Spain has always been a dream for travelers. Good food, warm weather, friendly people, and cities full of life. Now, with its new digital nomad visa, it’s becoming a top choice for remote workers too.
This visa isn’t just about staying longer — it’s about living better. Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup founder, or someone working remotely for a company abroad, Spain now gives you a legal way to work and enjoy the country at the same time. And if you plan it right, you also get tax breaks and a possible path to long-term residency.
In this blog, you’ll learn what the visa offers, how to apply, where to live, and how to get the most out of it.
Spain’s digital nomad visa is a new option for remote workers who want to live and work in Spain legally for more than just a few months. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, or working for a company outside Spain, this visa gives you the chance to stay for up to a year — with the option to renew.
Unlike tourist visas, you don’t have to leave every 90 days or worry about visa runs. You can rent a place, set up your daily routine, and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle without looking over your shoulder.
And this visa isn’t just about living in Spain.
We interviewed David Lincoln, Founder of Lincoln Global Partners, “Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is more than a temporary pass—it opens doors to quality of life, Schengen access, and even long-term residency. Understanding tax regimes like the Beckham Law alongside visa rules is essential, and that’s the kind of nuance we pride ourselves on providing.”
Spain’s digital nomad visa is made for people who work remotely. You can apply if you’re a freelancer, own your own online business, or work for a company that’s based outside of Spain. The main rule is that your job or income should not come from Spanish companies, says Bill Sanders, from QuickPeopleLookup - People Lookup.
You need to show proof of steady income — at least around €2,000 per month. If you're bringing your partner or kids, that amount needs to be higher. You’ll also need private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof that you've been working remotely for at least three months.
Some of the documents you’ll need include.
If you're applying from inside Spain, you can start the process while on a tourist visa. If you're applying from your home country, you’ll need to go through the Spanish consulate. Either way, it’s a good idea to have your paperwork in order before starting, so the process goes smoother.
Spain isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to actually enjoy life while working. If you’re coming in on the digital nomad visa, here’s what makes the lifestyle here special:
Whether you settle in Barcelona, Valencia, or Malaga, you’ll get to enjoy sunshine most of the year. Winters are mild, summers are warm, and even in cooler cities like Madrid, you can still sit outdoors in the middle of January. For remote workers used to grey skies or cold weather, this alone is a big upgrade.
Siebren Kamphorst, COO of Rently says, “Compared to other parts of Western Europe, Spain is surprisingly affordable. Rent, groceries, and eating out won’t drain your budget. Many nomads find they can live comfortably on €1,500–€2,500 per month, depending on the city. You can enjoy cola, tapas, public transport, and even health care — without stressing over every euro.”
Once you're in Spain, you’re inside the Schengen zone. That means you can travel freely across 26 European countries without extra visas. Quick weekend trips to France, Italy, or Portugal are just a train or flight away.
Fast Internet and Co-working Spaces
Spain has a solid internet across most cities and towns. Co-working spaces are everywhere, especially in nomad hubs like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. If you prefer working from cafés, you’ll find plenty of laptop-friendly spots too, explains Anthony Mixides, Founder & CEO of Bond Digital Web Design FZCO - Web Design Dubai.
Spain gives remote workers a tax break through something called the Beckham Law. This law was first made for foreign football players. But now it also applies to digital nomads who move to Spain on the new visa, explains Dean Fankhauder, Founder & CEO of Movingto.
Under this rule, you pay a flat tax rate of 24% on your income (up to €600,000 per year). That’s lower than what most local workers pay. It applies to money you earn from outside Spain, which is perfect for freelancers or remote employees working for foreign companies.
The tax benefit lasts up to 6 years, as long as you meet the conditions. To qualify, you must apply within six months after getting your residence card. Many people miss this step and end up paying higher taxes, so act fast once you arrive, says Beth Rivera, CEO of Best Financial Planners.
Also, you don’t need to become a full tax resident of Spain to get this benefit. You’re taxed on income from work, not from savings or investments abroad. That’s a big plus if you have income from multiple sources.
If done right, this tax setup can save you a lot of money while letting you enjoy life in Spain. Just make sure to talk to a local tax advisor before filing anything.
If you're applying or already living in Spain as a remote worker, avoid these five common errors that cause delays, stress, or even rejection.
One of the biggest perks of this visa is the tax break, but many people miss the deadline. You only have six months after getting your residency card to apply for the Beckham Law, says Corey Schafer, SEO Specialist at Florin|Roebig.
If you wait too long, you lose the chance and end up paying higher taxes like a local. This isn’t something you can fix later, so plan ahead. Once you arrive, find a good tax advisor and submit everything early. This one step alone can save you thousands of euros over the next few years.
This visa is meant for remote workers who earn from outside Spain. Many people assume they can freelance for Spanish businesses once they arrive, but that breaks the visa rules.
If immigration finds out you’re working locally, they can cancel your permit. Make sure your income comes from companies or clients based in other countries. If your work shifts later, talk to a lawyer before signing new contracts. It’s better to stay safe than lose your visa over a simple mistake.
Spain has great benefits, but it also has a lot of paperwork. Many people get stuck because they don’t follow the timeline. If you're applying from within Spain, you can switch to the nomad visa while on a tourist visa — but the clock starts ticking as soon as you enter. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance and have to leave.
Always check when and where to submit your application, and double-check what documents you need. Things like background checks and translations can take longer than expected.
Once you move into your Spanish apartment, you need to register your address with the local town hall — this is called “empadronamiento.” Many nomads forget this step, but it’s required for everything else: your residency card, tax setup, even healthcare access, says Htet Aung Shine, Co-Founder of NextClinic.
If you skip it, you’ll hit a wall later when applying for anything. It only takes a short visit to the local office with your rental contract and passport. Do it early, and keep the document safe — it will be needed again and again.
Spain loves paperwork, and your housing situation needs to be official. Some nomads rent rooms or apartments through casual deals without contracts to save money. But this can cause big problems when applying for your visa or registering locally.
Immigration wants to see proof of address with your name on it. Without that, your application can get delayed or rejected. Always ask for a written rental agreement, even if it’s a short stay, says Siebren Kamphorst, COO of Rently.
Spain’s digital nomad visa gives remote workers a legal way to live and work in a place that offers real comfort. With sunny weather, good food, reliable internet, and strong community spaces, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing it.
The visa also comes with tax benefits and the chance to stay long-term, which makes it more than just a short stay. But it only works well if you follow the steps properly.
Take time to understand how the process works. If you’re serious about moving, speak to someone who understands the system.
