Digital Nomad Visa Spain (2026): Requirements, Income & How to Apply
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows non-EU remote workers, freelancers and online professionals to live legally in Spain while working for foreign employers or international clients.
Introduced under Spain’s Startup Act (Ley 28/2022), this visa offers one of the fastest and most flexible residence pathways in Europe — including family reunification, a residence path of up to 5 years, and access to Spain’s special tax regime (Beckham Law).
This 2026 guide explains everything you need to know:
eligibility, exact income thresholds, documents, application steps, health insurance rules, tax benefits, renewals — and the most common mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
- Who Can Apply (Eligibility 2026)
- Digital Nomad Visa Spain Requirements
- Income Requirements (2026 Updated)
- Required Documents Checklist
- How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- After Arrival in Spain
- Tax Benefits: Beckham Law Explained
- Digital Nomad Visa for Families
- Remote Employees vs Freelancers
- Renewals & Long-Term Residency
- Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory)
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- FAQs
- Get Your Visa-Approved Digital Nomad Health Insurance
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa Spain is a residence permit for non-EU citizens who work remotely using digital tools and earn income primarily from outside Spain.
It allows you to:
- Live legally in Spain
- Work for foreign employers or clients
- Include your family from day one
- Move freely within the Schengen Area
- Apply for reduced taxation (optional)
- Build residence toward permanent status
It is especially attractive for:
- Remote employees
- Freelancers and consultants
- Tech professionals
- Online business owners
- International contractors
The Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under Spain’s Startup Act (Ley 28/2022), which modernised Spain’s immigration framework for international professionals.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility 2026)
You may apply if all the following apply:
- You are a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Your work is 100% remote (or max. 20% Spanish income)
- Your employer or clients are outside Spain
- Your activity is digital in nature
- You meet the minimum income requirement
- You hold private health insurance (mandatory)
- You have a clean criminal record
Accepted profiles include:
- Salaried remote employees
- Freelancers with multiple clients
- Consultants & contractors
- Tech & digital professionals
Digital Nomad Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
Remote Work Activity
- Foreign employment contract or
- Freelance activity with international clients
Minimum Work History
- At least 3 months in your current role or activity
Income Threshold
- Explained in detail below
Qualifications or Experience
Provide one of the following:
- University degree
- Professional qualification
- 3+ years of relevant experience
Criminal Background Check
- From the last 5 years
- Apostilled or legalized
Private Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Until Social Security applies, your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full medical & hospital coverage
- Nationwide validity
- Spanish-authorised insurer
Visa-compliant plans:
Income Requirements (2026 Updated)
Applicant Type | Minimum Income |
Single applicant | ~€2,350 / month |
Applicant + partner | ~€3,100 / month |
Each child | +€250–300 / month |
Accepted income sources:
- Salary from foreign employer
- Freelance invoices
- International clients
- Online business income
- Limited passive income (case-by-case)
Required Documents Checklist (2026)
Personal Documents
- Passport (12+ months validity)
- Passport photos
- National visa application form
- EX-01 form
- Criminal background certificate
- Medical certificate (if required)
Remote Work Documents
- Employment contract or client agreements
- Proof of 3+ months activity
- Employer letter authorising remote work (employees)
- Invoices & client proof (freelancers)
- CV / professional background
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Payslips or invoices meeting thresholds
Mandatory Health Insurance
- For applicant and dependants
- No copays, no waiting periods
Get compliant cover
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Option A — Apply from Spain (Recommended)
- Enter Spain legally (tourist)
- Prepare documents
- Apply online via UGE fast-track
- Approval in ~20–30 days
- Attend fingerprinting (TIE)
Option B — Apply from Home Country
- Apply at Spanish consulate
- Wait for approval (15–45 days)
- Collect visa
- Travel to Spain
- Apply for TIE
Applications submitted from Spain are processed by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE), the authority responsible for fast-track permits for highly qualified professionals and digital nomads.
After Arrival in Spain
Within the first weeks:
- Empadronamiento (address registration)
- TIE appointment (residence card)
- Optional Social Security registration (employees)
Tax Benefits: Beckham Law (2026)
Digital Nomad Visa holders may opt into Spain’s special tax regime:
- Flat 15% income tax
- Valid up to 6 years
- Reduced reporting obligations
- Foreign income often excluded
This is optional and depends on your profile.
The special tax regime commonly known as the “Beckham Law” is regulated by the Spanish Tax Agency and allows eligible digital nomads to opt for a reduced tax rate.
Digital Nomad Visa for Families
Immediate family reunification is allowed.
Eligible:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18
- Dependent adult children
- Dependent parents (case-by-case)
Each dependant requires:
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Additional financial means
Remote Employees vs Freelancers
Requirement | Remote Employee | Freelancer |
Employment contract | Required | Not required |
Foreign employer | Required | Optional |
Multiple clients | Not accepted | Accepted |
Authorisation letter | Required | Not accepted |
Proof of activity | Payslips | Invoices |
Renewals & Long-Term Residency
Timeline:
- Initial permit: 1 year
- First renewal: 2 years
- Second renewal: 2 years
- After 5 years → permanent residency
Unlike student visas, all years count.
Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory)
To be approved, your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital & emergency care
- Nationwide coverage
- Spanish-authorised insurer
Spanish consulates apply health insurance requirements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC), which require full private coverage equivalent to the public healthcare system.
Visa-approved plans
Full guide
FAQs — Digital Nomad Visa Spain
How long does it take?
Usually 20–45 days.
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Yes, up to 20% of total income.
Is private health insurance mandatory?
Yes — without exception.
Does this count toward permanent residency?
Yes, 100%.
Get Visa-Approved Digital Nomad Health Insurance
Compliant, clear, and trusted by Spanish authorities.
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital care
- Same-day visa certificate
Fast support. Real guidance. Zero pressure.
