Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Requirements & How to Apply Legally

For professionals and families dreaming of life in Spain while maintaining their remote careers, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa could be the perfect fit.

This innovative residency permit is paving the way for non-EU citizens to live and work remotely from Spain for several years, with the added bonus of potential pathways to long-term residency and even citizenship.

To find out what makes this visa such a compelling option for digital nomads, we spoke with Gerard Martínez of Balcells Group, an experienced legal team that has helped hundreds of expats make the move. From application requirements to tax implications and tips for integrating into Spanish life, Gerard offers expert insight into navigating the process with confidence.

About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa:

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a residency permit that allows non-EU citizens to work remotely from Spain. The initial card is granted for up to three years, and can then be renewed for a further two. Since its introduction, the Digital Nomad Visa has become one of the most popular residency options for moving to Spain, especially for US citizens. 

There are two groups of foreigners who can apply for the DNV, employees who work remotely from a company outside Spain and digital nomads who have several clients abroad. We have supported all types of professionals with their application, from consultants and digital marketers to software developers.

How Spain defines “remote work” for the purposes of the visa:

In this case, remote work is defined as performing professional activities via digital technology (e.g. laptop, internet) for companies based outside Spain. The work must be 100% remote, and only up to 20% of your income can come from Spanish sources.

The Requirements for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa:

The key digital nomad visa requirements and documents needed for a successful application are:

• A full copy of your passport.
• MIT Form, signed by the remote worker.
• Criminal records legalised from where you have lived for the past 2 years (if you are not already a Spanish resident).
• A declaration of no criminal record for the last 5 years.
• Proof of having at least 33.151,92 € income per year (200 % of Spanish minimum wage, or SMI). The income requirements also include 75 % of the SMI per partner, and 25 % SMI per child or grandparent.
• Proof of private health insurance in case you don’t register for Spanish Social Security
• A university degree or at least three years of experience in the relevant sector.
• Pay the administrative fee No. 790 038 (73,26 €)

Extra requirements for remote employees include:

• Demonstrate that there is a continuous employment relationship of at least 3 months with the company for which you are working remotely; work contract or salary sheet.
• The company you are working with must have been operating for at least 1 year prior to your application (this must be shown via the company deed).
• A letter from your employer outlining your authorisation to work remotely from Spain, the economic conditions of your role, and a description of your professional relationship is also required.

Specific requirements for self-employed freelancers:

• You must be working for at least 1 client, that is based outside of Spain.
• This client needs to have been in place for at least 1 year.
• Minimum 3 month relationship with your clients.
• Authorisation to work remotely from Spain, economic conditions and terms and a description of the relationship.

The tax implications of working remotely from Spain

There are two different scenarios depending on your employment status. If you work for a foreign company from Spain, you will be eligible to apply for the Beckham Law, which means that you are eligible to pay a flat income tax rate of 24%.

If you are a freelancer, then you must pay income tax for your worldwide income in Spain, at a progressive rate that can reach 48-50% (depending on the region), and must also submit quarterly VAT declarations.

Common challenges and how to overcome them:

The most challenging aspect of the process has to do with Social Security. In case Spain does not have a Social Security agreement with the applicant’s country of origin, the foreign company must set up an entity in Spain to pay the salary to the digital nomad visa holder directly from Spain. 

How Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa compares to similar visas in other European countries

Other countries in the EU also offering DNVs include Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Croatia, and Germany. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a competitive option among European countries, making it one of the most attractive digital nomad visas for those hoping to build a long-term life in Europe.

It allows remote work for foreign companies with up to 20% income from Spanish clients and includes family members. Compared to others like Portugal (higher income threshold, fewer tax perks post-2024), Greece (higher income, 50% tax break), and Estonia or Croatia (shorter stays, no residency path), Spain strikes a balance between accessibility, tax advantages, and long-term residency potential, making it especially appealing for remote workers looking to settle in Europe.

The Digital Nomad Visa: a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship?

After 5 years of legal residency in Spain with a DNV, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, you are eligible for Spanish citizenship. Even though there are exemptions: those married to a Spanish national can apply for citizenship after just 1 year, and just 2 years for those from a Latin American country, Portugal, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea.

How Balcells Group can assist expats throughout the Digital Nomad Visa application process

We support the applicant throughout their immigration journey, from start to finish. This includes help with procedures including:

• Obtaining the appointment at the Spanish embassy in case the applicant starts the process from his/her country of origin.
• Validating the exact list of requirements for each particular case (as those may slightly change).
• Help in preparing the complete file: document preparation, revision, etc.
• File submission if the application is made directly from Spain as a tourist, using our lawyer certificate.
• File monitoring and notification in each step.
• Appointment at the immigration office to register fingerprints.
• Continuous guidance throughout the whole process, answering questions.

But also with their tax and business needs:

• Beckham law application.
• With registering as freelancers.
• Help setting up a company.
• Managing their monthly accounting and submitting any tax filings.

Tips for expats looking to integrate smoothly into Spanish life:

Planning in advance is essential. Spanish bureaucracy can be slow and demanding, so it’s crucial to understand the complete steps and requirements beforehand (as some documents may take a while to obtain). Useful resources for digital nomads include platforms like Meetup, Internations, and local Facebook groups. Major cities like Madrid or Barcelona are full of events each week designed to meet other expats.

With a balanced mix of flexibility, tax advantages, and long-term potential, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive options for remote workers. Whether you’re seeking sunshine, stability or a pathway to citizenship, this visa could be your key to starting a new chapter in Spain.

To explore the full list of requirements and see if the Digital Nomad Visa is right for you, visit the Balcells Group website. Beyond visas, Balcells Group offer a range of legal services to expats moving to Spain. Including the 5 big areas: immigration, business, taxes, real estate and labour needs.

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