Spain Digital Nomad Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Live and work in Spain for up to 3 years initially
- Freedom of movement within the Schengen Area
- Option to include immediate family members on the application
- Potential eligibility for the 'Beckham Law' flat tax rate
- Path to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship available
- Open to both employees of foreign firms and freelancers
- Streamlined processing for applications submitted within Spain
Processing time
20-40 working days
Applications submitted within Spain are typically processed faster by the UGE (Unit for Large Companies) than those submitted at consulates.
Estimated cost
~$250 excluding legal/translation fees
- Consular Visa Fee (subject to nationality)$80 - $150
- Residence Permit Fee (Model 790 038)€73
- TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) fee€16 - €22
Requirements
- You must work remotely for companies based outside of Spain.
- If you are an employee, your company must have been in operation for at least 1 year.
- You must have worked for your current employer/clients for at least 3 months.
- Prove a monthly income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (approx. €2,640/month).
- Hold a degree from a prestigious university or have 3 years of work experience in your field.
- No criminal record in the last 5 years in your country of residence.
- Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain and no co-payments.
- Freelancers must not earn more than 20% of their income from Spanish clients.
- Proof that your employer allows you to work remotely from Spain.
- Official translations of all non-Spanish documents by a sworn translator.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport with at least 1 year validity remaining
- Proof of professional relationship with client/employer (min. 3 months old)
- Certificate of a criminal record from countries of residence in last 5 years
- Health insurance certificate from a provider authorised to operate in Spain
- Proof of academic degree or 3 years of professional experience
- Company certificate authorising remote work from Spain
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or pay slips)
- Official application forms (MI-T or relevant consular form)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Document Preparation & Translation
Gather bank statements, contracts, and degree certificates. Ensure all foreign documents are apostilled and translated by a Spanish-certified sworn translator.
- 2
Establish Social Security Compliance
If you are an employee, obtain a certificate showing your company pays social security in a country with a bilateral agreement, or register the company in Spain.
- 3
Choose Application Location
Decide whether to apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country (1-year visa) or from within Spain as a tourist (3-year permit).
- 4
Submit Application and Fees
Complete the MI-T form and pay the relevant government fees (Model 790). Ensure you have the receipt of payment ready.
- 5
Wait for Review period
The UGE-CE (in Spain) has 20 working days to respond. If they do not respond within this timeframe, the application is often considered 'approved by administrative silence'.
- 6
Biometrics and TIE Collection
Once approved, visit the local police station to register your fingerprints and apply for your physical TIE card (Foreigner Identity Card).
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your health insurance has no 'care carencia' (waiting periods) or co-payments.
- Double-check that your income meets the threshold based on the 'SMI' of the current year.
- Use a sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Apply within the first 30 days of entering Spain if you are choosing the in-country route.
- Ensure your criminal record check is federal/national, not just local or state-level.
- Keep your business contracts updated to show they are valid for at least one year.
Frequently asked questions
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PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.