Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The fastest, most tax-friendly way for remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Spain — with a 24% flat tax rate for up to 6 years.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2023 as part of the Startup Act. It was built for one type of person: someone earning a foreign income who wants to live in Spain. It comes with one of the best expat tax regimes in Europe.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | ~€2,762/month (200% of Spanish SMI) |
| Employer / clients | Outside Spain. Max 20% from Spanish sources. |
| Experience | Degree OR 3+ years relevant experience |
| Tenure | At least 3 months with current employer or freelance clients |
| Criminal record | Clean record, last 5 years, apostilled + translated |
| Insurance | Private Spanish health insurance with full cover |
Step-by-step
- 1
Decide where to apply
Inside Spain (faster, longer permit) or at a consulate in your home country. Most people apply from inside Spain as tourists.
- 2
Gather your file
Contracts, last 3 months of pay slips or invoices, employer letter, university diploma or experience certificates, criminal record, health insurance, padrón.
- 3
Apostille & translate
Diploma, criminal record and any non-Spanish public document need an apostille and sworn translation.
- 4
Submit via UGE-CE
Online filing through Spain's Large Companies Unit. Decision usually in 20 working days (silence = approval).
- 5
Get NIE & TIE
Once approved, register at the town hall, book a TIE appointment and collect your residency card.
- 6
Opt into Beckham Law
Within 6 months of social security registration, apply to the special expat tax regime for the 24% flat rate.
The Beckham Law tax advantage
DNV holders can opt into Spain's special expat tax regime (known as the Beckham Law). Instead of progressive tax rates up to 47%, you pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 — and most foreign income is exempt. You can stay on this regime for up to 6 years. This alone makes Spain a serious competitor to Portugal and Dubai for high-earning remote workers.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Fast processing (~20 working days from inside Spain)
- Apply as a tourist — no consulate trip needed
- Best expat tax regime in Europe (Beckham Law)
- Up to 5 years residency, then permanent
- Family included
Cons
- Strict employer/client rules — no Spanish customers >20%
- You must pay Spanish social security (autónomo if freelance)
- Real estate income excluded from passive cap
- Tax filings become more complex
Frequently asked questions
Need help moving to Spain?
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