Spain digital nomad visa (2026)

Who can apply

Only non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens; EU-law beneficiaries use free movement instead.

• University degree, recognised vocational or business-school qualification, or at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• At least 3 months of prior work or contract relationship with the foreign employer or clients
• Employer or client company has been operating for at least 1 year
• Employees may work only for non-Spanish companies; freelancers may earn up to 20% from Spanish clients
• No criminal record in the last 5 years and full health insurance

Income requirement

You need to show at least €2,442 per month (about US$2,732 a month at rates from 11 Nov 2026). Set at 200% of the 2026 monthly minimum wage (SMI, €1,221), plus 75% of SMI (€916) for the first family member and 25% (€305) for each further family member.

Documents you need

• National visa application form, photo and passport valid for at least 1 year
• Company certificate confirming length of the relationship and permission to work remotely from Spain
• Company registry certificate showing incorporation date and activity
• Proof of income (contract, payslips, bank statements) at or above the threshold
• Proof of Spanish Social Security registration or a certificate of coverage from your home country
• Degree certificate or proof of 3+ years of experience
• Criminal record certificates and Spanish health insurance with no co-payments

How to apply, step by step

1. Get an NIE (foreigner identity number) through the consulate if required
2. Gather documents, with apostilles and sworn Spanish translations where needed
3. Book an appointment or mail the file to the consulate covering your place of residence
4. Track the application online and collect the visa if approved
5. Before the visa expires (within the last 60 days), apply in Spain for the 3-year residence permit

Cost and processing time

The fee is about €90 in local currency at most consulates; reciprocity rates apply to some nationalities (e.g. US$190 for US citizens in Houston). Processing takes legal decision period of 10 days from submission at a consulate, extendable if documents or an interview are requested. Budget extra for translations, certified copies and health insurance.

Tax

Tax residency in Spain usually starts after 183 days in a calendar year; check your situation with the Spanish tax agency or an adviser.

Good to know

• Applicants already in Spain legally can skip the visa and apply for the residence permit directly
• Spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can be included
• Consulates set their own fee and document details, so check the page of the consulate for your area

Visiting first?

93 passports can enter Spain visa-free for a short stay, a common way to try the country before applying. Check Spain visa requirements for your passport.

Official source

Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consulate General in Houston (Telework Visa)