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
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.