Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: Residency for International Remote Work, Done Right (Barcelona and Online)
Start your journey to Spain—we’ll strategicallyprepare your application .
Why should you trust us to handle your vehicle's name change in Barcelona?
If you work remotely for a company based outside Spain (or are a freelancer with international clients), you can apply for the Visa/Residence Permit for International Remote Workers —known as the “digital nomad visa”—to live legally in Spain and continue working remotely.
At Martínez & Caballero Abogados, we prepare your application strategically: we verify eligibility requirements, refine your documentation (focusing on the most common grounds for denial), submit your application, and guide you through the process until you receive a favorable decision and your TIE.
Eligibility Review (Employee / Freelancer) + “Risk Factors”
Complete documentation preparation (company, contract, remote work, etc.)
Initial Application and Follow-up with the UGE / Consulate + Support for Family Members
What exactly is a digital nomad visa?
This is the authorization (or visa, if you’re applying from abroad) for third-country nationals who work remotely for companies located outside Spain using computer-based tools. If you’re a freelancer, you may work for Spanish companies for no more than 20% of your professional activity.
Who can apply? (Select your profile)
Option A: Employee
You work remotely for a company that is not based in Spain.
The employment relationship must have existed for at least 3 months prior to submitting the application.
The company (or group) must have been actively engaged in business for at least one year.
Option B: Independent Professional / Freelancer
You have had a business relationship with one or more companies not located in Spain for at least 3 months.
You may provide services to a Spanish company as long as it does not exceed 20% of your total business activity.
You must demonstrate that your work can be performed remotely and provide the terms and conditions of employment.
Degree or experience
You must demonstrate that you are a qualified professional: either through a degree (undergraduate/graduate, vocational training, or a prestigious business school) or at least 3 years of professional experience.
Decision Timelines (and Why It's a “Fast-Track” Process)
The One-Stop Shop / ONE.gob cites a “faster processing time” of 20 business days as a reference for processing digital nomad residency applications.
Term and Renewal
Visa: up to 1 year.
Residence permit: up to 3 years.
Renewal: for 2-year terms, subject to the same conditions.
Family members: Can they come with me?
Yes, you can include family members (subject to applicable regulations and documentation). In any case, the key issue is usually proving sufficient income for the household (75% + 25% of the minimum wage).
Key Official Requirements (“Anti-Denial” Checklist)
1) Minimum Income (Financial Means)
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources:
Base Pay: 200% of the monthly minimum wage.
Household (2 people):+75% of the minimum wage.
Each additional member:+25% of the minimum wage.
2) Foreign company/client with minimal business activity
A company or group that has been actively operating for at least one year.
3) Previous relationship with the company/client
A prior employment or business relationship of at least 3 months prior to the application.
4) 100% remote work (with supporting documentation)
You must provide documentation proving that the work can be performed remotely and that the company authorizes remote work from Spain.
Should you apply from your home country or from Spain? (The most important difference)
1) Visa (if you are outside of Spain)
You apply for the international remote work visa at the Consulate. Its maximum validity is 1 year (or the duration of the work period, if shorter).
2) Residence permit (if you are in Spain legally)
If you are in Spain legally, you can apply for a residence permit valid for up to 3 years (provided that your period of employment is not shorter).
Taxes: “Will I pay only 24%?” (Important: No empty promises)
There is a special tax regime for expats (“the Beckham Law”), with its own requirements and procedures to be followed with the AEAT (for example, Form 149). It does not automatically apply simply because you are a digital nomad: you must review your tax situation and how you acquire tax residency.
Our Digital Nomad Method (Step-by-Step)
Assessment and Strategy (Employee vs. Freelancer)
We verify legal compliance, the percentage for Spain (if freelance), and risk factors (documents, company/client, evidence of remote work).
A complete, up-to-date, and customized checklist for your specific case
We'll provide you with a detailed breakdown tailored to your specific situation (company, letter, contract, 3-month employment history, 1 year of work experience, qualifications/experience, income at 200% of the minimum wage, etc.).
Preparing a “requirement-proof” file
Our team of experts ensures that your file is properly organized, consistent, and includes any necessary translations and legalizations, if applicable.
Professional presentation, ongoing follow-up, and closing the deal
We'll guide you through the entire process until a decision is reached and help you with the next steps (TIE, family matters, renewals). We won't leave you hanging.
Why Apply for Your Digital Nomad Visa With Our Help
Applying for a Digital Nomad visa in Spain requires meeting very specific requirements: minimum income, prior employment history, proof that the company is actively operating, and clear evidence of remote work. An error in the documentation can lead to delays or even a denial.
Preliminary eligibility review based on your profile (employee or freelancer)
Review and complete preparation of the required documentation
Customized Strategy to Minimize the Risk of Denial
Submission and follow-up of the application with the competent authority
Support through the process until a favorable resolution is reached and the TIE is obtained
Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
What is the digital nomad visa in Spain?
The digital nomad visa—officially known as a residence permit for international remote workers—is a permit that allows foreign professionals to live in Spain while working remotely for companies located outside of Spain or engaging in international professional activities.
Who is eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa?
This benefit may be requested by employees who work remotely for a foreign company or by self-employed professionals who provide services to clients outside Spain. In the case of self-employed professionals, work for Spanish companies may not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
What is the minimum income requirement for the digital nomad visa?
The applicant must demonstrate income equal to 200% of the Minimum Wage (SMI). If family members are included, an additional 75% of the SMI is required for the first family member and an additional 25% for each additional member.
How long should I have been working with my company or clients?
You must provide proof of an employment or professional relationship lasting at least 3 months before submitting the application. In addition, the foreign company must have been actively and continuously operating for at least one year.
Do I need a college degree to apply for this visa?
A college degree is not required if you can demonstrate at least three years of professional experience related to your field. Vocational training certificates or degrees from recognized business schools are also accepted.
Can I apply for a visa if I'm already in Spain?
Yes, as long as you are in good legal standing in Spain at the time of your application. In that case, it is processed as a residence permit and may be granted for up to three years.
How long is the visa or residence permit valid?
If applied for from abroad, the visa may be granted for up to one year. If applied for from Spain, the residence permit may be granted for up to three years. It may subsequently be renewed for additional periods of two years.
How long does it take to process a digital nomad visa?
The estimated processing time is generally quick compared to other immigration procedures, and the application can typically be processed in approximately 20 business days when the file is complete and properly submitted.
Can I bring my family with me on a digital nomad visa?
Yes. It is possible to include a spouse or partner, minor children, and other family members in certain cases. To do so, you must provide proof of sufficient additional income to support the entire family unit.
Does the digital nomad visa allow me to work for Spanish companies?
Yes, but with some restrictions. If you are self-employed, work for companies located in Spain cannot exceed 20% of your total professional activity. The core of your business must remain international.
Will I only be taxed at 24% with this visa?
The digital nomad visa does not automatically entail the application of the special tax regime known as the “Beckham Law.” This regime may be requested if certain tax requirements are met and must be processed separately with the Tax Agency.
What mistakes typically lead to the denial of a digital nomad visa?
The most common errors include a lack of clear documentation of remote work, insufficient income, incomplete business documentation, inconsistencies in contracts, or failure to meet the three-month prior employment requirement. A professional review beforehand significantly reduces the risk of requests for additional information or denials.
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