💻 How to Apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (2025 Guide)

Spain officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2023, and by 2025 it has become one of the most popular relocation routes for remote workers worldwide. If you earn your income remotely, this visa allows you to live in Spain legally for 1–5 years while enjoying one of Europe’s most attractive lifestyles.

Here’s everything you need to know 👇

1️⃣ What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn their income primarily from companies outside of Spain.

👉 It’s part of Spain’s Startup Act (Ley de Startups) and was created to attract international talent and boost Spain’s tech ecosystem.

2️⃣ Who Can Apply?

You qualify if you meet these requirements:

🌍 Non-EU/EEA Citizen – If you’re from the EU, you don’t need this visa.
💻 Remote Worker or Freelancer – Your employer/client must be located outside Spain.
📄 Stable Work Proof –
- If employed: Signed employment contract (valid at least 3 months).
- If self-employed: Proof of contracts with non-Spanish clients.
💶 Income Requirement –
- €2,520/month (approx €30,240/year) for the main applicant (200% of Spain’s minimum wage in 2025).
  - €1,080/month for the spouse (75%).
🏥 Private Health Insurance – Must cover you in Spain with no copayments.
📜 Background Check – Clean criminal record for the past 5 years.

3️⃣ Documents You’ll Need

✅ Valid passport (with at least 1 year left)
✅ Employment contract OR proof of freelance work with non-Spanish clients
✅ Bank statements or proof of sufficient income
✅ Private health insurance certificate (sin copago, sin carencias)
✅ Criminal background check (apostilled + translated into Spanish)
✅ Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract, hotel booking, or invitation letter)
✅ Recent passport-sized photos

💡 Insider Tip: Always bring multiple copies of every document. Spanish consulates love paper.

4️⃣ Where & How to Apply

You have two options:

Apply at a Spanish Consulate in your home country
- Visa granted for 1 year.
- Once in Spain, you exchange it for a residence permit (TIE card).
Apply from within Spain on a tourist visa
- Apply within the first 90 days of entry.
- Residence permit is valid for 3 years, renewable for 2 more.

👉 Applications are handled by UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).

5️⃣ Processing Times

Typical processing time: 20–45 days.
If applying from inside Spain, approvals are usually faster.

6️⃣ Tax Benefits (The “Beckham Law”)

One of the biggest perks 🎉

If approved, you can apply for Spain’s Beckham Law tax regime.
You’ll pay a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000/year.
Duration: Valid for 5 years.

💡 This makes Spain one of the most tax-friendly destinations for high-earning remote workers in Europe.

7️⃣ Costs & Fees

Visa fee: €70–€100 (depending on nationality).
Apostille + translations: €50–€200 (varies by country).
Health insurance: €55–€90/month.
Residency card (TIE): €15.76 (2025 rate).

8️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Applying with even one Spanish client (can cause rejection).
❌ Submitting health insurance with copay or waiting periods.
❌ Not apostilling & officially translating documents.
❌ Forgetting to register your padrón (local town hall registration) once in Spain.

9️⃣ Renewal Rules

First permit: 1 year (if from consulate) OR 3 years (if applied from inside Spain).
Renewable for 2 years at a time, up to 5 years.
After 5 years → eligible for permanent residency.

✅ Summary

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer for remote workers. With the right paperwork, stable income, and proper planning, you can enjoy up to 5 years of legal residency, flat 24% taxes, and all the lifestyle benefits Spain has to offer.

👉 At Pathway Spain, we simplify the process with checklists, step-by-step guides, and insider tips so you don’t miss a detail.