In this comprehensive guide to the Digital Nomad Visa, you'll learn everything you need to know about costs and requirements in order to move to Spain. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is specifically geared towards non-EU nationals that want to live and work remotely in Spain, while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle and culture.
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Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) Overview
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is the perfect option for non-EU citizens who would like to move to Spain while continuing to work remotely. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who earn their income from non-Spanish sources (or most of it), allowing them to live and work in Spain without the need for local employment.
Visa Length | 1 year |
Possible to Extend? | Yes |
Who Can Apply? | Non-EU/EEA citizens |
Minimum Financial Means | €2,700 (EUR) per month |
Time for Visa Applications | Approximately 10 days |
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
In 2023, Spain introduced their version of the Digital Nomad Visa, known as the “International Teleworking Visa,” which allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Spain for up to one year. This visa allows you to apply for a Residency Permit, valid for up to 3 years and renewable for periods of 2 years at a time, as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of legally residing in Spain, you can apply for Permanent Residency (other requirements apply). After 10 years (or 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries) of legal and continuous residence in Spain you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship.
Currently, most non-EU/EEA citizens can enter Spain as a tourist for 90 days. The digital nomad visa is ideal for anyone who not only wants to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, but also start on the path to Permanent Residency and, ultimately, Citizenship.
In order to apply, you must earn a minimum of €2,700 per month, plus more if dependents join you. The following family members may also obtain a visa:
Your spouse or unmarried partner
Children and adult children who are financially dependent upon you
Relatives in the ascending line under your care
Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Anyone who is a remote worker, freelancer, or self-employed who is not a citizen of the EU or EEA can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. This includes citizens of:
United States
Canada
Australia
United Kingdom
+ more
Special Notes About Applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Foreigners who are already legally in Spain can apply for a Telework Temporary Residency Permit directly in Spain, without the need for a prior Digital Nomad Visa (since the visa is what allows initial entry into the country). While the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for only one year, and is used to grant legal entry into Spain, The Telework Residence Permit can be valid for up to three years.
Examples of foreigners who are legally in Spain:
Foreigners (such as United States citizens) who can legally enter Spain as tourists for up to 90 days, without the needing a visa
Foreigners that are legally in Spain with a visa (it can be any type of visa, ex: student visa) during the period of the validity of the visa
Before applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, you MUST obtain a N.I.E.
Before applying to the Digital Nomad Visa application, you must obtain a Foreigner Identity Number called the “Número de Identidad de Extranjero” or “N.I.E.” for short. Global Expat Support can guide you through this process, just book a free consultation to learn more. You can also find more information on the N.I.E. here.
Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa: Step-By-Step Instructions
Apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
You must collect all the necessary documents. Please refer to this list of required documents.
If you decide to apply for the visa, this is done at the Spanish Consulate closest to where you reside. Depending on the Consulate you will have to either request an appointment via email or book it online or simply send the document by post (check your consulate first).
Step 2: Submit Documents
Depending on the case, the Spanish Consulate will require you to submit all your documents either by email, mail or in person. You’ll be given a code to follow your application status for updates through their online portal.
Step 3: Collect Your Visa
The Consulate must reach a decision within 10 days from the date of submitting the application, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested. Once granted, you may either collect your visa within one month of the decision being made OR you may request the visa to be sent to you by mail. Take note, you must collect the visa within one month, otherwise it's deemed to be rejected. Some consulates assign you an appointment to collect the visa.
Step 4: Apply for the Residency Permit
If you are already legally in Spain, you can directly apply for the authorization of Residence to the UGECE (“Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos”, del “Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones” de España) . And skip steps 1-3 listed above. You will need the same documentation.
Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!
Required Documents for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, several documents are required.
Completed Application Form – one for each person applying. Click here to download the form.
Valid Passport – must be valid for minimum of 6 months
Photocopy of Passport – copy of the first page of your passport which includes personal information
Passport Photo – glued onto application form
Proof of legal residence in the United States.
Foreign Identification Number (N.I.E.): Certificate of Assignment of N.I.E.
Proof of Remote Work Status
If employed, a letter from the company must state seniority (at least 3 months), your income, and ability to work FULLY remotely.
If self-employed, prove your length of the contractual relationship (at least 3 months), as well as the terms and conditions under which you will exercise the professional activity remotely.
Proof of Qualifications – university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of professional experience related to the activity you will perform remotely from Spain
Proof of a real and continuous activity for at least one year by the foreign company or group of companies with which the visa applicant maintains a labor or professional relationship.
Proof of Economic Means – bank statements, work contracts, or pay slips must prove a minimum income of 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI), which in 2024 is about €2,700 per month. For accompanying family members, an additional 75% of the SMI (approx. €1,000) is required for the second family member and an additional 25% of the SMI (approx. €400) must be added for each additional member counting from the third member of the family.
Clean Criminal Record – Applicants of legal age (18 years and older) must submit the original and photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check certificate(s) issued by the country or countries of residence for the past 2 years. If the applicant has spent more than 6 months (more than 180 days) during the last 2 years in another country (outside the USA or Spain), an additional criminal background check from every country of residence must be provided.
Responsible Declaration - (original and a photocopy) of the absence of criminal records in the countries where you have lived during the previous 5 years.
Health Insurance – proof of your health insurance policy that covers all risks within Spain. The health insurance must not have a deficiency, copayment, or coverage limit, that is, it must cover all of the medical, hospital and out-of-hospital expenses, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation assistance that are carried out in health centers as well as urgent health transport. Travel insurance is not accepted. If an international Social Security agreement is applied, that allows teleworkers insured in another State to carry out their activity in Spain, instead of health insurance, a certificate of right to coverage will be presented by the competent institution of the State in whose Security system Social is assured.
For US based applicants: The bilateral agreement between Spain and the US on Social Security applies to retirement, survival and disability benefits. The bilateral agreement between Spain and the US on Social Security does not apply to other risks insured by Spain's public health system, such as health or medical care.
Proof of coverage in the Social Security system. This can be:
Certificate of Coverage issued by the US Social Security, indicating that the worker meets the conditions of the US – Spain Agreement on Social Security; OR
Proof of registration (or having requested registration) in the Spanish Social Security System. + Responsible declaration of the company (or of the self-employed worker) where the commitment appears, prior to the start of work or professional activity, to comply with the obligations of the Spanish Social Security System. The Proof of registration can be:
Registration of the company in the Spanish Social Security System, or;
Registration of the teleworker as a Self-Employed worker (RETA: Régimen de Trabajadores Autónomos de la Seguridad Social española) in the Spanish Social Security System.
Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable) – birth certificates, marriage license. These certificates may need to be apostilled and translated.
Payment of Visa Fee – by money order or cash. This fee varies due to reciprocity between Spain and your country.
Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spain have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. In 2023, Spain introduced their version of the Digital Nomad Visa, known as the “International Teleworking Visa,” which allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Spain for up to one year.
How long is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa valid?
What kind of assistance do I need to get the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?