Digital Nomad Visa (International Telework Visa) – Spain

Minimum 200% of Spanish minimum wage (SMI). For 2026, SMI expected €1,221-€1,512 × 14 payments ÷ 12 months = €2,850-€3,024/month minimum (€34,200-€36,288/year gross before taxes). Threshold rises annually with SMI increases. Recommend showing €3,000+ to account for currency fluctuations.

Add 75% of SMI for first dependent (spouse or adult relative). For family of two: approximately €3,885-€4,158/month total required income. Must prove sufficient to support entire family.

Add 25% of SMI per child. Family of four (couple + 2 children): approximately €4,597-€4,914/month. Each additional family member increases requirement. Must show stable, consistent income over past 6+ months.

Can combine multiple sources. Remote employees: employment contract showing gross salary. Freelancers: client contracts + invoices + bank statements showing actual payments. Must be traceable and consistent. Irregular one-time payments may not count.

Must have: university/postgraduate degree from recognized institution OR minimum 3 years professional experience in current field. Must document seniority. Employers/clients must have operated continuously for 1+ year.

Must have been working for current company/clients for at least 3 months prior to application. Demonstrates stability. For employees: employment contract minimum 3 years duration (or indefinite). For freelancers: ongoing client relationships.

UNIQUE FEATURE: Can earn up to 20% of total income from Spanish companies/clients. Remaining 80% must be from foreign sources. Most other digital nomad visas prohibit all local work. Provides valuable flexibility.

Must work remotely through telecommunications and computer systems. Can travel within Schengen for holidays but work primarily performed from Spain. No minimum days in Spain for initial visa, but 6 months/year required for renewal.

Apply at Spanish consulate/embassy in home country. Receive 1-year visa. After arriving in Spain, exchange for residence permit. Must collect residence card within 30 days of arrival. Consulate appointments often require weeks advance booking.

If already legally present in Spain (tourist visa, other visa), can apply directly for 3-year residence permit from immigration office. Faster than consulate route. Must apply before current legal status expires.

Government fee (tasa 790-038) for each applicant including family members. Non-refundable even if denied. Plus costs for document translations, apostilles, health insurance, and optional legal assistance (€500-€2,000).

Official processing time 15-45 business days from complete application. Delays common - currently averaging 4-8 weeks. Missing documents cause rejections. Recommend professional review of application package before submission.

Valid passport (12+ months validity), completed national visa application form, biometric photos, NIE application or existing NIE. All documents translated to Spanish by sworn translator and apostilled per Hague Convention requirements.

Employees: employment contract + employer letter confirming remote work permission + company registration certificate. Freelancers: client contracts + invoices + portfolio/credentials. Must clearly show telework arrangement and income level.

Last 6-12 months bank statements showing consistent income deposits matching declared amounts. Payslips for employees. Must be clear and traceable. Account statements from recognized banks. Tax returns if available.

Private health insurance from Spanish provider or international with Spain coverage (no-copay preferred). Proof of accommodation (rental contract, hotel booking, property deed). Clean criminal record certificates from all countries lived 6+ months past 5 years, apostilled and translated.

Countries with social security agreement with Spain (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, others) may be exempt from Spanish social security registration. Must obtain Certificate of Coverage from home country. Without agreement: must register and pay Spanish social security.

Foreign employer must register with Spanish Social Security and pay contributions €500-€600/month per employee unless exemption via totalization agreement. Many employers reluctant - potential roadblock.

Most US workers and others without totalization switch to independent contractor (1099) status and register as autónomo in Spain. Pay income-based contributions €230-€530/month. First year discount €80/month. Requires quarterly tax filings.

1-year visa if applied from consulate, 3-year permit if applied from within Spain. After initial term, can renew.

First renewal: 3 years. Second renewal: 2 years. Total possible: 5 years (1+3+2 or 3+2). Must maintain income level, health insurance, continue remote work. Minimum 6 months physical presence in Spain per year required for renewal. File 60-90 days before expiration.

After 5 years continuous legal residence, eligible for permanent residence (residencia de larga duración). Allows living/working anywhere in Spain indefinitely. No further renewals needed.

Spanish citizenship available after 10 years continuous legal residence (2 years for Latin Americans, Filipinos, Portuguese). Must pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) exams. Spain allows dual citizenship with many countries.

Digital nomads with foreign employment contracts can apply for Beckham Law within 6 months of arrival. Pay flat 24% only on Spanish income up to €600,000, foreign income exempt. HUGE benefit - transforms Spain into low-tax jurisdiction. Must meet Beckham Law requirements.

If don't qualify for or don't apply for Beckham Law, subject to standard Spanish progressive rates 19-47% on worldwide income. Still benefits from double taxation treaties with most countries. Regional tax variations apply.

Spending 183+ days in Spain in calendar year triggers Spanish tax residency. Must file Spanish tax returns on worldwide income. Can still claim foreign tax credits under treaties. Digital nomad visa doesn't prevent tax residency.

Annual tax return (IRPF) due April-June for previous year. First-year partial returns common. If Beckham Law, different filing requirements. Quarterly advance payments (Modelo 130) if self-employed. Tax advisor essential for first years.