Digital Nomad Visa for Spain (2026)

Spain offers the Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups) for remote workers. Launched in 2023. Here's everything you need to know about requirements, income thresholds, tax implications, and how to apply.

Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups) — Key Facts

Income Requirement

EUR 2,849/month

200% of Spanish minimum wage (SMI)

Duration

Up to 3 years, renewable for 2 more

Renewable for additional 2-year periods

Application Cost

€80 visa fee + €16–20 residence card fee

Processing Time

20 business days (by law); in practice 1–3 months

Path to Residency

After 5 years of legal residence

Path to Citizenship

After 10 years of legal residence (2 years for certain nationalities)

Requirements & Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Remote work contract with company outside Spain, or proof of freelance activity with non-Spanish clients
  • Proof of income meeting 200% SMI threshold
  • Health insurance covering Spain
  • Clean criminal record (from countries lived in past 5 years)
  • No prior illegal residence in Spain
  • Proof of professional qualifications or 3+ years experience
Health insurance is required for this visa

Tax Implications in Spain

Tax Summary

Beckham Law: 24% flat rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for 6 years

Digital nomad visa holders can opt for the 'Beckham Law' (Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados), paying a flat 24% on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 (47% above that) for up to 6 years. Foreign-source income (except employment income) is generally not taxed. Without Beckham Law, standard progressive rates of 19%–47% apply.

Beckham Law (Régimen de impatriados)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • +Beckham Law offers very favorable 24% flat tax
  • +Lower income requirement than Portugal
  • +High quality of life, warm climate
  • +Strong digital nomad communities in Barcelona, Valencia, Canary Islands
  • +Schengen zone access
  • +Relatively affordable outside major cities

Cons

  • -Bureaucracy can be challenging
  • -Beckham Law requires careful tax planning
  • -Lower English proficiency outside tourist areas
  • -Path to citizenship takes 10 years (longest in EU)
Official government visa page
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for a Spanish company on a digital nomad visa?
No, the digital nomad visa requires that you work remotely for a company outside Spain, or that no more than 20% of your freelance income comes from Spanish clients.
What is Spain's Beckham Law?
The Beckham Law allows new tax residents to be taxed as non-residents for up to 6 years, paying a flat 24% on Spanish-source income instead of progressive rates up to 47%. Digital nomad visa holders are eligible.
Can freelancers get Spain's digital nomad visa?
Yes, freelancers qualify if they can prove they have clients outside Spain and that no more than 20% of their total income comes from Spanish companies.

Calculate Your Tax in Spain

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Related Visa Guides

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Information is for guidance only and may change. Always verify with official government sources before applying. Some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.