Quick answer
The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) lets non-EU remote workers and freelancers live in Spain. In 2026 you need to earn about €2,850/month, work remotely for companies outside Spain (≤20% Spanish clients), and have full private health insurance. Apply at a consulate (1-year visa) or inside Spain (3-year permit) — the in-Spain route is processed in ~20 days and grants a longer permit.
Who qualifies?
| Remote work | Work remotely for companies outside Spain (employee or freelancer). Max 20% of income from Spanish clients. |
| Income | ≈ €2,850/mo (200% SMI, 2026), more with dependents. Proven via contracts, payslips or invoices. |
| Company age | The company you work for must have existed for at least 1 year; your relationship with it at least 3 months. |
| Qualifications | A relevant degree OR 3+ years of professional experience in your field. |
| Clean record | Criminal-record certificate (last 5 years) from countries lived in, apostilled and translated. |
| Health cover | Full private health insurance authorised in Spain (no co-pays, no waiting periods). |
The two ways to apply
From your home country
Apply at the Spanish consulate. You get a 1-year visa, then swap it for a TIE card in Spain and renew.
From inside Spain
Enter as a tourist and apply to the UGE-CE. You get a 3-year residence permit, processed in ~20 working days.
Taxes: the Beckham Law advantage
Digital nomad visa holders can apply for the Beckham Law (impatriate regime): a flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000, instead of Spain's progressive rates (up to 47%). You must elect it within 6 months of registering with social security — get advice early, because it's easy to miss the window.
Common mistakes
- ✕Taking more than 20% of income from Spanish clients (disqualifies freelancers).
- ✕Submitting travel insurance instead of full private health insurance authorised in Spain.
- ✕Missing the 6-month Beckham Law application window.
- ✕Documents not apostilled or officially translated into Spanish.
- ✕Underestimating the income proof — banks statements, contracts and invoices must all line up.
Get your DNV done right, first time
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Get matched with a lawyerFrequently asked questions
What is the income requirement for the Spain digital nomad visa?▼
In 2026 you need to earn at least around €2,850 per month (200% of the Spanish minimum wage, SMI). Add roughly €1,070/month (75% of SMI) for the first family member and about €355/month for each additional dependent.
Can I apply for the digital nomad visa from inside Spain?▼
Yes. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country (you get a 1-year visa) or from inside Spain as a tourist through the UGE-CE (you get a 3-year residence permit). Applying from inside Spain is popular because the permit lasts longer.
How long does the Spain digital nomad visa take to process?▼
The in-Spain application (UGE-CE) is fast — often around 20 working days, with positive silence if they don't reply. Consulate processing varies but is typically a few weeks.
Can freelancers get the Spain digital nomad visa?▼
Yes. Freelancers (autónomos) qualify as long as no more than 20% of their income comes from Spanish companies. You'll usually register as autónomo and can often benefit from the Beckham Law tax regime.
Does the digital nomad visa qualify for the Beckham Law?▼
Yes — digital nomad visa holders can apply for the Beckham Law (impatriate regime), paying a flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 instead of progressive rates. You must apply within 6 months of registering with social security.
Do I need private health insurance for the digital nomad visa?▼
You need full private health insurance authorised in Spain with no co-pays and no waiting periods — unless you register with Spanish social security and use the public system. See our health insurance guide for what qualifies.
Related guides & services
General information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and thresholds change — confirm the current requirements with an official source or a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.