Immigration · Remote work

Spain's digital nomad visa in 2026: requirements, income and how to apply

By Atty. Ceren Özdoğan · Last updated 13 October 2026 · Sources checked against the BOE and Ministry guidance

Spain's digital nomad visa, officially the residence permit for international teleworking, lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients abroad. It was created by the Startups Law (Law 28/2022), which added articles 74 bis to 74 quinquies to Law 14/2013. Here is what you need in 2026.

Key points

For remote employees of foreign companies and for freelancers, who may earn up to 20% from Spanish clients.
You need a degree or 3 years' experience, and at least 3 months with your employer or clients.
Income: €2,442 a month in 2026 (200% of the minimum wage), plus extra for family.
Apply at a consulate for a 1-year visa, or from inside Spain for a residence permit of up to 3 years.

Who qualifies?

Employees working remotely, using only computer and telecom tools, for a company located outside Spain. Employees may work only for that foreign company.
Self-employed professionals working for clients abroad. You may also work for Spanish companies, but that work cannot exceed 20% of your total professional activity.

You must also show:

a university degree, postgraduate degree, vocational qualification or business-school qualification, or at least 3 years of professional experience in the field;
that the company or group you work for has been operating for at least 1 year;
a working relationship with that employer or those clients for at least the last 3 months;
that the work can actually be done remotely (art. 74 ter Law 14/2013).

How much income do you need in 2026?

The Ministry sets the threshold at 200% of the minimum wage (SMI), plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each additional one. The 2026 SMI is €1,221 a month (Royal Decree 126/2026). Spanish consulates publish the following figures:

Who	Share of SMI	Monthly amount 2026
Main applicant	200%	€2,442
First family member	75%	€916
Each additional family member	25%	€306

Some consulates describe the applicant's amount as €2,442 a month over 14 payments, which is €34,188 a year. Bring payslips, invoices or contracts that clearly show your income.

Two ways to apply

	Visa from abroad	Residence permit from Spain
Where	Spanish consulate in your country of residence	Large Companies Unit (UGE-CE), online, while you are legally in Spain
Duration	Up to 1 year	Up to 3 years, renewable for 2 years at a time
Decision	Consulates decide within 10 working days	20 days; if there is no answer, it is granted (positive silence)

If you enter on the visa, you can apply to the UGE-CE for the residence permit up to 60 days before the visa expires. Your spouse or partner and children can apply with you or later, and they may work in Spain. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.

Social security, health insurance and criminal record

Social security: employees are covered either by their foreign employer registering in Spain, or by a certificate from their home country under a bilateral social security agreement that expressly covers telework in Spain. Self-employed applicants must register with the Spanish self-employed scheme (RETA).
Health insurance: public or private cover from an insurer authorised in Spain, with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Criminal record: no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you lived during the last 2 years.

Tax: the special regime for inbound workers

Employees who move to Spain with the international teleworking visa can opt for the special tax regime for inbound workers, often called the "Beckham law" (art. 93 of the Personal Income Tax Law, as amended in 2022). It applies for the year of arrival and the following five years, if you were not tax-resident in Spain in the previous five years, and taxes employment income at 24% up to €600,000. Self-employed nomads are not covered in the same way. Get specific tax advice before you move.

Common reasons for refusal

Income that is below the threshold or poorly documented.
A working relationship shorter than 3 months, or an employer active for less than 1 year.
Social security that is not properly covered, which is the most frequent gap for employees of foreign companies.
Health insurance with co-payments, or travel insurance.
Documents without an apostille or sworn translation where required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the digital nomad permit while I am in Spain as a tourist?

Law 14/2013 (art. 74 quinquies) allows people who are lawfully in Spain to apply to the UGE-CE for the residence permit. Several consulates confirm that tourists can use this route. Practice can vary, so check your case before relying on it.

Can I work for Spanish clients?

Self-employed applicants can, up to 20% of their total professional activity. Employees must work only for their foreign employer.

How long does the permit last?

The consulate visa is valid for up to 1 year. The residence permit granted in Spain lasts up to 3 years and can be renewed for periods of 2 years.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse or partner and children can apply at the same time or later, and they may work. Add 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each additional one to the income requirement.

Sources

Related guides

This article is general information based on the rules in force on 13 October 2026. It is not legal advice for your specific case, and immigration practice can vary between offices.

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