Digital Nomad

Who Is Eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

This visa is intended for foreign nationals who wish to work remotely for companies located outside of Spain, using only computer, telematic, or telecommunications means.

Foreign nationals employed under a contract can only work for companies based outside of Spain. Those who work independently (self-employed) may also provide services to companies within Spain, provided that such work does not exceed 20% of their overall activity.

To obtain this visa, applicants must have a graduate or postgraduate degree issued by a recognized university, vocational training center, or reputable business school, or demonstrate a minimum of three years of professional experience.

The following family members of the remote worker may also apply for this visa:

• The spouse or registered domestic partner.
• Minor children and adult children who are economically dependent on the remote worker and have not formed an independent family unit.
• Parents who are financially dependent on the remote worker.

When applying for the visa, it is also necessary to request a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE).

Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa

General Documentation (for the international remote worker and their family members):

• National Visa Application Form Each applicant, or their representative, must complete and sign all sections of the visa application form.
• Recent Photograph. One recent, passport-sized color photograph on a light background, taken from the front, without dark glasses, reflections, or items obscuring the face.
• Valid Passport. Original and a photocopy of the pages with biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least one year and have two blank pages. Passports issued over 10 years ago are not accepted.
• Criminal Record Certificate. Applicants over 18 must provide the original and a copy of a criminal record certificate issued by the country or countries of residence over the last two years, along with a responsible declaration of no criminal record over the past five years.
• Proof of Residence in the Consular Jurisdiction. Applicants must provide proof of their legal residence in the country where they submit the application.
• Proof of Identity for Representative. If the visa is applied for by a representative, a copy of the representative's identity document or passport, as well as a notarized power of attorney or equivalent document, must be provided. Originals will be presented upon submission of the application.
• Visa Fee Payment. Payment of the National Visa Consular Fee of 80 euros, payable in cash or by other means accepted by the consulate. The fee will only be refunded if the consulate is responsible for the cause of non-issuance.
• Health Insurance. Original and copy of a certificate from public or private health insurance, contracted with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, covering all risks included under the Spanish public health system.

Specific Documentation for International Remote Workers:

• Company Certificate indicating:
  • For employed workers: employment tenure (at least three months) and explicit authorization to work remotely.
  • For self-employed workers: contractual relationship tenure (at least three months) and terms and conditions under which the professional activity will be conducted remotely.
• Certificate from the Business Registry (or equivalent in the country), showing the company’s date of incorporation (at least one year) and the type of activity.
• Responsible Declaration (from the company or the self-employed worker) confirming compliance with social security obligations prior to the start of professional or work activity.
  • For employed workers: proof of the company’s registration with the Spanish Social Security system and proof of the worker’s affiliation.
  • For self-employed workers: proof of affiliation to the Spanish RETA (self-employed workers’ regime).
  • Where there is an international social security agreement allowing temporary coverage in Spain, a social security certificate must be issued by the institution in the country of origin.

Proof of Financial Resources

• For the remote worker: an amount representing at least 200% of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI) per month.
• For family members: at least 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% of the SMI for each additional family member.

Proof of financial resources can be demonstrated through any valid means, such as an employment contract, firm job offer, or commercial contract for self-employed work. Proof of ownership, legality, and availability of the funds used as evidence must be provided.

Proof of Qualifications or Professional Experience: Original and copy of a graduate or postgraduate degree from a reputable institution, or documentation proving a minimum of three years of professional experience in a similar position to that sought for the international remote work. The experience must be equivalent to the qualification required for the authorized remote professional or work relationship.

Each applicant, whether the remote worker or a family member, must obtain a NIE before applying for the visa.

All documentation must be submitted in original and copy, organized into two separate groups (originals will be returned to the applicant).

A remote work visa will not be issued if the application’s conditions align with those for an intra-company transfer visa.

Documents for Family Members

Documentation for Family Members of International Remote Workers:

• Proof of family relationship: Birth or marriage certificates, a certificate of registered partnership, or any other document proving an unregistered partnership, with an apostille if required.
• For adult children, documents proving economic dependency and marital status, with an apostille if required.
• For parents, documents proving dependency on the worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa in Spain?

The visa is intended for foreigners working remotely for companies or clients outside of Spain. It is necessary to confirm the possession of a higher education degree or at least three years of professional experience in a similar position. Self-employed individuals can work for Spanish companies if it does not exceed 20% of their total activity.

Can I work for Spanish companies with a digital nomad visa?

Employees — no: the employment contract must be only with foreign companies. Self-employed individuals (freelancers) are allowed to take orders from Spanish clients, provided that it does not exceed 20% of their total income. Violation of this condition is grounds for visa cancellation.

Can family members move with the digital nomad?

Yes. Along with the main applicant, the following can move: spouse or registered partner, minor children, adult children financially dependent on the worker, as well as parents financially dependent on the worker. Each family member submits their own set of documents.

What is the minimum income required to obtain a digital nomad visa?

The main applicant must confirm an income of at least 200% of the Spanish interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) per month — approximately €2,650–€2,800 per month at the time of writing this article. For each family member, an additional 75% of SMI is added for the first and 25% of SMI for each subsequent one. Income is confirmed by an employment contract, offer, or commercial contracts.

Is it necessary to obtain an NIE when applying for a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Each applicant — both the worker and each family member — is required to obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before or simultaneously with the visa application. The NIE is issued at the Spanish consulate or directly in Spain with an appointment at the police station.