly possible if you qualify on the income and work requirements. Challenges remain, however, in authenticating documents and the accuracy in translation.
Does Spain still have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is active and still receives thousands of fresh applications every year since the launch in 2023.
What are the disadvantages of the Nomad Visa?
Steep income requirements, tax complexity, and paperwork can be overwhelming. Additionally, only 20% of your income can be Spanish-based.
What is the fastest citizenship in Spain?
Spain awards citizenship after 10 years of stay, although citizens from the Latin American countries, the Philippines, and some other nations can be eligible after 2 years.
Conclusion
Your Ultimate Guidebook to the Digital Nomad Life in Spain. Spain is at the intersection of past and future, and that is why professionals who desire work-from-anywhere opportunities and a very high quality of life choose Spain as the destination. With the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you have the freedom to live legally in one of the globe's most beautiful and culturally blessed nations and still carry on your worldwide profession. No matter if you envision spending time working from a beachside café in Málaga, a co-living apartment in Barcelona, or a secluded villa in the Canary Islands, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is the key to the ultimate lifestyle.
