The full guide
Who can get Spain’s digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad route, officially the international teleworker visa and residence permit, was created by Spain’s Startups Law in 2023. It is for non-EU citizens who can do their job entirely online for companies based outside Spain. Employees can only work for their foreign employer. Freelancers can also take Spanish clients, as long as that work stays under 20% of their total activity.
You also need a real working relationship that is at least three months old when you apply, with a company that has been operating for at least a year. And you need a university degree or professional qualification, or at least three years of experience in similar work.
How much income do you need in 2026?
The threshold is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (SMI). The 2026 SMI, set by Royal Decree 126/2026, is €1,221 a month over 14 payments, which works out at €1,424.50 a month over 12. That gives these figures:
| Household | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant (200% SMI) | €2,849 | €34,188 |
| First family member (+75% SMI) | +€1,068 | +€12,821 |
| Each additional member (+25% SMI) | +€356 | +€4,274 |
So a couple needs about €3,917 a month and a couple with one child about €4,274. Show payslips or invoices for the last few months and bank statements that match.
Apply at a consulate or from inside Spain?
There are two routes. From abroad, you apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate for your place of residence. It’s valid for up to a year, and in the final 60 days you can apply in Spain for a residence permit of up to three years.
If you’re already in Spain legally, for example within your 90 visa-free days, you can apply online to the UGE for a residence permit of up to three years straight away. Renewals are for two years. After five years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.
Documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Full copy, valid for the length of your stay |
| Application form | National visa form (consulate) or the online UGE application |
| Employment contract or client contracts | Showing at least three months of relationship |
| Company letter | Authorising remote work from Spain, with role and salary |
| Company documents | Proof it has operated for at least a year |
| Degree or proof of experience | Diploma, or reference letters showing three years’ experience |
| Proof of income | Payslips or invoices plus bank statements |
| Health insurance | No co-payments, waiting periods or limits |
| Criminal record certificates | Apostilled and translated |
| Social security evidence | Coverage certificate, employer registration or autónomo plan |
| Fee receipt | €73.26 per person for UGE applications |
Social security and tax
If you’re employed, your employer either registers with Spanish social security or you show a certificate that you remain covered at home under a social security agreement. The UK and the US both have agreements with Spain. Freelancers must register in Spain’s self-employed regime (RETA); the official FAQ is clear that an agreement can’t replace this. See registering as autónomo.
Living in Spain for more than 183 days a year makes you tax resident. Many digital nomads apply for the special regime for inbound workers, the Beckham Law, which taxes Spanish employment income at a flat 24% up to €600,000. You must apply within six months of registering with social security. See the Beckham Law checklist.
Common reasons applications are refused
Income just under the threshold, or not matching bank statements.
A contract that started less than three months before applying.
No letter confirming you can work remotely from Spain.
Health insurance with co-payments or waiting periods.
Missing apostilles or sworn translations.
Freelancers earning more than 20% from Spanish clients.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can apply with you. Add 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each extra one.
Can I work for Spanish companies?
Employees can’t. Freelancers can, as long as Spanish clients make up no more than 20% of their work.
Does my time count towards permanent residence and citizenship?
Yes. It’s legal residence, so it counts towards long-term residence after five years and towards the ten years usually needed for citizenship.
Do I still need an NIE and TIE?
Your NIE is assigned during the process. Once approved, you book a fingerprint appointment and collect your TIE card. See getting your TIE.
Official sources
UGE: authorisations and requirements
