Requirements for the digital nomad visa in Spain have become one of the most searched topics among remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and beyond. This visa, launched to attract international talent, allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or managing their own digital businesses.
But while the opportunity is exciting, the process of applying—and meeting all the legal and financial criteria—can be overwhelming without expert guidance. That’s why many expats turn to Pellicer & Heredia, a law firm with extensive experience in helping foreign professionals successfully obtain their digital nomad visa.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the minimum requirements to apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa in Spain. You’ll learn what kind of income you need to demonstrate, what health insurance policies are accepted, how to prove your remote work or freelance status, and what documents must be prepared in advance.
Who can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa?
This visa is designed to attract non-EU professionals who want to work remotely from one of the most attractive countries in Europe. Whether you’re a freelancer, an employee of a foreign company, or the owner of a location-independent business, this visa allows you to live legally in Spain while continuing to work for international clients or employers.
Eligible applicants
The digital nomad visa is open to non-EU citizens who can demonstrate that they work remotely—either as employees of a foreign company or as self-employed professionals with international clients.
Applicants must prove that their job can be performed fully online and that their employer or client base is located outside of Spain. This includes remote workers with long-term contracts, digital freelancers, and entrepreneurs who run their own online businesses.
In addition to proof of remote work, applicants must have at least three months of work history with their current employer or clients, and in the case of freelancers, they should show a stable portfolio of ongoing international projects. The Spanish authorities are particularly interested in ensuring that applicants have a consistent and verifiable income source to support themselves while living in the country without burdening the public system.
Countries and nationalities accepted
The Spanish digital nomad visa is designed specifically for non-EU/EEA nationals, meaning citizens of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most Latin American nations are eligible to apply.
The program intentionally excludes EU citizens, who already have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. If you’re from a third country and meet the work and income requirements, you may be a strong candidate for the visa.
Importantly, your application will also be reviewed in light of bilateral agreements between your country and Spain. For instance, U.S. and U.K. citizens benefit from relatively streamlined procedures, and Spain has experience processing visa applications from these nationalities.
Hiring an immigration lawyer
While it is technically possible to get it on your own, working with an experienced immigration lawyer is highly recommended, especially if you want to avoid delays, rejections, or misunderstandings with Spanish authorities.
Lawyers who specialize in international mobility understand the nuances of Spanish bureaucracy, can help ensure your documents are in order, and will guide you through translations, certifications, and submission deadlines.
One of the most trusted law firms for helping U.S., U.K., and other foreign citizens is Pellicer & Heredia to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain. Their team provides personalized support, from preparing your file and checking financial proofs to managing communications with the Spanish immigration office. With their help, you can focus on planning your move while they handle the paperwork and legal formalities.
Minimum income and financial requirements
To obtain the Spanish digital nomad visa, demonstrating a stable and sufficient income is one of the most important eligibility criteria.
How much do you need to earn to apply?
To qualify for the digital nomad visa in Spain, you must earn at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). In 2025, this equates to roughly €2,600 per month, or about €31,200 per year. This amount must be earned consistently and be sufficient to cover living expenses in Spain without working for Spanish clients.
If you’re applying with family members, the financial requirement increases. You’ll need to show an additional 75% of the SMI for your first dependent (around €975/month) and 25% more per additional dependent (approximately €325/month). These figures ensure that your household income is adequate to support everyone included in your application.
Proof of stable remote income or business revenue
The Spanish authorities want to see that your income is not only sufficient, but also stable and recurring. This means providing evidence that your remote work is ongoing and not just a temporary gig. If you’re employed by a company outside Spain, you should include an employment contract that confirms your remote role and salary.
For freelancers or business owners, you’ll need to show a steady stream of income over time, usually through client contracts, invoices, or bank statements reflecting regular payments. It helps if you can demonstrate at least three months of consistent income before your application, as well as future commitments that prove financial continuity.
Financial documentation required
To prove you meet the financial requirements, you’ll need to submit official bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months, showing your monthly income and account balance. These should be accompanied by employment contracts, client agreements, or business incorporation documents that validate your professional activity.
In many cases, these documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and apostilled in your country of origin to be legally recognized in Spain.
Health insurance requirements
Having valid health insurance is one of the non-negotiable requirements for the digital nomad visa in Spain. Since digital nomads aren’t initially covered by the Spanish public healthcare system, applicants must provide proof of comprehensive private health insurance that meets Spanish legal standards.
This insurance must cover the entire duration of your visa and guarantee full medical assistance while in Spain.
Private health insurance
Spain requires all digital nomad visa applicants to have private health insurance with no co-payments (sin copago). This means the policy must fully cover medical consultations, hospital stays, diagnostics, surgery, and emergencies—without requiring you to pay out-of-pocket for each visit. Travel insurance or limited coverage plans are not accepted, even if they technically include international healthcare.
Your insurance provider must also be authorized to operate in Spain. This can be a Spanish insurer or an international company with a presence in the country. Well-known companies such as Sanitas, Adeslas, and DKV offer compliant plans tailored for expats.
Keep in mind that proof of insurance is mandatory when submitting your visa application, so you’ll need to have the policy active before you apply.
Minimum coverage standards
The Spanish government expects your insurance plan to match the public healthcare system in scope and access, ensuring that you won’t become a financial liability for the state. As such, your policy should cover primary care, specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, hospital stays, surgery, and emergency services without exclusions.
The insurance must be valid for your entire stay in Spain (typically one year for initial approval) and should include coverage throughout the Spanish national territory. It should also not have waiting periods or limitations on pre-existing conditions, which are common red flags during the review process.
Some consulates may request a certificate from the insurer confirming compliance with these standards.
How to choose a valid policy before applying
Requires balancing compliance, quality, and affordability. It’s essential to select a plan from an insurer recognized in Spain and ensure the policy meets the no-copay requirement. Avoid basic or travel-oriented plans that offer limited coverage or include reimbursement-based models, as these are typically rejected by immigration authorities.
Self-employment vs remote work contracts
Spain’s digital nomad visa is designed to accommodate both remote employees and self-employed professionals who work with foreign clients or companies. However, the type of applicant you are determines which documents you need to present and how your income is evaluated.
Working for a foreign company
If you’re a remote employee applying for the digital nomad visa, you must show that you are legally contracted by a company outside of Spain. This contract must confirm that your role is fully remote and that you’ve been working with the company for at least three months prior to the application. The employment contract must be valid for at least one year or clearly renewable, providing job stability and continuity.
Additionally, your employer should provide a letter stating that you’re authorized to work remotely from Spain, along with information about your salary and job functions. All of this documentation must be translated into Spanish and in many cases apostilled to be accepted by Spanish authorities.
Proof of contracts and business activity
If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, you must prove that you have a stable business activity and that your clients are based outside of Spain. Spanish immigration authorities require at least three months of invoicing history, and ideally long-term contracts or letters from clients confirming your working relationship and the nature of your services. These must be consistent, credible, and show a sustainable income above the required threshold.
In addition to client documentation, you should provide invoices, bank statements, and a business registration certificate from your home country, if applicable. The goal is to show that your freelance work or business is established, ongoing, and independent of the Spanish economy
Registering as self-employed in Spain
While you don’t need to be registered as self-employed in Spain to obtain the initial digital nomad visa, you may be required to register if you plan to operate locally or renew your residency in the future. This process, known as becoming an “autónomo,” involves registering with the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria) and social security system (Seguridad Social). It also comes with monthly social security contributions, regardless of income.
Registering as autónomo can provide tax and residency benefits if you plan to stay in Spain long-term, but it also adds administrative complexity.
Application process and documentation
You’ll need to prepare a detailed, legally compliant application with properly formatted documents. This includes collecting, translating, and certifying all required paperwork, then submitting it either from your home country or while legally staying in Spain under a tourist visa.
Step-by-step guide to applying
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the income, insurance, and remote work requirements.
- Prepare documentation: Gather all required documents, such as employment contracts, proof of income, insurance, and background checks.
- Translate and legalize documents: Ensure non-Spanish documents are officially translated and apostilled where necessary.
- Submit your application: You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your country or, in some cases, from within Spain during a legal stay.
- Wait for approval: Processing times typically range from 20 to 45 working days, but may vary by consulate.
- Collect your visa and enter Spain: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa that allows you to enter and register as a resident.
- Apply for the TIE (foreigner ID card) in Spain within 30 days of arrival.
Although the process seems straightforward, small errors or missing documents can lead to rejection. That’s why many applicants choose to work with an expert lawyer, who can manage the process and prevent costly delays.
Documents you must provide
The exact documents may vary slightly by consulate, but most digital nomad visa applications must include:
- A valid passport (with at least 1 year before expiration).
- Proof of income (contracts, invoices, or employment letters).
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months.
- Private health insurance policy meeting Spanish requirements.
- Criminal background check from your home country (issued within 90 days).
- Proof of work relationship (employee or freelancer status).
- A completed national visa application form.
- Passport-size potos.
- If applying with family: marriage certificate, birth certificates, and proof of economic dependence.
Translations, apostilles, and legal certifications
Any document that is not originally in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This includes income proofs, criminal records, medical certificates, and marriage or birth certificates if you’re applying with dependents.
Additionally, many documents, especially those issued in the U.S., UK, or other non-EU countries, must carry an apostille, a form of international legalization that confirms their authenticity. The apostille must be added before the translation process. Failing to provide properly apostilled or translated documents is one of the most common reasons visa applications are delayed or denied.
Visa cost and processing time
Between official fees, document translations, insurance, and possible legal support, it’s important to understand the full financial picture before beginning the process. Additionally, knowing what timelines to expect will help you plan your move with confidence.
Official fees
The official application fee for the digital nomad visa typically ranges from €75 to €150, depending on the consulate and whether you are applying in Spain or from abroad. This fee is paid when submitting the visa application and is non-refundable—even if the visa is denied.
You may also need to pay an additional fee when applying for your TIE (foreign resident ID card) once in Spain, which is usually around €15–€20.
Beyond these official charges, there are other hidden or indirect costs to be aware of. These include fees for document apostilles, sworn translations, criminal background checks, passport photos, and health insurance premiums, which must be paid upfront for at least one year. Depending on your nationality and service providers, these extra costs can easily add €300–€700 or more to the total expense of applying.
Lawyer fees
Hiring an immigration lawyer is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended if you want to avoid mistakes and speed up the approval process. Professional assistance can prevent delays caused by missing documents, incorrect translations, or formatting issues that are often grounds for rejection. Lawyers can also communicate with Spanish consulates or immigration offices on your behalf.
Spain’s leading law firms for expats, legal fees depend on the complexity of your case and the number of family members included.
How long does the process take?
The timeline for obtaining the digital nomad visa in Spain can vary depending on where and how you apply.
- If you apply from within Spain during a legal stay (such as under a tourist visa), the initial resolution period is 20 business days from the date of submission. In practice, it can take 4–6 weeks.
- If you apply from your home country through a Spanish consulate, the timeline is typically 6–8 weeks, although delays are not uncommon.
Once approved, you’ll need to enter Spain and apply for your TIE card within 30 days.
The entire process, from preparing your documents to receiving your residence card, can take 2 to 3 months in total, depending on your preparation and whether you’re working with a legal expert.
Renewing the digital nomad visa in Spain
The initial visa grants you legal residency for one year, after which it can be renewed for up to two more years, allowing you to live in Spain for a total of up to three years as a remote worker.
Renewal is not automatic and requires you to meet the same core requirements as your initial application, plus submit updated documentation. It’s essential to remain legally in Spain during this process, if your permit expires before submitting the renewal, you could lose your legal status and be forced to leave the country.
You should begin the renewal process at least 60 days before your current residence permit expires, but not earlier than 90 days. Renewals are processed by Spain’s Immigration Office in the province where you’re registered. The application can be submitted online through the Spanish government’s digital portal, in person (by appointment), or via a legal representative if you’re working with an immigration lawyer. The renewal form must be accompanied by updated documents, including proof that you continue to meet the financial and work-related criteria.
How Pellicer & Heredia can help you?
Applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain involves much more than just filling out a form. That’s where Pellicer & Heredia makes the difference. With over 20 years of experience advising international clients, their team of bilingual immigration lawyers has helped hundreds of remote workers, freelancers, and families from the US, UK, Canada, and beyond make a smooth and successful move to Spain.
They take care of everything: reviewing your contracts and financial proofs, coordinating translations and apostilles, submitting your application, and following up with immigration offices on your behalf. They also assist with renewals, legal residency, tax matters, and family reunification.
If you want peace of mind and expert support throughout your move to Spain, contact Pellicer & Heredia today to book a consultation.
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