Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide — Requirements, Income, Application

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (officially called the Visado de Teletrabajo de Carácter Internacional) was introduced under Law 28/2022 (the Startup Law) and came into effect in January 2023. It allows non-EU remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Spain for up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
• Work remotely for a company or clients based outside Spain (you can work for Spanish companies for up to 20% of your total income)
• Have at least 1 year of continuous employment or a proven track record as a freelancer
• Earn a minimum of €2,849/month (200% of Spain's minimum wage, as of 2025)

Here's exactly what you'll need to gather:

1. Valid passport — must be valid for at least 1 year beyond your intended stay
2. Proof of employment — employment contract or client contracts (minimum 1 year)
3. Proof of income — last 3 months' payslips or bank statements showing income
4. Criminal background check — from your country of residence, apostilled
5. Private health insurance — covering all risks in Spain for the duration of your stay
6. Proof of accommodation — rental contract or property deed
7. Completed application form — available from the Spanish consulate
8. Application fee payment — approximately €80 (varies by consulate)

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents (4–8 weeks)

Start collecting documents well in advance. Criminal background checks can take 3–6 weeks in many countries and need to be apostilled.

Step 2: Apply at Your Local Spanish Consulate

Submit your application in person at the Spanish consulate in your home country. Book an appointment well in advance as slots fill quickly.

Step 3: Wait for Approval (4–8 weeks)

The consulate typically processes applications within 30 working days. They may ask for additional documents.

Step 4: Enter Spain and Register

Once approved, you have 3 months to enter Spain. Upon arrival, register at your local town hall (empadronamiento).

Step 5: Apply for TIE Card

Within 30 days of arrival, apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the immigration office.

• Application fee: ~€80
• Criminal record apostille: €50–€150
• Health insurance: €50–€150/month
• Legal assistance (recommended): €800–€1,500
• TIE card: ~€12

Digital Nomad Visa holders can potentially apply for Spain's Beckham Law (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados), which allows you to pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000/year instead of the standard progressive rates (up to 47%).

This can represent significant savings for high earners.

• Applying too late — Give yourself at least 3 months before your planned move date
• Apostille delays — Criminal record apostilles can take weeks; start early
• Insufficient income proof — Bank statements must clearly show regular income
• Wrong health insurance — Must specifically cover Spain with no co-pays or exclusions

Navigating the Digital Nomad Visa process can be complex. Our immigration lawyers have helped hundreds of remote workers successfully obtain their visas. Book a free 30-minute consultation to get personalized guidance for your specific situation.