What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

Introduced by Spain's Startups Law in 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients located outside Spain. It is aimed at employees of foreign companies and at freelancers whose clients are mainly abroad. Initial authorisation is for up to 3 years (or the length of your contract if shorter), renewable for 2-year periods, and it counts towards long-term residency and eventually citizenship.

Who Qualifies in 2026?

  • Non-EU/EEA nationals (including UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens) working remotely.
  • Employees of a non-Spanish company, or freelancers with mostly foreign clients (no more than 20% of income may come from Spanish companies).
  • The company/relationship must generally have existed for at least 3 months, and the company must have been operating for at least 1 year.
  • A qualifying professional profile: a university degree or professional certificate, or at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Income and Other Requirements

You must show sufficient income — in 2026 the threshold is around 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), roughly €2,650 per month, with additional amounts for family members (around 75% of SMI for the first family member and 25% for each further one). You will also need: a clean criminal record certificate (apostilled), private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (or Social Security cover), and proof of the remote working relationship.

How to Apply

There are two routes. You can apply from your home country at a Spanish consulate (you receive a visa, then obtain your TIE card in Spain), or — often faster — apply from within Spain at the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos) if you are here legally, for example as a tourist. The in-country route via the UGE typically resolves in around 20 working days, which is one of the fastest immigration procedures in Spain. Your lawyer prepares and submits the file and handles any additional requirements from the authorities.

The Tax Advantage: The Beckham Law

One of the biggest attractions of the DNV is that holders can usually opt for the Beckham Law special tax regime, paying a flat 24% on Spanish-source income (up to €600,000) instead of the progressive rates that reach 47%. The election must be made within 6 months of registering, so tax advice from day one is essential. See our detailed guides on the Beckham Law and tax residency in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Family members — spouse or registered partner, dependent children and dependent parents — can be included in the same application or join you afterwards, provided you show the additional income for each. They receive residence authorisation linked to yours and can live and study in Spain.
If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain you will normally become tax resident. The good news is that DNV holders can usually apply for the Beckham Law regime, which limits Spanish tax to a flat 24% on Spanish-source income for up to six years. We strongly recommend planning your tax position before you arrive or immediately after.
Yes — this is one of the DNV's advantages. If you are legally in Spain (for example within the 90-day tourist period), you can apply from within the country through the UGE, which is generally faster than the consulate route. Your lawyer can confirm your eligibility and prepare the application.