How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

With its vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, rich history—and let’s be honest, the irresistible tapas—Spain has become one of the top destinations for remote workers.

Thanks to the new Digital Nomad Visa, non-EU citizens can now live and work legally in Spain while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. If you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or run your own online business, this visa could be your gateway to long-term life in España.

Remote worker with laptop

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, step by step.

What Is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is part of Spain’s new Startup Act, launched in 2023. It allows non-EU citizens to legally live in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish companies or clients.

You can apply for this visa from outside Spain or convert it from within on a tourist visa if eligible.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, you must:

Be a non-EU citizen
Work remotely (freelancer, employee, or business owner)
Your clients/company must be outside of Spain
Have worked with those clients/employer for at least 3 months
Show at least €2,520/month income (for 1 person)
Hold a university degree OR have 3+ years of professional experience

Bonus: Family members (spouse, kids) can be included as dependents!

Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

✅ Valid passport
✅ Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, pay slips)
✅ Criminal background check (valid for 90 days)
✅ Proof of remote work relationship (employment or freelance contracts)
✅ Private health insurance (valid in Spain)
✅ Proof of higher education OR 3+ years of experience
✅ Address in Spain (can be temporary Airbnb or rental)

Non-EU passport

Translation Note: Some documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).

Where and How to Apply

You can apply in two ways:

1. From Outside Spain (Spanish Consulate in your country)

Submit documents to the nearest Spanish consulate
Processing time: 1–3 months
Visa granted: Valid for 1 year, renewable in Spain

2. From Inside Spain (while on a tourist visa)

Apply at the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE)
Must apply within 90 days of arriving in Spain
Processing time: 20–30 working days
Visa granted: 3 years, renewable

Pro tip: Applying from within Spain often results in longer validity and faster processing.

How Much Does It Cost?

Visa application fee: ~€80–€120 depending on your country
Legal translations: ~€20–€50 per document
Private health insurance: ~€40–€70/month
Optional lawyer/immigration consultant: ~€300–€1,000

📌 Need a translator? Check Traductores Jurados España for certified translators.

After Arrival: What Comes Next?

Once approved and living in Spain:

Register your address at your local town hall (ayuntamiento)
Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days
Open a local bank account
File Spanish taxes annually once you become a resident

Traveler/Tourist in Spain

Why Spain Is Perfect for Digital Nomads

🌞 300+ days of sunshine
🚄 High-speed internet and great co-working spaces
🏖️ Low cost of living in cities like Valencia, Granada, and Málaga
🍷 World-class food, wine, and lifestyle

Moreover, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most flexible options in Europe—especially if you plan to stay long-term.

Image Suggestions with Alt Text:

Image: “Remote worker with laptop in Spain” – alt: Digital nomad working remotely in Spain by the beach
Image: “Spain visa application documents” – alt: Digital Nomad Visa Spain paperwork checklist

Final Thoughts: Work Remotely, Live Fully

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain opens the door to sun-soaked plazas, Mediterranean views, and a life where work-life balance is more than just a buzzword.

📌 Save this post, start gathering your documents, and soon you could be working from a café in Valencia or beach town in Cádiz.

🔗 Want help with the language part? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Learning Spanish or Spanish Phrases for Travelers to make your move smoother.