Spain continues to sit at the top of the list for digital nomads looking to work abroad. There’s just something about the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture that draws so many to the area (plus, the weather is excellent!)
Since launching its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in January 2023, Spain has opened its doors to international professionals who want to combine their work with the Spanish way of life.
The visa offers non-EU citizens quite a bit of opportunity to legally live and work remotely in Spain for up to 5 years. Plus, it comes with some unique tax benefits and residency options you won’t find with a short-term tourist visa.
Let’s look at how the DNV works – from the specifics of how the visa works for digital nomads, and how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity.
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa quick facts
- What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
- Who can apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
- What are the requirements to get a Spain Digital Nomad Visa in 2025?
- Costs to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
- How do you apply for the Spanish DNV?
- Does the Spain DNV offer tax benefits?
- Ready to become Spain’s next digital nomad?
Spain Digital Nomad Visa quick facts
| Visa Duration | 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain application) |
| Renewability | Up to 5 years total |
| Minimum Income | €2,760/month (single applicant) |
| Processing Time | 15-45 days |
| Application Fee | €80-90 |
| Who Can Apply | Non-EU/EEA remote workers & freelancers |
| Spanish Income Limit | Maximum 20% for freelancers |
What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa is part of Spain’s Startup Act – a piece of legislation designed to attract international talent to the country and boost the economy.
At its core, the DNV is a special resident permit that allows remote professionals to live in Spain while maintaining their employment status with companies located outside the country.
Typical tourist visas allow individuals to stay in-country for 90 days, but the DNV allows professionals to remain in Spain for up to 5 years.
This actually creates a unique path to long-term residency in the country, and comes with the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Who can apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spanish DNV is exclusively available to non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely. More specifically, this category includes:
- Remote employees: Those employed by companies registered outside Spain
- Freelancers and contractors: Self-employed professionals with international clients
- Entrepreneurs: Business owners operating primarily outside Spain
There is a key requirement you’ll want to keep in mind: the 20% rule. This means that no more than one-fifth of your earned income can come from Spanish companies or clients.
While it may seem limiting, this is designed to make sure DNV holders are truly international workers – not those looking to stay and work in-country for the duration of their visa.
Best of all, family members can accompany the main applicant. This includes spouses, children, and other dependents from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most other non-EU countries.
What are the requirements to get a Spain Digital Nomad Visa in 2025?
There are a few key components that go into eligibility for a DNV. Here are the requirements updated for 2025:
Spain DNV Financial Requirements (2025)
- Single applicant: €2,760 per month
- Couple: €3,797 per month
- Each additional adult: +€1,035 per month
- Each child: +€346 per month
Professional qualifications
To qualify for a Spain DNV, you’ll need to show your expertise as a digital nomad or remote professional. Typically, this means providing evidence of a university degree or professional certification, and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
Additional requirements to qualify
There are a few other elements you’ll need to consider to qualify for a Spain DNV in 2025:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply, and reside in Spain for 183+ days per year to keep the visa active
- You’ll need to maintain a clean criminal record for the past five years
- The ability to maintain Spanish health insurance
- Hold proof of current employment or existing client contracts (a minimum of 3 months' proof)
- Evidence that the employer or clients you’re working with have been operating for at least one year
- A valid passport with one year of remaining validity, along with proof of accommodation
- Apply for a Spanish tax ID (NIE/NIF) upon arrival
Costs to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
The costs will vary depending on your nationality and specific circumstances, but the average amounts to budget for (per 2025 numbers) include:
Fees:
- Visa application: €80-90
- Residence card (TIE): €16-20
- Administrative fees: Variable by country
Documents:
- Criminal background check: €15-60
- Apostille services: €25-75
- Official translations: €20-70 per document
- Health insurance: €50-200 per month
How do you apply for the Spanish DNV?
Applying for the DNV in Spain follows two primary paths:
1. Apply Through The Spanish Consulate
You can apply for a DNV through your Spanish consulate, which will grant you an initial 1-year visa if approved.
You will be required to collect the proper documentation with apostilles and translations, and submit an application. You’ll then attend a visa interview and should hear within 15-45 days whether your application has been approved.
2. Apply Within Spain (Tourist Status)
You can also apply within Spain, which can result in an initial 3-year residence permit. You must enter Spain legally as a tourist first and apply before your 90-day visa stay expires (so you’ll need to start quickly).
You’ll need to submit proof of legal entry as well as the proper documentation, but you’ll usually see faster processing as you’re already in-country.
Does the Spain DNV offer tax benefits?
You might be surprised to learn that Spain offers some significant tax advantages through the Beckham Law. Qualifying digital nomads can land a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 annually – a rate quite a bit lower than standard Spanish tax rates.
You can take advantage of this rate if you become a tax resident (spending 183+ days per year in Spain). Plus, Spain maintains a double taxation treaty with over 90 nations, so you won’t be taxed twice on the same income.
Ready to become Spain’s next digital nomad?
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is one of the best ways to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle while building your career abroad.
Take the time to research the requirements and apply early, and you might find yourself working from the globe’s most nomad-friendly countries before you know it!