Want to work remotely from Spain? Here's how to get a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024:
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA citizen, €2,646+ monthly income, remote work for non-Spanish companies
- Key Documents: Passport, income proof, health insurance, criminal background check
- Application Fee: €73.26
- Processing Time: 20-45 days
- Duration: 1 year (if applied from abroad) or 3 years (if applied within Spain)
- Renewals: Up to 5 years total
Quick comparison of applying from abroad vs. within Spain:
| Factor | From Abroad | Within Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | 1 year | 3 years |
| Process | Apply for visa | Apply for residency permit |
| Location | Spanish consulate | Online or in-person |
| Processing Time | Typically longer | Usually faster |
Top cities for digital nomads: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Seville
Monthly living costs: €1,300 - €3,200 depending on location and lifestyle
Key benefits:
- 24% flat tax rate on income up to €600,000
- Free travel within Schengen Zone
- Option to bring family members
Start gathering documents early - the process can take 2-3 months from start to finish.
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What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain launched its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023 as part of the Startup Act. It's a new option for remote workers from outside the EU/EEA.
Visa Basics
This visa lets you live and work remotely in Spain for up to 12 months, with the option to renew for up to five years. After that, you might qualify for permanent residency.
To get this visa, you need to:
- Work remotely for non-Spanish companies
- Earn at least €2,160 per month
- Have a clean criminal record
- Hold full health insurance
The application fee is €80.
Visa Perks
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa comes with some nice benefits:
1. EU Travel
Once you have the visa, you can travel freely around the EU.
2. Tax Benefits
You'll pay a special 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 per year.
3. Family Inclusion
Your spouse and kids can join you under the same visa.
4. Fast Processing
The visa can be processed in about 20 days.
5. Path to Residency
Time spent on this visa counts towards permanent residency and citizenship applications.
Here's how applying from Spain compares to applying from your home country:
| Application Location | Visa Duration | Process |
|---|---|---|
| In Spain (with tourist visa) | 3 years | Apply for residency permit |
| Home country (via Spanish consulate) | 1 year | Apply for visa |
This visa is different from the Spanish Golden Visa, which requires a big financial investment in Spain.
In short, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a new way for remote workers to experience Spanish life while keeping their international jobs.
Who Can Apply?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU/EEA remote workers. Here's the deal:
Work and Income
You need to:
- Work for non-Spanish companies
- Earn at least €2,646 monthly
- Get no more than 20% of income from Spain
Prove it with contracts, client letters, invoices, and bank statements.
Work History
Show:
- 3+ months of continuous remote work
- Employment with a 1+ year old company
- A one-year contract
Plus, have a university degree or 3+ years of relevant experience.
Health and Legal
You must:
- Have a clean criminal record (past 5 years)
- Get a criminal record certificate (90-day validity)
- Have comprehensive Spanish health insurance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Income | €2,646/month minimum |
| Work Experience | 3+ months remote |
| Company Age | 1+ year |
| Contract | 1 year minimum |
| Criminal Record | Clean (5 years) |
| Health Insurance | Valid in Spain |
The application costs €73.26 per person. Budget about €800 for document prep.
Bringing family? Income requirement jumps to €3,970 monthly (pre-tax) for a family of three.
Documents You Need
Getting a Spain Digital Nomad Visa? You'll need these papers:
Basic Documents
- Valid passport (1+ year, 2 blank pages)
- 2 recent color photos (35mm x 45mm, gray background)
- Filled and signed visa application form
- Proof you paid the €80 (US$86) fee
Job-Specific Papers
For employees:
- Work contract
- Employer letter about remote work
- Proof company exists for 1+ year
For freelancers:
- Client contracts
- Business registration docs
Everyone needs:
- Income proof (bank statements, payslips)
- Qualifications (degree or 3+ years experience)
- Spain-valid health insurance
- Criminal record (last 5 years)
- Proof of Spain accommodation
Prep Your Docs
1. Translations
Get official Spanish translations for non-Spanish docs.
2. Apostille
Certify official docs (like criminal records) with an Apostille.
3. Timing
Criminal record check must be under 90 days old when you apply.
| Document | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Record Check | Valid 90 days | ~US$160 |
| Visa Application | Per person | €80 (US$86) |
Start gathering docs ASAP. This can take weeks or months.
How to Apply
Getting Spain's Digital Nomad Visa isn't rocket science, but it does involve a few steps. Let's break it down:
Getting a NIE
First things first: you need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). It's like your Spanish social security number.
Here's what to do:
- Fill out the EX-15 form (twice)
- Gather your docs:
- Passport
- Two photos
- Proof you entered Spain
- Why you need a NIE
- Book an appointment online
- Pay €9.84 (as of 2024)
- Show up and hand everything in
Turning in Your Application
Got your NIE? Great. Now for the visa:
- Get your paperwork ready:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Photo
- Proof of work or business
- Money stuff (bank statements, payslips)
- Health insurance
- Criminal record (last 2 years)
- Where you'll live in Spain
- Book an appointment at a Spanish Embassy or Consulate
- Go to your appointment:
- Bring everything (translated to Spanish)
- Be ready to chat about your work and Spain plans
- Pay €80 (about US$86)
- Leave your passport for processing
Costs and Wait Times
| What | How Much | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | €9.84 | Up to 3 months |
| Visa | €80 (US$86) | 15-45 days |
| Criminal Check | ~US$160 | Varies |
| Residence Card | €15 (US$16) | After approval |
"Applying from abroad? Expect about two months. From Spain? Usually half that." - Patricia Palacios, España Guide co-founder
Once approved, grab your passport with the new visa. If you're already in Spain, they'll tell you how to get your residence card.
After You're Approved
Great news! Your Spain Digital Nomad Visa got the green light. Here's what to do next:
Getting Your Visa
You've got one month to grab your visa from the Spanish embassy or consulate. Don't snooze on this!
- Check embassy hours and location
- Bring your passport and required docs
- Pay the €80 (US$86) fee if you haven't yet
Signing Up in Spain
Once you land in Spain, you'll need to:
1. Get your TIE card
This is your official residence card. Here's the drill:
- Book an appointment at the local police station or Extranjería
- Gather your docs: application form, passport, visa, photos, proof of payment, address, and health insurance
- At your appointment: submit docs, get fingerprinted, and get a pickup date (usually 6 weeks later)
2. Register with local authorities
You'll need:
- NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
- NIF (tax number)
These are must-haves for banking and legal stuff.
3. Set up as an autónomo (if needed)
Self-employed? Register with the tax office.
| Task | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visa collection | Within 1 month of approval | €80 (US$86) |
| TIE application | Within 30 days of arrival | €15 (US$16) |
| NIE/NIF registration | ASAP | Varies |
| Autónomo registration | If applicable | Varies |
Your visa approval receipt works as a temporary residency doc while waiting for your TIE card.
"It's a bit easier and much faster to apply while in Spain; enter the country with a tourist visa and apply on arrival." - Patricia Palacios, España Guide co-founder
Taxes for Digital Nomads
Spain's tax system is key for digital nomads. Here's the scoop:
Tax Resident Status
You're a tax resident if you:
- Stay in Spain 183+ days in a year
- Have your main economic interests in Spain
- Your spouse and kids are tax residents
As a resident, you pay taxes on worldwide income. Spain uses progressive rates:
| Income (€) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 - 12,450 | 19% |
| 12,451 - 20,200 | 24% |
| 20,201 - 35,200 | 30% |
| 35,201 - 60,000 | 37% |
| 60,000+ | 45% |
Some regions might charge 47% on income over €300,000.
The Beckham Law
This perk offers:
- 24% flat tax up to €600,000
- 47% above €600,000
- No wealth tax or foreign asset reporting
To qualify:
- Apply within 6 months of getting your visa
- No Spanish tax residency in the last 5 years
- Max 20% income from Spanish sources
Freelancers pay €294/month for social security in 2024. But it's only about €80/month for the first year.
Spain has tax agreements with many countries to avoid double taxation.
"Fulfill your tax obligations and talk to a tax pro who knows digital nomad rules in Spain." - Find My Lawyer
Need tax help? Try Find My Lawyer to connect with experts who know expat and digital nomad tax rules.
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Life and Work in Spain
Spain's a hot spot for digital nomads. Here's the scoop:
Top Cities for Digital Nomads
Spain's got cities that digital nomads love:
| City | What's Cool |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | Tech scene, coworking spaces |
| Madrid | Central location, expat community |
| Valencia | Cheap living, beaches |
| Malaga | Tech hub, tons of sun |
| Seville | Culture, friendly vibes |
Each city's got its thing. Barcelona's Cahoot coworking space? Pet-friendly and comfy for €165+ a month. Seville's workINcompany? Huge workspace right in the city center.
Living Expenses
Spain's often cheaper than other European spots. Here's what you might spend each month:
| Expense | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apt.) | 500-1500 |
| Utilities | 100-200 |
| Internet | 30-60 |
| Food | 200-300 |
| Transportation | 40-60 |
| Healthcare | 50-100 |
You're looking at €1,300 to €3,200 a month, depending on your style and where you live. Big cities cost more, small towns are cheaper.
Meeting Other Pros
Spain's digital nomad scene is booming. Here's how to plug in:
- Hit up coworking spaces
- Go to local meetups
- Join Facebook groups
- Try language exchanges
Pro tip: Learn some Spanish. It'll help you fit in and make friends.
"Spain's got it all - great life, beautiful views, tons of history, and people who'll welcome you with open arms." - Shannon, Expat in Spain
Spain's the perfect mix of work-friendly and chill. It's where you can get stuff done AND enjoy life.
How Long Your Visa Lasts
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa offers flexibility. Here's the scoop on duration and renewal:
First Visa Period
| Where You Apply | How Long You Get |
|---|---|
| Outside Spain | 1 year |
| Inside Spain | 3 years |
Applying from abroad? You get a year. Already in Spain legally? You can score a three-year permit right away.
Renewing Your Visa
You can extend your stay. Here's how:
- Renew for up to 5 years total
- Apply for extensions after your first period
- Each renewal can be up to 2 years
To keep your visa:
- Spend at least 6 months in Spain yearly
- Keep meeting income requirements
- Stay current with taxes and social security
Start your renewal about 2 months before your visa expires. Cost to renew? €78.67 as of 2024.
After 5 years, you might qualify for permanent residency. Stick around for 10? You could apply for Spanish citizenship.
Bringing Your Family
Want to bring your family on your Spanish adventure? The Digital Nomad Visa has you covered. Here's the scoop:
Family Visa Rules
Your spouse and kids under 18 can join you. But you'll need to show more income:
| Family Size | Extra Monthly Income Needed |
|---|---|
| +1 member | €1,000 |
| Each extra | €335 |
A family of four? You're looking at €4,350 per month or €52,200 yearly.
For family applications, you'll need:
- Marriage certificate (spouse)
- Birth certificates (kids)
- Proof of relationship (recent)
- Health insurance for everyone
Tip: Apply for your visa first, then link your family's applications using your reference number.
Schools for Kids
Spain's got options for your little ones:
| School Type | Language | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Spanish | Free | Ages 6-16 |
| Private | Varies | €740-€770/month | Often international |
| Semi-private | Varies | Partial subsidy | Public-private mix |
To enroll:
- Register at the local city hall
- Gather docs (IDs, proof of residence, medical certificate)
- Contact schools for specifics
Daycare? About €310 monthly, but spots can be scarce.
Cool school: Sotogrande International School on Costa del Sol. It's got the International Baccalaureate in English for ages 3-18, with kids from 44+ countries.
Common Questions
Here's what you need to know about Spain's Digital Nomad Visa:
How long does it take to get the visa?
1-3 months, from paperwork to approval.
What's the income requirement?
At least €2,646 per month. For families, add €850.50 for the first dependent and €283.50 for each additional member.
Can I apply if I've lived in Spain before?
Yes, but it might affect your tax benefits.
Where do I apply?
At a Spanish embassy or consulate in your country. If you're already in Spain legally, you might be able to apply online.
What documents do I need?
- Valid passport
- Proof of income
- Spanish health insurance
- Criminal background check
- Proof of accommodation
- Work contract or client agreements
Can my family come too?
Yes, but you'll need more income and extra documents like marriage and birth certificates.
How long can I stay?
One year initially. Then you can get a residency permit for up to three years, renewable for two more.
Do I pay taxes in Spain?
You're a non-resident for taxes, but might owe on income earned in Spain. Talk to a tax pro for specifics.
Can I travel to other EU countries?
Yes, you can move around the Schengen Zone without extra visas.
Wrap-Up
Here's how to get a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain in 2024:
1. Check eligibility
You need to be:
- A non-EU/EEA citizen
- Earning at least €2,646 monthly (€3,970 for a family of three)
- Working remotely for non-Spanish companies or as a freelancer
- Crime-free for 5 years
- Covered by valid health insurance in Spain
2. Gather documents
You'll need:
- A valid passport
- Income proof
- Health insurance policy
- Criminal background check
- Proof of Spanish accommodation
3. Get your NIE
Apply for your Spanish Foreign Identity Number. This takes a few weeks.
4. Apply for the visa
Submit your application at a Spanish embassy or in Spain if you're there legally. It costs €73.26.
5. Wait it out
Processing usually takes 20-45 days. In Spain, no response within 20 days means you're approved.
6. Finalize the process
Get your visa and register at your local town hall after arriving.
Your initial visa lasts 1 year if applied from abroad, or 3 years if from within Spain. You can renew for up to 5 years total.
You'll pay 24% tax on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 yearly. Popular spots? Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga.
Help and Information
Getting a digital nomad visa for Spain isn't easy. But don't worry - there's help out there. Here's where to look:
Legal Help
Need a lawyer? Try Find My Lawyer. It's a platform that connects you with immigration experts in Spain. You can search by location, read reviews, and contact lawyers securely.
For full-service help, check out Balcells Group. They've been around for 40+ years and can handle your entire visa application. They even offer online consultations and free webinars.
Government Info
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is your go-to for official stuff. You'll find:
- Current visa requirements
- Application forms
- Embassy and consulate contacts
Online Communities
Join digital nomad forums and social media groups for Spain. They're great for:
- Real advice from people who've done it
- Lawyer recommendations
- Insights into nomad life in Spain
Costs to Consider
Here's a quick look at some fees you'll face:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application | €73.26 |
| Visa renewal | €78.67 |
| Health insurance | Varies (required) |
FAQs
How much does a Spain digital nomad visa cost?
The Spain digital nomad visa application fee is €73.26 in 2024. But that's not the whole story.
Here's a quick breakdown of potential costs:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | €73.26 |
| Visa renewal fee | €78.67 |
| Average application prep | ~€800 |
Don't forget about health insurance (it's required), document translation, and travel to the Spanish embassy.
The process usually takes 2 to 2.5 months. Applying from Spain? You might get up to 3 years initially, compared to 1 year if you apply from home.
"To apply for a digital nomad visa, you need to pay tasa 790-038 for each applicant, the cost of the digital nomad visa is (as of 2024) €73.26." - Akida Mashaka, Co-founder of BCN Life.
Got denied? You have a month to appeal. But here's a fun fact: if you don't hear back in 20 days, you're automatically approved. Gotta love that positive administrative silence!
