🇪🇸 Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on Nomad Insights

Spain’s digital nomad visa in 2025 opens the door to living and working remotely in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries.

Digital illustration of a remote worker using a laptop on a Spanish balcony with iconic architecture in the background, promoting the Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2025.

With world-class cities like Barcelona and Madrid, a Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural life, Spain has quickly become a hotspot for remote workers. In 2025, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers an exciting path for non-EU citizens to live legally in Spain while working remotely, and potentially gain permanent residency.

Who Can Apply?

  • Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
  • Work remotely for a non-Spanish company (freelance or employed)
  • Hold a university degree or 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Have a clean criminal record (last 5 years)
  • Have private health insurance approved in Spain
  • Minimum monthly income:
    • €2,762 for individuals
    • €3,797 for couples
    • €1,035 per adult dependent
    • €346 per minor dependent

đź“Ś You may work for Spanish clients up to 20% of your income.

Required Documents (2025 Checklist)

  • Valid passport (1+ year)
  • Proof of income (bank statements, invoices, contracts)
  • Health insurance policy
  • Criminal background check
  • Remote employment/freelance proof
  • University degree or work history
  • NIE number (Spanish tax ID)
  • Application forms
  • Notarized translations (traductor jurado)

Application Process

Infographic showing two application methods for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa 2025, with icons and steps for applying from outside or inside Spain.

Applying from Outside Spain:

  1. Gather and translate all required documents
  2. Book an appointment at a Spanish consulate
  3. Pay visa (€80–90) and NIE (€10) fees
  4. Wait 15–45 business days for approval
  5. Enter Spain within 90 days
  6. Apply for your residence card (TIE) within 30 days

Applying from Within Spain (UGE Process):

  • Apply via UGE – Unidad de Grandes Empresas
  • Can apply while in Spain on a tourist visa
  • Visa valid for up to 3 years
  • Processing time: 20 business days

Cost Breakdown

ItemEstimated Cost
Visa application€80–€90
Residence card (TIE)€16–€20
NIE number€10
UGE application€73.26
Background check~$160 (varies)
Health insuranceFrom €50/month
Translations & notarizations€200–€1,000+

Processing Time

  • Outside Spain: 15–45 business days
  • UGE process (inside Spain): 20 business days
  • Total time: 4–12 weeks

Top Cities in Spain for Digital Nomads

Spain isn’t just about Madrid and Barcelona, it offers a variety of nomad-friendly cities with great internet, co-working spaces, and community:

  • Valencia: Coastal, sunny, and more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. It has one of the fastest-growing digital nomad scenes.
  • Málaga: With year-round sunshine and proximity to beaches, it’s a favorite for those wanting a laid-back work-life balance.
  • Seville: A cultural gem with great weather, strong infrastructure, and a low cost of living.
  • Las Palmas (Gran Canaria): Ideal for digital nomads seeking island life with solid Wi-Fi and a warm expat community.

Each city offers a unique lifestyle, and all are within reach under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.

Taxes & the 20% Rule – In More Detail

Under Spain’s Beckham Law, digital nomads pay a flat tax rate of 24% on earnings up to €600,000/year, for the first 4 years. You’re allowed to work with Spanish clients, as long as it accounts for no more than 20% of your total income.

To maintain your eligibility, income from Spanish sources must not exceed 20% of your total income. This is designed to protect local job markets while still offering flexibility to digital professionals.

Learn more about the 20% rule here

🔍 Example:

  • If you earn €4,000/month:
    • Max allowed from Spanish companies = €800/month
    • €3,200 must come from foreign clients

How to prove compliance:

  • Submit invoices or payment reports clearly showing where clients are based
  • Use spreadsheets or accounting tools to calculate monthly percentages
  • Include a sworn statement confirming your Spanish income stays within the 20% cap

Recommended tool: Xolo.io or [QuickBooks] for simple income tracking

Bring Your Family

  • Spouses, children, and dependent parents allowed
  • Must show extra income and proof of relationship

Visa Validity & Renewals

  • Outside Spain: 1-year visa
  • Inside Spain: 3-year visa via UGE
  • Renewable as long as you stay in Spain 183+ days/year

Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

  • Legal right to live and work remotely in Spain
  • Travel within Schengen Area
  • Access Spain’s public healthcare
  • Flat tax rate for 4 years under Beckham Law
  • Lower living costs than many EU cities
  • Path to residency in 5 years and citizenship in 10

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does approval take?
Typically 15–45 business days from a consulate. If applying from within Spain via UGE, it can take as little as 20 business days.
Can I switch from a tourist visa to a nomad visa inside Spain?
Yes. The UGE process allows this, as long as you apply before your tourist stay expires.
Can I bring my pet with me?
Yes. Spain is pet-friendly, but your pet must meet EU health and identification requirements (vaccination, microchip, etc.).
What happens if I no longer meet the income requirement?
Your residency may be at risk. It’s important to consistently maintain the income threshold and keep clear records of your finances.

Disclaimer

Visa requirements are subject to change. This article is based on information from official Spanish government sources as of April 2025. Always confirm with your local embassy or consulate before applying.

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