By law, the consulate must decide a digital nomad visa within 10 working days, and the residence permit filed in Spain is decided within 20 days (if not, it is deemed granted). The visa lasts up to 1 year; within 60 days of its expiry you can switch to a residence permit of up to 3 years, renewable for 2.
- Today
Free eligibility check
You answer a short questionnaire. We tell you honestly whether your case looks feasible and what is missing.
- Week 1
Document plan
A checklist tailored to your nationality, employer type and family: what to request, apostille and translate.
- Weeks 2–5
Apostilles & sworn translations
Criminal record certificates, degrees and company documents legalised and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
- Depends on the consulate
Consulate appointment
You file the national visa application at the Spanish consulate for your place of residence.
- 10 working days by law
Decision
Visa applications must be decided within 10 working days (Law 14/2013, art. 75.5), unless extra consultations apply.
- Within 60 days of visa expiry
Move & switch to residence
From Spain you can apply for a 3-year residence permit, renewable for 2 more (decided within 20 days).
Two routes
- From abroad: national visa at the Spanish consulate of your place of residence → up to 1 year → residence permit from Spain.
- From inside Spain (legal stay, e.g. tourist): residence permit directly with the UGE, online, up to 3 years — no visa needed.
Questions
What happens if the UGE does not answer in 20 days?
The authorisation is deemed granted by positive administrative silence (Law 14/2013, art. 76.1).
Can I renew the residence permit?
Yes, for two-year periods, as long as you still meet the conditions.
Official sources
- Law 14/2013, arts. 74 bis–76 (BOE, consolidated text)
- International teleworkers FAQ — Large Companies Unit (UGE), Ministry of Inclusion
accessed 15 October 2026.