Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Complete Guide 2025

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (officially the International Teleworking Visa) launched in January 2023, allowing remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies. This guide covers everything you need to apply successfully in 2025.

Quick Facts:

• Minimum Income: €2,334/month (€28,008/year) - 200% of Spanish minimum wage
• Processing Time: 20-45 business days
• Initial Duration: 1 year (extendable to 5 years)
• Work Rights: Remote work for non-Spanish companies only (max 20% Spanish income)
• Tax Benefits: 15% flat tax rate on first €600k under Beckham Law (if eligible)
• Family Inclusion: Yes, with proof of relationship and financial means
• Path to Residency: Yes, renewable up to 5 years, then permanent residence

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa (Visado de Teletrabajo Internacional) is a residence permit for remote workers employed by or providing services to companies outside Spain. Created under Spain’s Startup Law (Ley 28/2022), it addresses the growing remote work economy by attracting international talent.

Who It’s For:

• Remote employees of foreign companies
• Freelancers working with international clients
• Digital entrepreneurs with overseas customers
• Remote contractors and consultants
• Startup founders with international operations

What You Get:

• Legal residence in Spain for 1 year (renewable to 5 years)
• Work authorization for remote work
• Schengen travel rights (180 days per year in other EU countries)
• Family reunification rights
• Access to Spanish healthcare (with insurance first year, then public system)
• Potential tax advantages under Beckham Law
• Path to permanent residence after 5 years

What You Cannot Do:

• Work as an employee for Spanish companies (except up to 20% of income)
• Provide services primarily to Spanish clients (80%+ income must be foreign)
• Change to tourist status without visa cancellation

Income Requirements (2025)

You must demonstrate stable, recurring income meeting Spain’s minimum threshold.

Minimum Monthly Income: €2,334 per month (€28,008 annually)

This is 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), which for 2025 is €1,167/month. The calculation:

• Spanish minimum wage 2025: €1,167/month × 14 payments = €16,338/year
• Required for digital nomad visa: €16,338 × 2 = €32,676/year ÷ 14 = €2,334/month

Note: Spain pays 14 monthly salaries (12 regular + 2 extra payments for summer and Christmas), which is why the monthly requirement seems higher than double the base salary.

For Family Applications:

• Main applicant: €2,334/month
• Spouse/partner: Additional 75% (€1,750.50/month)
• Each dependent child: Additional 25% (€583.50/month)

Example for couple with one child:

• Main applicant: €2,334
• Spouse: €1,750.50
• One child: €583.50
• Total required: €4,668/month (€56,016/year)

Acceptable Income Sources

Employment Income:

• Employment contract with foreign company
• Payslips showing regular income
• Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement

Freelance/Self-Employment Income:

• Contracts with international clients
• Bank statements showing regular payments
• Invoices demonstrating consistent work
• Professional portfolio or client list

Business Income:

• Proof of business ownership (>25% stake acceptable)
• Business registration documents
• Bank statements showing regular distributions
• Tax returns from home country

Portfolio Income (May Be Accepted):

• Investment dividends (if significant and regular)
• Rental income from foreign properties
• Royalties from intellectual property

What Is NOT Accepted:

• Savings alone (without recurring income)
• Sporadic freelance income
• Tourist visa extensions
• Income primarily from Spanish sources

The 20% Rule: Spanish Income Limitation

A critical requirement distinguishes the Digital Nomad Visa from standard work permits: no more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish companies.

What This Means:

• 80%+ of your income must be from foreign sources
• You can have some Spanish clients, but they must be minority income
• Calculated over a 12-month period
• Violations can result in visa revocation

Example Scenarios:

✓ Compliant:

• Total annual income: €50,000
• Spanish client income: €8,000 (16%)
• Foreign client income: €42,000 (84%)
• Status: Acceptable

✗ Non-Compliant:

• Total annual income: €50,000
• Spanish client income: €15,000 (30%)
• Foreign client income: €35,000 (70%)
• Status: Violates 20% rule, visa at risk

How It’s Verified:

• Initial application: Declaration and contracts showing foreign work
• Renewal: Tax returns (Modelo 100) showing income breakdown
• Random audits: Immigration may request bank statements

Practical Tip: If you’re borderline on the 20% threshold, consult an immigration lawyer and tax advisor. Some interpretations allow project-based fluctuations as long as the annual average stays below 20%.

Tax Benefits: The Beckham Law

One of the Digital Nomad Visa’s most attractive features is potential eligibility for the “Beckham Law” (Ley Beckham), officially the Special Regime for Workers Displaced to Spain (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Desplazados a España).

What Is the Beckham Law?

The Beckham Law allows qualifying foreign workers to pay tax only on Spanish-sourced income rather than worldwide income, with a flat 15% rate (24% for income above €600,000).

Standard Tax Rates vs. Beckham Law:

Income Level	Standard Tax	Beckham Law Tax
€0-€12,450	19%	15%
€12,450-€20,200	24%	15%
€20,200-€35,200	30%	15%
€35,200-€60,000	37%	15%
€60,000-€300,000	45%	15%
€300,000-€600,000	47%	15%
€600,000+	47%	24%

Duration: Up to 6 years (year of arrival + 5 additional years)

Who Qualifies for Beckham Law?

Requirements:

1. Haven’t been Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years
2. Relocation to Spain for work (Digital Nomad Visa qualifies)
3. Employment contract or work activity in Spain (remote work counts)
4. Application within 6 months of obtaining residence permit

What Counts as Spanish-Sourced Income:

• Salary from Spanish companies
• Spanish rental income
• Spanish business profits
• Dividends from Spanish companies

What Is NOT Taxed (Under Beckham Law):

• Foreign salary (your main digital nomad income)
• Foreign dividends
• Foreign rental income
• Foreign investment gains

Example Savings:

Scenario: Digital nomad earning €50,000/year, all from foreign sources, no Spanish income

Tax Regime	Tax Owed
Standard Spanish Tax	€13,665 (27.3% effective rate)
Beckham Law	€0 (no Spanish-sourced income)
Savings	€13,665/year

Important: You may still owe taxes in your home country depending on their rules. US citizens, for example, must file US taxes regardless. Consult a cross-border tax advisor.

How to Apply for Beckham Law

Timeline: Must apply within 6 months of obtaining your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) residence card.

Application Process:

1. Obtain Digital Nomad Visa and TIE card
2. Gather documentation (employment contracts, proof of foreign income)
3. Complete Modelo 149 form
4. Submit to Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
5. Receive approval (typically 3-6 months)

Required Documents:

• Copy of TIE residence card
• Employment contract or freelance contracts
• Proof of income source (foreign company registration)
• Modelo 149 application form
• Cover letter explaining your situation

We Strongly Recommend: Work with a Spanish tax advisor familiar with Beckham Law. The potential savings vastly outweigh advisory fees (typically €500-€1,500 for application assistance).

Find Tax Advisors in Spain →

Application Process Step-by-Step

Where to Apply

Option 1: From Abroad (Recommended) Apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. Processing is often faster, and you can stay in your home country while waiting.

Option 2: From Within Spain If legally in Spain (tourist visa, student visa, etc.), you can apply to switch to Digital Nomad Visa at the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería). Note: Tourist visa holders may face scrutiny for “visa runs.”

Step 1: Gather Documents

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Passport-sized photos (recent, white background)
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated to Spanish)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled and translated)

Work Documents:

• For Employees: Employment contract stating remote work arrangement, employer letter confirming job, payslips (3-6 months)
• For Freelancers: Contracts with major clients, portfolio of work, business registration, invoices showing income
• For Business Owners: Company registration documents, proof of ownership, bank statements, tax returns

Financial Proof:

• Bank statements (3-6 months showing €2,334+/month income)
• Tax returns from previous year
• Proof income is from foreign sources (contracts with foreign clients/companies)

Criminal Record:

• Criminal background check from home country (apostilled)
• Criminal record from any country lived in 5+ years (if applicable)

Health Insurance:

• Private health insurance valid in Spain
• Minimum coverage: €30,000
• Must cover duration of visa
• Spanish companies (Sanitas, Adeslas) or international providers accepted

Proof of Accommodation:

• Rental contract (if already secured)
• Hotel reservation (if applying before moving)
• Letter of invitation from host (if staying with someone)
• Property ownership deed (if you own property in Spain)

Application Form:

• Modelo EX-14 or EX-08 (varies by consulate)
• Completed in Spanish or with Spanish translation

Step 2: Legalize Documents (Apostille)

Most documents must be apostilled (authenticated for international use) and translated to Spanish by a sworn translator.

Documents Requiring Apostille:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Criminal background check

Process:

1. Obtain original documents from issuing authority
2. Get apostille stamp (process varies by country; in US, done by state or federal offices)
3. Have documents translated by sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognized by Spanish authorities
4. Some consulates accept translations done in Spain; others require translation in home country

Costs: Apostille: $20-$50 per document; Translation: €30-€60 per page

Timeline: 2-6 weeks depending on your country’s apostille process

Step 3: Obtain Health Insurance

You must have private health insurance valid in Spain before applying.

Minimum Requirements:

• Coverage in Spain: Full
• Minimum coverage amount: €30,000
• Deductibles: None or minimal (some consulates reject high-deductible plans)
• Duration: At least 1 year
• Provider: Must be accepted by Spanish consulates

Recommended Providers:

• Sanitas - Major Spanish insurer, widely accepted
• Adeslas - Another top Spanish option
• ASISA - Popular with expats
• SafetyWing - International, covers Spain (verify consulate acceptance)
• Cigna Global - Comprehensive international coverage

Cost: €50-€150/month depending on age, coverage level, and provider

Important: Some consulates are strict about insurance requirements. Call ahead to confirm which providers they accept.

Step 4: Schedule Consulate Appointment

Contact your nearest Spanish consulate to schedule an appointment.

Booking Process:

• Most consulates use online booking systems
• Some require phone calls or email requests
• Book 2-3 months in advance (high demand in major cities)

Consulate Interview:

• Bring all original documents + copies
• Be prepared to explain your remote work situation
• Demonstrate financial stability
• Show ties to Spain (accommodation, reason for choosing Spain)
• Interview may be in Spanish or English (varies by consulate)

Visa Fee: Approximately €80-€160 (varies by consulate and nationality)

Step 5: Processing and Approval

Processing Time: 20-45 business days (1-2 months) after application submission

Possible Outcomes:

1. Approved: Receive visa sticker in passport, valid for 1 year
2. Request for Additional Documents: Provide what’s requested promptly
3. Denied: Receive explanation, can appeal or reapply with corrections

If Approved:

• Visa allows entry to Spain
• You have 1 month from visa issuance to enter Spain
• Upon arrival, you have 30 days to apply for TIE (residence card)

Step 6: Obtain TIE Card (After Arrival)

Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local immigration office or police station.

Required Documents:

• Visa in passport
• Proof of address in Spain (rental contract, padrón certificate)
• Application form (Modelo EX-17)
• Passport photos
• Fee payment (Modelo 790, approximately €12)

TIE Processing: 45 days; you’ll receive notification to pick up your card

TIE Card: This is your official residence permit, valid for 1 year, renewable for additional 2-year periods up to 5 years total.

Step 7: Register for Padrón

Register at your local town hall (ayuntamiento) for the padrón (municipal register).

Required Documents:

• TIE card or passport with visa
• Rental contract
• Landlord authorization (some municipalities require landlord presence)

Why It Matters:

• Required for healthcare access
• Needed for residence permit renewals
• Proof of residency for visa extensions
• Required for many official procedures

Complete Padrón Guide →

Renewal Process

Your initial Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 1 year. You can renew it for additional 2-year periods up to 5 years total.

First Renewal (After 1 Year)

When to Apply: 60 days before your TIE expires (or up to 90 days after expiration, with penalty)

Requirements:

• Proof of continued remote work (contracts, payslips, invoices)
• Bank statements showing continued income
• Tax return (Modelo 100) showing foreign income majority
• Proof of address (rental contract, padrón)
• Health insurance (private or public if you’ve contributed to social security)
• Clean criminal record in Spain

Documents:

• Completed renewal form (Modelo EX-03)
• Copy of current TIE
• Proof of income (€2,334/month still required)
• Tax return showing <20% Spanish income
• Health insurance certificate
• Fee payment (approximately €25)

Processing: 3 months; you receive a new TIE valid for 2 years

Subsequent Renewals

After your first renewal, you can continue renewing every 2 years as long as you maintain:

• Remote work activity
• Minimum income threshold
• <20% Spanish income rule
• Legal residence (no extended absences)

After 5 Years: You become eligible for permanent residence (residencia de larga duración), which no longer requires proving income or work activity.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain

Spain offers diverse cities for remote workers, each with distinct advantages.

Madrid: The Professional Hub

Population: 3.3 million (6.7 million metro area)

Why Digital Nomads Choose Madrid:

• Largest coworking space ecosystem in Spain
• Central location for travel (2.5 hours to Barcelona, beach, mountains)
• Major tech hub with strong entrepreneurial scene
• Best infrastructure (fastest internet, modern facilities)
• International business culture
• Four-season climate (hot summers, cold winters)

Average Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €1,200-€1,600/month
• Coworking membership: €150-€350/month
• Monthly expenses: €1,800-€2,500

Best Neighborhoods:

• Malasaña: Hip, creative, young crowd
• Chueca: LGBTQ+ friendly, central, lively
• Salamanca: Upscale, quiet, professional
• Chamberí: Residential, authentic, excellent food scene

Top Coworking Spaces:

• Impact Hub Madrid (multiple locations)
• MOB Madrid (Alonso Martínez)
• The Shed (La Latina)
• Utopicus (multiple locations, professional)

Living in Madrid Guide →

Barcelona: The Creative Capital

Population: 1.6 million (5.6 million metro area)

Why Digital Nomads Choose Barcelona:

• Mediterranean lifestyle with beach access
• Strong international community
• Vibrant startup and tech scene
• Best for creatives and designers
• Moderate climate year-round
• Excellent quality of life

Average Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €1,200-€1,600/month
• Coworking membership: €150-€300/month
• Monthly expenses: €1,800-€2,600

Best Neighborhoods:

• Gràcia: Village feel, bohemian, popular with digital nomads
• Poble Sec: Affordable, trendy, great food scene
• Eixample: Central, Gaudí architecture, professional
• Poblenou: Former industrial area, “tech district,” near beach

Top Coworking Spaces:

• Betahaus Barcelona (Gràcia)
• MOB Barcelona (Bailén, near Sagrada Familia)
• OneCoWork (Poblenou, near beach)
• Makers of Barcelona (Poble Sec)

Living in Barcelona Guide → Barcelona Apartments for Rent →

Valencia: The Balanced Choice

Population: 800,000 (1.6 million metro area)

Why Digital Nomads Choose Valencia:

• 30-40% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona
• Mediterranean beach city
• Perfect climate (320 sunny days/year)
• Growing tech scene
• Excellent paella and food culture
• Manageable size (bike-friendly)

Average Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €700-€1,000/month
• Coworking membership: €100-€250/month
• Monthly expenses: €1,400-€2,000

Best Neighborhoods:

• Ruzafa: Hip, multicultural, creative scene
• El Carmen: Historic center, bohemian
• Benimaclet: Village atmosphere, affordable
• Malvarrosa: Beachfront, relaxed

Top Coworking Spaces:

• Wayco (multiple locations, community-focused)
• Vortex Coworking (Ruzafa)
• Mundo Cowork (Gran Via)
• Spaces Valencia (city center)

Living in Valencia Guide →

Seville: The Affordable Gem

Population: 700,000 (1.5 million metro area)

Why Digital Nomads Choose Seville:

• Most affordable major Spanish city
• Rich culture and history
• Warm, welcoming locals
• Emerging digital nomad scene
• True Spanish experience (less touristy than Barcelona)

Average Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €600-€900/month
• Coworking membership: €80-€200/month
• Monthly expenses: €1,200-€1,800

Considerations:

• Extremely hot summers (35-40°C)
• Smaller international community
• Fewer coworking spaces (but growing)
• No beach (1 hour to coast)

Top Coworking Spaces:

• La Comunal (city center)
• Coworking Sevilla (Triana neighborhood)
• Impact Hub Seville

Málaga: The Coastal Contender

Population: 580,000 (1.7 million metro area)

Why Digital Nomads Choose Málaga:

• Costa del Sol beaches
• Fastest-growing tech hub (Google campus, startups)
• Year-round warm weather
• International airport with cheap flights across Europe
• Affordable compared to Barcelona

Average Costs:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €800-€1,200/month
• Coworking membership: €100-€250/month
• Monthly expenses: €1,500-€2,200

Best Neighborhoods:

• Centro: Historic, walkable, vibrant
• Soho: Artsy, hipster, street art
• Pedregalejo: Beach neighborhood, local feel
• Teatinos: Modern, residential, near university

Top Coworking Spaces:

• The Living Lab (Soho, community-oriented)
• La Noria (Campanillas, tech park)
• Cowork Málaga (city center)
• MOB Málaga (Soho)

Comparison Table

City	Cost of Living	Climate	Beach	Coworking	Expat Community	Spanish Culture
Madrid	High	Continental	No (4h)	Excellent	Very Large	Medium
Barcelona	High	Mediterranean	Yes	Excellent	Very Large	Medium
Valencia	Medium	Mediterranean	Yes	Good	Large	High
Seville	Low	Hot Mediterranean	No (1h)	Moderate	Medium	Very High
Málaga	Medium	Mediterranean	Yes	Good	Large	High

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Proving Remote Work Relationship

Problem: Consulates require clear proof your work is remote and foreign-based.

Solution:

• Obtain detailed letter from employer stating remote work arrangement, job duties, and that you can work from anywhere
• For freelancers: Provide multiple client contracts showing international clients
• Include portfolio or LinkedIn profile demonstrating your work
• Bank statements showing regular international transfers

Challenge 2: Meeting Income Threshold as Freelancer

Problem: Freelance income fluctuates month-to-month, making it hard to show consistent €2,334/month.

Solution:

• Calculate average over 6-12 months
• Show total annual income (€28,008+) via tax returns
• Demonstrate multiple client relationships for stability
• Provide signed contracts showing expected future income
• Some consulates accept savings as supplemental proof (€20,000-€30,000 in bank)

Challenge 3: Health Insurance Rejection

Problem: Some consulates reject certain international health insurance providers.

Solution:

• Call consulate before purchasing insurance to confirm accepted providers
• Spanish companies (Sanitas, Adeslas, ASISA) are universally accepted
• Get insurance certificate in Spanish translation
• Ensure policy explicitly states coverage in Spain with no or low deductible

Challenge 4: Extended Visa Processing Times

Problem: Some consulates take 3-4 months to process applications.

Solution:

• Apply 6 months before intended move date
• Follow up every 2-3 weeks for status updates
• Consider applying at less busy consulates (if you have flexibility on location)
• Be patient; the visa is worth the wait

Challenge 5: Maintaining <20% Spanish Income

Problem: As you establish yourself in Spain, Spanish clients may approach you, risking the 20% threshold.

Solution:

• Track income sources monthly in spreadsheet
• Decline Spanish client work if approaching 20% threshold
• Consult tax advisor annually before renewals
• Keep detailed records of all contracts and payments
• Consider establishing Spanish business entity (SL) if you want more Spanish clients (changes visa category)

Get Expert Help

Navigating Spanish immigration law can be complex. Professional assistance significantly increases approval chances and reduces stress.

Recommended Services:

• Immigration Lawyers in Spain → - Assist with application preparation, document review, and consulate representation (€500-€2,000)
• Tax Advisors → - Help with Beckham Law application and tax optimization (€500-€1,500)
• Accountants for Digital Nomads → - Ongoing tax compliance and quarterly filings (€100-€300/month)

Is Professional Help Worth It?

For most applicants, yes. The visa fee is around €100, but mistakes can lead to rejection and 6+ month delays. Professional assistance typically costs €500-€2,000 but provides:

• Document review to catch errors
• Guidance on borderline cases (income fluctuations, complex work arrangements)
• Consulate representation (in some cases)
• Peace of mind

DIY Applicants: If you have straightforward employment (clear contract, stable income, no complications), you can successfully apply yourself using this guide. Set aside 20-30 hours for document gathering and preparation.

Related Guides

• Remote Work in Spain Guide → - Finding remote jobs and managing remote work logistics
• Barcelona Apartments for Rent → - Housing search for digital nomads in Barcelona
• Cost of Living in Spain → - Budget planning for different Spanish cities
• Spanish Taxes for Expats → - Understanding your tax obligations
• NIE Number Application Guide → - Getting your Spanish foreigner ID
• Empadronamiento Guide → - Municipal registration process
• Non-Lucrative Visa → - Alternative visa for non-workers

FAQs About Spain Digital Nomad Visa

How much do I need to earn for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?

You must earn a minimum of €2,334 per month (€28,008 annually) from remote work. This is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. For families, add €1,750.50/month for a spouse and €583.50/month per child. Income must be stable and recurring, proven through employment contracts, freelance client contracts, or business ownership documents. Savings alone don’t qualify; you need active income.

Can I work for a Spanish company on a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, but only for up to 20% of your total income. At least 80% of your income must come from foreign (non-Spanish) companies or clients. This is verified during visa renewal through your Spanish tax return (Modelo 100). Exceeding the 20% threshold can result in visa revocation. If you want to work primarily for Spanish companies, apply for a standard work visa instead.

How long does it take to get Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Processing takes 20-45 business days (1-2 months) from application submission at a Spanish consulate. However, total timeline from document gathering to TIE card receipt is typically 4-6 months: 2-4 weeks for apostille/translation, 2-8 weeks for consulate appointment availability, 1-2 months processing, and 1.5 months after arrival to receive TIE card. Start the process 6 months before your intended move date.

Do I qualify for special tax rates with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Potentially yes, through the Beckham Law. If you haven’t been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years, you can apply for a special tax regime that taxes only Spanish-sourced income at 15% (24% above €600k) rather than worldwide income at progressive rates up to 47%. Since most digital nomad income is foreign-sourced, this often means paying zero or minimal Spanish taxes. Apply within 6 months of receiving your TIE card using Modelo 149.

Can I bring my family on a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children. You must prove additional income: €1,750.50/month for a spouse (75% of base requirement) and €583.50/month per child (25% each). All family members must have health insurance, apostilled birth/marriage certificates, and clean criminal records. Family members receive TIE cards with the same validity period as the main applicant.

What happens if I spend time outside Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa?

You can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 180 days per year outside Spain. However, to maintain your Spanish tax residency and visa validity, you should spend at least 183 days per year in Spain. Extended absences (6+ months) can jeopardize visa renewal. Brief trips are fine, but Spain should be your primary residence. Track your days using a travel log for visa renewals.

Can freelancers and self-employed people get the Digital Nomad Visa?

Absolutely. Freelancers are ideal candidates for this visa. You must prove: (1) stable income of €2,334+/month through bank statements and client contracts, (2) clients are primarily foreign (80%+ income from outside Spain), and (3) work can be done remotely. Provide multiple client contracts, invoices, portfolio, and tax returns from your home country. Many successful applicants are freelance developers, designers, writers, consultants, and online business owners.

Is health insurance required for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, private health insurance valid in Spain with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory. The insurance must have no or low deductibles, cover the full visa duration (1 year minimum), and be from a provider accepted by Spanish consulates. Recommended Spanish providers: Sanitas, Adeslas, ASISA. International options: Cigna Global, SafetyWing (verify acceptance with your consulate). Cost: €50-€150/month. After 1 year, you may access public healthcare if contributing to Spanish social security.

Can I apply for permanent residence with a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa counts toward permanent residence (residencia de larga duración). After 5 continuous years of legal residence in Spain, you can apply for permanent residence, which no longer requires proving income or work activity. This then provides a path to Spanish citizenship after 10 years total (5 years for nationals of certain countries like Latin American nations).

What’s the difference between Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work for foreign companies; the Non-Lucrative Visa prohibits all work. Digital Nomad requires €2,334/month income from active work; Non-Lucrative requires only €600.53/month from passive sources (pension, investments, etc.). Digital Nomad includes potential Beckham Law tax benefits; Non-Lucrative doesn’t. Choose Digital Nomad if you’ll be working remotely; choose Non-Lucrative if retired or living on passive income. Compare Non-Lucrative Visa →