Digital nomad visa for Spain: 2026 requirements and how to apply

What is the digital nomad visa for Spain? 

Spain’s digital nomad visa is a legal residence permit that allows remote workers from outside the European Union (EU) to live in Spain. It’s distinct from a tourist visa, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for a short period of time, and traditional work permits, which requires visitors to have a Spanish employer. 

Spain’s digital nomad visa was introduced in 2023 as part of the Startup Act, which aimed to attract foreign talent and investment. The digital nomad visa allows remote workers from outside the EU to live in Spain for one year (if applying from abroad) or three years (if applying from within Spain).

Spain’s digital nomad visa doesn’t have any minimum residency requirements. However, if you want to renew your visa, you must show Spanish residency. Digital nomad visa holders can renew their visa in two-year periods for up to five years. At that point, they have the option to apply for permanent residency.

The digital nomad visa is primarily aimed at freelancers and entrepreneurs. However, starting in 2026, full-time, W2 remote workers from non-Spanish companies are also eligible.

Who can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa?

Any non-EU citizen who works remotely for themselves or a non-Spanish company can apply for the digital nomad visa. That means US citizens and green card holders are also eligible! 

Your application will be carefully reviewed to make sure you meet certain requirements, including:

• Income.

• Higher education.

• Work experience.

The Spanish digital nomad visa is considered moderately competitive, with a 58% acceptance rate, so not everyone who applies will be accepted.

Requirements for a Spanish digital nomad visa in 2026 

Let’s take a look at all the requirements for a Spanish digital nomad visa in 2026.

• Remote worker status. You must prove that you’re a remote worker with at least three months of job experience, either through ongoing freelance contracts/commercial relationships or stable remote employment with a non-Spanish company. Freelancers can have Spanish clients, but no more than 20% of their income can come from Spanish companies.

• Higher education. Applicants must have a college degree, accredited professional certificate, or at least three years of work experience.

• Income requirement. You must demonstrate a monthly income that is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. In 2026, that number is currently €2,762 (approximately US$3,250).

• Family income requirement. If your spouse or children want to come to Spain with you, you’ll need to meet certain additional family income requirements: an additional 75% of the Spanish minimum wage (€1,035.75/US$1,220) for the first family member and 25% (€345.25/US$407) for other dependents.

• Health insurance. Digital nomad visa applicants have to get private health insurance from a Spanish-authorized provider. The policy must provide equivalent coverage to Spain's National Health System, without copays or deductibles.

Documents required to get Spain’s digital nomad visa

If you’re interested in getting Spain’s digital nomad visa, you’ll need to collect these documents:

1. A completed National Visa Application form.

2. A passport that will be valid at least three months after your visa expires.

3. Two passport photos.

4. Proof of employment (i.e., contracts and letters from your employer).

5. Proof of income (i.e., paystubs and bank statements).

6. Proof of higher education (college degree or professional certificate) or more than three years of work experience.

7. Proof that your employer has been operational for at least one year (if you’re a W2 worker).

8. A private health insurance policy from an authorized provider.

9. A criminal record certificate from any country you have resided in in the last two years.

10. Proof of familial relationship (if your spouse or children are applying with you).

Make sure that all of these documents are accompanied by a professional Spanish translation and an apostille, which is a special seal that makes a document issued in your home country valid abroad.

Spain’s digital nomad visa application process

Now that you’ve gathered everything you need, let’s walk through Spain’s digital nomad visa application process, step-by-step:

1. Get a foreign identity number (NIE). An NIE is a bureaucratic number used by the Spanish consulate to identify non-citizens, and it’s required before you can apply for the visa. Some consulates will assign you an NIE during the visa application process, while others will require it before the visa appointment. Check with your local Spanish consulate for specifics.

2. Book a visa appointment at a Spanish consulate. For most Spanish consulates, you can book an appointment via email. When your appointment is booked, you’ll receive information for how to pay the non-refundable visa fee.

3. Attend your visa appointment. To apply for your visa, you’ll have to appear at the Spanish consulate in person. There, you’ll submit your documents and answer a few questions.

4. Wait for your application to be reviewed. It takes 15-45 business days to review your digital nomad visa. Depending on the consulate, you may receive a tracking link or email updates.

5. Collect your visa. If your visa application is approved, you’ll have one month to pick it up from the consulate during their regular “drop-in” hours. 

What’s the processing time for the Spanish digital nomad visa? 

The processing time for the Spanish digital nomad visa is generally 20 business days for in-Spain applications and between 15-45 business days for applicants working through consulates. However, timelines can vary, especially if you’re missing any documents.

How much does Spain’s digital nomad visa cost? Reality check 

Spain’s digital nomad visa typically costs €50-100 (US$57-115) for the application fee, depending on your home country, but other associated application costs could bring the total price closer to €300-1000 (US$350-1,180).

These additional costs include:

• Consulate fees, about €80 (US$95).

• NIE application fee, usually €10 (US$12).

• Spanish residence card (required if your visa is accepted), approximately €73 (US$86).

• Apostille fees.

• Background checks.

• Translation fees.

• Passport photos.

• Travel to consulate appointments.

• Private health insurance policy.

Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Spain?

Digital nomads have to pay taxes in Spain. You’re considered a Spanish tax resident if you spend 183 days (half the year) in Spain. However, you can take advantage of the Spanish digital nomad visa reduced income tax rate.

The digital nomad visa tax regime allows digital nomad visa holders to be taxed as non-residents for up to six years at the following rates:

• 24% on income up to €600,000 (about US$648,000)

• 47% on income above €600,000 (about US$648,000)

Spain has double taxation treaties with over 90 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. That means you typically don’t have to pay Spanish taxes on any money you earn from non-Spanish clients or employers. However, you may still have reporting requirements, so we recommend working with a tax professional.

What to do if your Spanish digital nomad visa is denied

If your visa application is denied, you’ll receive a written notification with an explanation of why it was denied. To appeal the decision, check the denial letter for contact details. You have one month after the visa denial letter was issued to make your appeal.

A digital nomad visa for Spain: Key considerations 

A digital nomad visa for Spain gives you access to some amazing benefits, including:

• An affordable cost of living (about 120% cheaper than the US).

• A mild, sunny climate.

• Natural wonders like the Pyrenees mountains.

• Island beaches like Ibiza and Majorca.

• World-class arts and culture, including 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Easy travel within the Schengen Area.

To take advantage of Spain’s digital nomad visa, you need something very important: internet access. You’ll probably get Wi-Fi from a local Spanish provider for your home, but what about your phone or tablet? You could get a SIM card for Spain, but an eSIM will offer greater flexibility.

An eSIM for Spain is a digital alternative to a traditional SIM card that allows you to connect to Spanish mobile providers, without high data roaming charges or fumbling with a physical card! eSIMs use technology preinstalled in modern smartphones to give you reliable, high-speed data coverage abroad.

Saily is one of the most trusted eSIM apps on the market, offering advanced security and affordable plans, including long-term, unlimited data options that are perfect for digital nomads.

Ready to start your Spanish adventure? Download an eSIM app!