Digital Nomad Visa Overview
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in January 2023 under the Startup Act (Ley de Startups), is a Spain Visa for non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Spain while working for companies or clients based outside the country. Applicants must demonstrate at least three months of remote work experience, hold a university degree, professional certificate, or at least three years of relevant work experience, and show a minimum monthly income of 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI), which stands at approximately €2,849 per month in 2026. Freelancers may work with Spanish clients, but this cannot exceed 20% of their total professional income. The visa is valid for up to 1 year if applied for from abroad, or can be converted into a 3-year residence authorisation if applied for from within Spain, renewable up to a total of 5 years. Approval is decided solely by Spain’s Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) or the relevant consulate.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa if:
- You are a remote employee, freelancer, or self-employed professional working primarily for companies or clients located outside Spain.
- You can provide proof of a stable and regular source of income that meets the minimum financial requirements prescribed by the Spanish authorities.
- You have an employment contract, freelance agreements, or other evidence confirming your remote work arrangement.
- You have valid health insurance covering your stay in Spain.
- You can provide a valid passport, accommodation details, and all other supporting documents required for the visa application.
- You meet the eligibility requirements established under Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa program.
The primary purpose of your stay should be remote work while residing in Spain. Your employment or freelance documentation, financial evidence, health insurance, and supporting documents should clearly demonstrate that you qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa under the applicable immigration regulations.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Consular Visa Fee | Approx. €80 |
| UGE Application Fee (Tasa 790-038, for residence authorisation) | €73 |
| NIE (Foreigner ID Number) Fee | €9.84 |
| TIE Residence Card Fee | €16.08 |
| Minimum Monthly Income Requirement (2026) | €2,849 |
Total document-related and administrative expenses, including translations and apostilles, typically range between €300 and €700 for a single applicant. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm current fees at exteriores.gob.es.
Digital Nomad Visa Processing Time
Processing time for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa generally takes about 20 working days if applying from within Spain through the UGE, or 15 to 45 days if applying through a Spanish consulate abroad. In practice, gathering and legalising supporting documents, including background checks, apostilles, and sworn translations, usually takes longer than the processing itself. As of early 2026, the UGE has adopted a more experienced review team and stricter document standards, making thorough, consistent documentation more important than ever. Applicants should also note that switching directly from Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa to the Digital Nomad Visa from within the country is no longer permitted.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and the consulate processing the application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa involves precise income documentation, qualification evidence, and increasingly strict scrutiny from the UGE’s review team. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you organise your remote work contracts, income evidence, and apostilled documents correctly. Our personalised guidance helps you understand the current income thresholds and the 20% Spanish-income cap for freelancers. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Spain Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing approval.