Spain Digital Nomad Visa

What is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (officially the "Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional") is a residence permit designed for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain or self-employed individuals with predominantly non-Spanish clients. Launched in January 2023 under Spain's Startup Law (Ley de Startups), it represents one of Europe's most comprehensive digital nomad programs.

What makes Spain's program exceptional isn't just the visa itself—it's the combination of residency rights with access to the Beckham Law, a special tax regime that can reduce your effective tax rate to a flat 24% on Spanish income for up to six years. This combination of livability, legal clarity, and tax efficiency has made Spain one of the world's top destinations for location-independent professionals.

"The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most attractive options available to remote workers," notes Expatica. "It combines straightforward requirements with access to one of Europe's most favorable tax regimes for high earners."

A Brief History

Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa as part of the Ley de Startups (Startup Law), which came into effect on January 1, 2023. The law aimed to position Spain as a hub for international talent and entrepreneurship, competing with Portugal's successful D7/D8 programs and Estonia's digital nomad visa.

The program gained significant attention due to its generous provisions: a three-year initial permit (longer than most European programs), family inclusion, and—crucially—eligibility for the Beckham Law tax benefits that were previously limited to corporate executives on assignment.

DNV vs. Other Spanish Work Permits

Spain has multiple pathways to work-based residency. The Digital Nomad Visa fills a specific gap:

Permit Type	For Whom	Key Requirement
Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena)	Employees of Spanish companies	Spanish employer sponsorship
Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)	Freelancers with Spanish clients	Business plan, local market viability
Non-Lucrative Visa	Retirees, passive income holders	No work allowed in Spain
Digital Nomad Visa	Remote workers for foreign companies	Foreign income, remote work proof
Golden Visa	Investors	€500,000+ investment

Who Should Apply for the DNV?

The Digital Nomad Visa targets a specific profile: professionals who work remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain. The law distinguishes between employed remote workers and self-employed freelancers.

Ideal DNV Candidates

• Remote employees: Working for non-Spanish companies with permission to work from anywhere
• Freelancers/contractors: With clients predominantly outside Spain (at least 80%)
• Business owners: Of companies registered outside Spain, who can work remotely
• Tech workers: Developers, designers, product managers with remote positions
• Creative professionals: Writers, marketers, consultants serving international clients
• High earners: Those who can benefit from Beckham Law's flat 24% tax rate

Employment Status Requirements

The DNV accommodates two main categories, each with specific requirements:

Category 1: Remote Employees

• Employed by a company outside Spain
• At least 3 months of employment history with the company (or 1 year for self-employed)
• Company must provide a letter authorizing remote work from Spain
• Can have up to 20% of work for Spanish companies (after 1 year of residency)

Category 2: Self-Employed/Freelancers

• At least 1 year of professional activity history
• At least 80% of income from non-Spanish clients
• Can work for up to 20% Spanish clients (typically after establishing residency)
• Must demonstrate ongoing contracts or client relationships

Who Doesn't Qualify?

• Spanish employees: If you work for a Spanish company, you need a work visa
• Local freelancers: If most of your clients are in Spain, you need the Autónomo route
• Short-term visitors: For stays under 90 days, no visa needed (tourism)
• Retirees: If you don't actively work, consider the Non-Lucrative Visa
• Recent Spanish tax residents: If you were a Spanish tax resident in the past 5 years, you can't access Beckham Law

Income Requirements for 2026

The DNV income threshold is tied to Spain's minimum wage (SMI - Salario Mínimo Interprofesional), which updates annually. For 2026, with the SMI at €1,184/month (14 payments), the requirements are:

2026 Income Thresholds

Applicant Type	Monthly Minimum	Annual Minimum
Primary Applicant (200% SMI)	€2,760	€33,120
First Family Member (+75% SMI)	+€1,035	+€12,420
Each Additional Family Member (+25% SMI)	+€345	+€4,140

Example: A couple with two children would need: €2,760 + €1,035 + €345 + €345 = €4,485/month (€53,820/year)

Proving Your Income

Documentation depends on your employment type:

Employment Type	Proof Required
Remote Employee	Employment contract, recent pay stubs (3-6 months), employer letter confirming salary and remote work authorization
Freelancer/Contractor	Client contracts, invoices from past year, bank statements showing payments, tax returns
Business Owner	Company financials, ownership documents, proof of distributions or salary

Savings/Financial Stability

Beyond ongoing income, you should demonstrate financial stability. While not always explicitly required, showing several months of living expenses in savings strengthens your application. A general guideline is to have at least 6-12 months of expenses accessible.

Required Documents Checklist

Document preparation is critical for DNV approval. Spain's bureaucracy is thorough—missing or incorrectly formatted documents are the leading cause of delays and rejections.

Personal Documents

1. Valid Passport
   • Valid for at least 1 year beyond your intended stay
   • At least 2 blank pages
   • Copy of all pages with stamps/visas
2. Passport Photos
   • 2-4 recent photos (specifications vary by consulate)
   • White background, 32x26mm or Schengen specifications
3. Completed Visa Application Form
   • National visa application form (Solicitud de Visado Nacional)
   • Signed and dated
4. Criminal Background Check
   • From your country of residence for the past 5 years
   • Issued within 3 months of application
   • Must be apostilled
   • Must be translated to Spanish by sworn translator

Health Documents

5. Medical Certificate
   • Statement that you have no contagious diseases
   • From a licensed physician
   • Some consulates require specific format
6. Health Insurance
   • Coverage valid in Spain
   • Full coverage without co-pays (some consulates require this)
   • Valid for at least 1 year
   • From a company authorized to operate in Spain, or comprehensive international coverage

Employment/Work Documents

For Remote Employees:

7. Employment Contract
   • Showing at least 3 months of employment history
   • Salary information
   • Remote work terms
8. Employer Letter
   • On company letterhead
   • Confirming employment, position, salary
   • Explicitly authorizing remote work from Spain
   • Stating the company has no Spanish establishment (if applicable)
9. Recent Pay Stubs
   • Last 3-6 months
   • Showing income meeting requirements
10. Company Registration Documents
    • Proof company exists and is registered outside Spain
    • Certificate of incorporation or equivalent

For Self-Employed/Freelancers:

7. Proof of Professional Activity
   • At least 1 year of continuous activity
   • Business registration, tax registration, or equivalent from home country
8. Client Contracts
   • Active contracts with non-Spanish companies
   • Demonstrating 80%+ foreign income
9. Income Documentation
   • Invoices from past 12 months
   • Bank statements showing payments
   • Tax returns from home country
10. Professional Qualifications
    • Degree certificates (some consulates request these)
    • Professional certifications if relevant

For Family Members

11. Marriage Certificate (for spouse)
    • Apostilled and translated
12. Birth Certificates (for children)
    • Apostilled and translated
13. Proof of Relationship (for unmarried partners)
    • Registered partnership certificate, or
    • Proof of cohabitation for 1+ year

Translation and Apostille Requirements

All foreign documents must be:

• Apostilled: Through the Hague Apostille Convention (or legalized if your country isn't a member)
• Translated: By a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognized in Spain

The apostille must be on the original document, and the translation must reference the apostilled original.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The DNV application can be submitted at a Spanish consulate abroad or, in some cases, directly in Spain if you're already legally present. Here's the complete process:

Phase 1: Preparation (4-8 Weeks)

1. Verify Eligibility
   • Confirm you meet income requirements
   • Verify employer will provide required documentation
   • Check you haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the past 5 years (for Beckham Law)
2. Request Criminal Background Check
   • Often takes 2-4 weeks
   • Get apostille immediately after receiving
3. Request Employer Letter and Documents
   • Allow time for company HR/legal to prepare
   • Ensure letter includes all required elements
4. Obtain Health Insurance
   • Research consulate-specific requirements
   • Ensure policy is valid from your planned arrival date
5. Get Translations
   • Find a sworn translator (traductor jurado)
   • Translate all non-Spanish documents

Phase 2: Visa Application (1-3 Months)

6. Book Consulate Appointment
   • Apply at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your residence
   • Appointments can be booked weeks out—book early
   • Some consulates allow mail-in applications
7. Submit Application
   • Bring all documents (originals + copies)
   • Pay visa fee (approximately €80)
   • Provide biometrics if required
8. Wait for Processing
   • Processing time: 30-90 days (varies by consulate)
   • Consulate may request additional documents
9. Receive Visa
   • Valid for 1 year initially
   • Must enter Spain within 90 days of issuance

Phase 3: In Spain—Residence Card (1-2 Months)

10. Enter Spain
    • Your visa allows legal entry
    • Begin 30-day window to apply for TIE (residence card)
11. Obtain NIE
    • Foreigner identification number
    • Required for most administrative processes
    • Usually obtained as part of TIE process
12. Apply for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
    • Book appointment at Oficina de Extranjería or police station
    • Bring passport, visa, photographs, proof of address
    • Pay fee (approximately €16)
13. Receive TIE Card
    • Typically 4-6 weeks after appointment
    • Initial card valid for 3 years
    • This is your residence proof in Spain

Phase 4: Ongoing Compliance

14. Register with Social Security
    • Required if self-employed (Autónomo registration)
    • Remote employees typically remain in home country system
15. Maintain Requirements
    • Keep income above threshold
    • Maintain health insurance
    • Continue remote work arrangement
16. Renewal (Year 3)
    • Apply before current authorization expires
    • Show continued eligibility
    • Renewed for 2 additional years

Timeline & Costs

Realistic Timeline

Phase	Duration	Notes
Document Preparation	4-8 weeks	Background checks, apostilles, translations
Consulate Appointment Wait	1-4 weeks	Varies significantly by location
Visa Processing	30-90 days	Officially 30 days; often longer
TIE Appointment Wait	2-8 weeks	In Spain; major cities have longer waits
TIE Card Issuance	4-6 weeks	After fingerprinting appointment

Total: 3-6 months from start to TIE card in hand

Complete Cost Breakdown

Expense	Cost (EUR)	Cost (USD)
Government Fees
Visa Application	€80	~$87
TIE Card	€16	~$17
Document Costs
Criminal Background Check	€50-150	~$55-165
Apostilles	€50-200	~$55-220
Sworn Translations	€200-500	~$220-550
Medical Certificate	€50-100	~$55-110
Required Insurance
Health Insurance (annual)	€600-2,000	~$660-2,200
Optional Services
Immigration Lawyer	€1,000-3,000	~$1,100-3,300
Beckham Law Application (with lawyer)	€500-1,500	~$550-1,650

Budget Summary:

• DIY Minimum: €1,000-1,500 (~$1,100-1,650)
• Including Insurance: €1,600-3,500 (~$1,760-3,850)
• With Professional Help: €3,000-6,000 (~$3,300-6,600)

Common Mistakes That Delay DNV Applications

1. Insufficient Proof of Remote Work Authorization

The employer letter is crucial. A vague letter stating "John works for us" isn't enough. The letter must explicitly state:

• The employee is authorized to work remotely from Spain
• The company has no establishment in Spain (if applicable)
• The employment relationship will continue
• Salary information

2. Wrong Health Insurance

Some consulates reject international travel insurance and require Spanish providers. Others are more flexible. The safest approach: get a policy from a Spanish insurer (Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE) or confirm your consulate accepts your international coverage.

3. Documents Not Properly Apostilled or Translated

Every foreign document needs an apostille (on the original) AND a sworn translation. The translation must reference the apostilled document. Getting the order wrong creates problems.

4. Expired Documents

Criminal background checks typically must be issued within 3 months of application. Medical certificates have similar freshness requirements. Don't gather documents too early—time your requests appropriately.

5. Missing the Beckham Law Deadline

You have exactly 6 months from becoming a Spanish tax resident to apply for Beckham Law. Miss this deadline and you're locked into the standard progressive tax rates (up to 47%) for your entire stay.

6. Applying at the Wrong Consulate

You must apply at the consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Applying elsewhere (even if appointments are easier to get) will result in rejection.

7. Not Meeting the 80% Foreign Income Rule (Freelancers)

Self-employed applicants must show at least 80% of income from non-Spanish clients. If you have significant Spanish clients, the DNV may not be the right visa for you.

Tax Implications & The Beckham Law

Understanding Spanish taxation is crucial because the DNV provides access to one of Europe's most favorable tax regimes: the Beckham Law.

What is the Beckham Law?

The "Beckham Law" (officially the Special Tax Regime for Inbound Workers, or Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados) allows qualifying individuals to be taxed as non-residents for up to 6 years. Named after David Beckham, who famously benefited from it when playing for Real Madrid, it was expanded under the Startup Law to include digital nomads.

Key benefits:

• Flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 (47% above)
• Foreign income generally exempt from Spanish tax (except foreign employment income)
• No wealth tax on non-Spanish assets
• Simplified tax filing

Beckham Law Eligibility for DNV Holders

To qualify for Beckham Law as a Digital Nomad Visa holder, you must:

1. Not have been a Spanish tax resident in the 5 years prior to arrival
2. Move to Spain due to employment or work activity (DNV qualifies)
3. Apply within 6 months of becoming a Spanish tax resident
4. Not earn income through a permanent establishment in Spain

The 6-Month Deadline

This cannot be stressed enough: you have exactly 6 months from becoming a Spanish tax resident to file Form 149 (application for the special regime). The clock typically starts when you:

• Arrive in Spain with intent to stay, OR
• Begin working in/from Spain

Missing this deadline is permanent. There are no extensions, no exceptions, and no appeals. If you miss it, you're subject to regular Spanish tax rates for your entire time in Spain.

How to Apply for Beckham Law

1. Obtain your NIE (foreigner identification number)
2. Complete Form 149 (Comunicación de la opción...)
3. Submit to Agencia Tributaria (Spanish tax agency)
4. Receive confirmation of acceptance

Many people use a tax advisor or gestor for this process. Given the stakes (6 years of tax treatment), professional assistance is often worth the €500-1,500 cost.

Standard Spanish Tax Rates (Without Beckham Law)

If you don't qualify for or miss the Beckham Law deadline:

Income Bracket	Tax Rate
Up to €12,450	19%
€12,450 - €20,200	24%
€20,200 - €35,200	30%
€35,200 - €60,000	37%
€60,000 - €300,000	45%
Above €300,000	47%

US Citizens: Additional Considerations

American citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. As a DNV holder:

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Exclude up to $130,000 (2025) of foreign-earned income from US taxes if you meet presence/residency tests
• Foreign Tax Credit: Credit Spanish taxes paid against US tax liability
• FBAR/FATCA: Report foreign bank accounts and financial assets

The combination of FEIE and Beckham Law can result in very favorable overall tax treatment for US citizens.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: US Tech Employee

Sarah, 32, software engineer from Austin
Employer: US-based startup
Salary: $150,000/year (€138,000)

Sarah's company allows fully remote work. She applies for the DNV with:

• Employment contract showing remote work
• Letter from HR authorizing Spain-based work
• Pay stubs showing income well above €2,760/month minimum

Tax situation with Beckham Law:

• Spanish tax: 24% on €138,000 = €33,120
• US FEIE covers $130,000 (€120,000); remaining €18,000 taxed at US rates minus foreign tax credit
• Total effective rate: approximately 25-28%

Without Beckham Law: Spanish progressive rates would result in €50,000+ in Spanish tax alone.

Scenario 2: British Freelance Consultant

James, 45, management consultant from London
Clients: Mix of UK, US, and European companies
Annual income: £90,000 (€105,000)

James qualifies as self-employed with 100% non-Spanish clients. He provides:

• Contracts with three ongoing clients
• 12 months of invoices and bank statements
• UK tax returns showing business history

Post-Brexit, James lost EU work rights. The DNV restores his ability to live in Spain and travel freely in Schengen while serving his UK clients.

Scenario 3: Family Relocation

The Andersons from Chicago
Parents: Mike (38) and Lisa (36)
Children: Emma (8) and Jack (5)
Mike's salary: $180,000 as remote product manager
Lisa: Stay-at-home mom, may freelance later

Income requirement for family of four:

• Mike (primary): €2,760
• Lisa (+75% SMI): €1,035
• Emma (+25% SMI): €345
• Jack (+25% SMI): €345
• Total: €4,485/month (€53,820/year)

Mike's $180,000 (~€166,000) easily exceeds requirements. The family applies together, with Mike as primary applicant.

Considerations:

• Children can attend public Spanish schools (free)
• Lisa could later freelance under the family permit (within 20% Spanish client limit)
• Beckham Law applies to Mike; Lisa would need separate analysis if she generates significant income

The Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Timeline Overview

Milestone	When	Requirements
Initial TIE Card	On arrival	Valid for 3 years
Renewal	Year 3	Show continued eligibility; renewed for 2 years
Long-Term Residence	Year 5	5 years of legal residence
Spanish Citizenship	Year 10 (or 2)	10 years residence; 2 years for Latin Americans, Philippines, etc.

Long-Term Residence (5 Years)

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term EU residence (residencia de larga duración). This provides:

• Permanent right to live in Spain
• No need to renew every few years
• Right to work without restrictions
• Access to social services

Spanish Citizenship

Standard naturalization requires 10 years of legal residence. However, citizens of certain countries benefit from reduced timelines:

• 2 years: Citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews
• 1 year: Those born in Spain, married to Spanish citizens, or with Spanish parents/grandparents

Requirements for citizenship:

• Continuous legal residence for required period
• Good conduct (no criminal record)
• Sufficient integration (basic Spanish language ability)
• Pass the CCSE (constitutional and cultural knowledge) and DELE A2 (language) exams

DNV vs Portugal D7: Which is Right?

Many remote workers consider both Spain's DNV and Portugal's D7. Here's how they compare:

Factor	Spain DNV	Portugal D7
Income Type	Active remote work	Passive income only
Minimum Income	€2,760/month (2026)	€920/month (2026)
Tax Benefit	Beckham Law (24% flat for 6 years)	NHR ended; standard rates now
Initial Permit	3 years	2 years
Path to Citizenship	10 years (2 for Latin Americans)	5 years
Best For	High-earning remote workers	Retirees, passive income holders

Choose Spain DNV if:

• You work remotely for a foreign company
• You earn enough to benefit from Beckham Law (roughly €60,000+)
• You prefer Spanish culture, climate, or language
• You have Latin American heritage (2-year citizenship path)

Choose Portugal D7 if:

• Your income is passive (pensions, investments, rental income)
• You're retired or don't actively work
• You want faster citizenship (5 years vs 10)
• You have lower income (€920 vs €2,760 minimum)

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility Questions

Can I apply if I'm a freelancer with some Spanish clients?

Yes, but only if 80% or more of your income comes from non-Spanish clients. If you have significant Spanish business, consider the traditional Autónomo route instead.

What if my company has a Spanish subsidiary?

This complicates matters. The key question is who employs you. If your contract is with the foreign parent company and you're authorized to work remotely, you may still qualify. If you're employed by the Spanish entity, you need a different visa type.

Can my spouse work in Spain on the dependent permit?

Family members receive residence permits tied to the primary applicant. They can generally work, but should verify their specific permit's work authorization. Your spouse could also apply for their own DNV if they qualify independently.

Process Questions

Can I apply from inside Spain?

In some cases, yes. If you're legally in Spain (e.g., on a tourist visa), you may be able to apply directly to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas or immigration office. However, many people find applying at a consulate abroad more straightforward.

How long can I stay outside Spain?

To maintain residence, avoid absences longer than 6 consecutive months or 10 months cumulative within a year. Extended travel can jeopardize both your residence status and Beckham Law benefits.

What happens if I change employers?

You'll need to notify authorities and provide documentation for your new position. As long as your new job also involves remote work for a non-Spanish company, you should maintain eligibility.

Tax Questions

Can I apply for Beckham Law before I have my TIE?

You need an NIE (identification number) to apply. This is usually obtained during the TIE process, so there's typically some overlap. The 6-month clock starts from tax residency, not from TIE issuance.

Does Beckham Law apply to investment income?

Foreign investment income (dividends, capital gains from non-Spanish sources) is generally exempt from Spanish tax under Beckham Law. Spanish-source investment income would be taxed at 24%.

What happens after 6 years of Beckham Law?

You transition to standard Spanish tax residency with progressive rates. Some people plan their stay around this 6-year window; others stay and accept the higher rates.

Resources & Next Steps

Official Government Resources

• Spanish Ministry of Immigration - International Telework — Official DNV information
• Spanish Electronic Office — Online procedures
• Agencia Tributaria — Tax authority (for Beckham Law)
• Spanish Consulates Directory — Find your local consulate

Expat Communities

• Expatica Spain — Expat news and guides
• SpainExpat.com — Community forums
• Digital Nomads Spain (Facebook) — Active community
• r/SpainExpats — Reddit community

Professional Services

• Immigration lawyers (abogados de extranjería) can assist with the entire process
• Tax advisors (asesores fiscales) essential for Beckham Law application
• Gestorías handle administrative paperwork and appointments

Get Personalized Guidance

Every DNV application has unique considerations—your employment type, income sources, family situation, and tax residency history all affect the best approach. Our AI assistant can help you:

• Verify your eligibility for the DNV
• Check Beckham Law qualification
• Create a customized document checklist
• Understand the timeline for your specific situation

January 2026 Updates

• Income threshold: €2,760/month (200% of €1,380 SMI)
• Beckham Law: Still available, 24% flat rate for 6 years
• Initial permit: 3 years (unchanged)
• Processing times: 30-90 days at consulates (varies)