To get the Spain digital nomad visa you must be a non-EU adult working remotely for companies outside Spain, hold a degree or have 3 years' experience, have worked with them for at least 3 months, the company must have 1 year of real activity, and you need 200% of the minimum wage in income, full health insurance and a clean record.
Who can apply
Nationals of a country outside the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland, aged 18 or over, who carry out a job or professional activity remotely for companies based outside Spain, using exclusively computer, telematic and telecommunication means.
The legal requirements
| Requirement | What you must prove | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | University, vocational or business-school degree — or at least 3 years of professional experience in similar functions | Law 14/2013, art. 74 bis.2 |
| Company activity | Real, continuous activity of the company or group for at least 1 year | Art. 74 ter.a |
| Remote work | Documents showing the job can be done remotely and the company allows it | Art. 74 ter.b–c |
| Relationship length | Employment or commercial relationship for at least the last 3 months | Art. 74 ter.c–d |
| Spanish clients | Employees: foreign companies only. Freelancers: Spanish clients ≤ 20% of activity | Art. 74 bis.1 |
| Income | 200% of the minimum wage (€34,188/year in 2026) plus 75% / 25% per family member | UGE FAQ Q19 |
| Health insurance | Public (via social security) or private from an insurer authorised in Spain, no waiting periods or co-payments | UGE FAQ Q11 |
| Criminal record | None in Spain or countries of residence in the last 5 years; certificates for the last 2 years + sworn statement | UGE FAQ Q11 |
| Social security | Employer registered in Spain or bilateral certificate (employees); RETA registration (freelancers) | UGE FAQ Q6 |
Employees vs freelancers
- Employees can only work for companies based outside Spain, and need a contract or written permission to telework from Spain.
- Freelancers need commercial contracts with one or more foreign companies for at least 3 months and may work for Spanish companies up to 20% of their total activity.
- If your employer has a branch in Spain, this is not the right permit: you would fall under intra-company transfer rules instead.
Regulated professions
If you work in a regulated profession, your degree must be recognised (homologated) under the sector's rules. For vocational qualifications, the consulate may ask for proof of equivalence.
Questions
Is a degree mandatory?
No. Three years of professional experience in functions similar to your remote job are an accepted alternative.
Can I work for a Spanish company?
Only as a freelancer, and only up to 20% of your total professional activity. Employees must work exclusively for companies based outside Spain.
Does my company need to register in Spain?
If you are an employee, yes: the company must register with Spanish social security as a non-resident employer — unless your country has a social security agreement with Spain and issues a coverage certificate.