Over the years, Spain has firmly established itself as a premier European destination for digital nomads. In fact, this status was confirmed in the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, which ranked it at number 1 spot thanks to its excellent work-life balance and attractive visa options for non-EU citizens looking to relocate to Spain.
First introduced in 2023, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most popular gateways into the country today.
Spain digital nomad requirements
Work outside of Spain
One of the biggest appeals of the digital nomad visa Spain offers is its inclusivity: both employed individuals and freelancers (self-employed) are eligible.
However, the key requirement is that the work they carry out must be for a company located outside of Spain. If the applicant is a freelancer, they are permitted to derive up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients, but the remaining 80% must be international.
Proof of professional expertise
Applicants must be able to prove that they have been working or maintaining their freelance clients for at least 3 months prior to the visa application. To do so, they may need to submit a copy of their work contract or bank statements.
On top of that, they are required to showcase at least 3 years of work experience in their current field, or have a relevant degree from a university, college, business school or other official institution.
Financial thresholds
One of the most crucial criteria for a Spain remote work visa is the minimal income requirement. The applicants have to provide documentary proof of their financial means, which must be at least 200% of the national monthly minimum wage in Spain – as of 2026, this would hover around €2,850 per month.
If there are additional applicants (e.g. partners or family members), they must meet an additional means of at least 75% for the first applicant and 25% for each further applicant. The proof can only be presented in acceptable formats, such as bank statements or payslips.
General requirements
In addition to the above, the Spain visa for freelancers includes a list of documentation requirements, which are generally the same for all visa applications. This includes the following:
- National visa application form.
- A recent, passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Valid passport (expiry date must be at least 1 year from the date of application).
- Criminal record certificate (applicants must request an official certificate from their country of residence for the past 2 years).
- Proof of residence in their consular district.
- Private health insurance policy.
- Payment of the visa fee in local currency.
Tax implications under the DNV
The growing numbers of non-EU and, particularly, UK citizens moving to Spain are not just down to the sunshine. High-earning tech entrepreneurs can also benefit from the special tax regime under the Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the Beckham Law.
Under this regime, digital nomads are taxed at a flat rate of 24% on the first €600,00 and 47% on anything over that threshold. So, for those relocating from the UK, for instance, this could amount to significant tax savings.
The tax status does not apply automatically, however. Remote workers in Spain must apply for it within 6 months of obtaining their residence permit.
Administrative updates introduced in 2025
There are several administrative changes made in 2025, which will impact those applying for the visa in 2026.
One of the most significant updates was regarding the Social Security bottleneck for employees from countries without a bilateral social security agreement with Spain (such as the US). The recent changes have standardized the process, allowing the professionals to register as Autónomos (self-employed) in Spain, while maintaining the contract with their employer.
Additionally, the UGE-CE has moved toward a more digital-first interface, reducing the “administrative silence” periods, though the demand for high-quality, professional translations remains a strict requirement.
Common legal pitfalls
Despite the popularity of the program, many digital nomads encounter legal pitfalls that lead to refused application. While they can make an appeal, this may delay the process for a further 2 to 3 months.
By far the most common error is failing to provide accurate information and documents. To successfully obtain a digital nomad visa Spain, applicants must make sure that everything is declared as accurately as possible from day one. Any errors in the initial filing will complicate the process or result in visa denial.
Plus, many remote workers forget to check the telework clause in a traditional employment contract. If the contract does not state that the employee is authorized to work remotely from Spain, the application is likely to fail.
To minimize the chances of these pitfalls, many professionals choose to partner up with a specialized Spain immigration lawyer, who can spot any legal issues and help prepare the strongest application possible.
Moving to Spain
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers an exceptional opportunity for remote workers and tech entrepreneurs to take advantage of both the Mediterranean lifestyle and the country’s favorable tax laws. However, with the demand for high levels of precision, the window for casual visa applications has closed.