Spain Digital Nomad Visa: 2026 Overview
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (visa de nómada digital) launched in 2023 allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to 5 years while working for non-Spanish companies. Spain ranked #1 for digital nomads in the Global Citizen Solutions 2025 report. Combined with Beckham Law tax benefits (24% flat rate for 6 years), it's Europe's most attractive option for high-earning remote workers.
December 2025 Update: Spain raised the income threshold to €2,763/month (€33,156/year) effective December 5, 2025. A planned 7.5% minimum wage increase in January 2026 would further raise this to approximately €3,000/month.
Eligibility Requirements (2026 Thresholds)
Income requirements updated December 2025. Threshold is 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI) and adjusts automatically when SMI changes.
Income Requirements (Updated December 2025)
- ✓€2,763 per month minimum income (2026 threshold = 200% of SMI, effective Dec 5, 2025)
- ✓€33,156 annual income equivalent (expected to rise to ~€3,000/month if 7.5% SMI increase in Jan 2026)
- ✓Additional 75% SMI for spouse (approximately €1,036/month)
- ✓Additional 25% SMI per child (approximately €345/month)
- ✓Must prove income through employment contracts, freelance agreements, or business documentation
- ✓Bank statements showing consistent income for past 6 months minimum (irregular income may not count)
- ✓Income must be gross (before taxes) from verified sources - authorities assess gross earnings
Note: Income must be from work performed remotely for companies/clients outside Spain. Family income requirements are cumulative. The threshold is tied to SMI and updates automatically.
Employment Documentation
- ✓Employment contract showing remote work arrangement OR 3+ years professional experience
- ✓Company letter confirming work-from-anywhere policy and employment duration
- ✓For freelancers: portfolio of clients, active contracts, and invoices spanning 6+ months
- ✓For business owners: company registration, tax documents, and proof of business income
- ✓NIE number (must be obtained BEFORE visa application)
- ✓Proof that work will be performed exclusively outside Spanish territory
Note: Self-employed applicants can work up to 20% for Spanish companies, but main income must be from abroad
Legal Requirements & Documentation
- ✓FBI criminal background check (for US citizens) with HAGUE APOSTILLE - cannot be older than 6 months
- ✓Criminal record from ALL countries of residence in past 2 years + responsible declaration for past 5 years
- ✓Health insurance covering Spain with minimum €30,000 coverage (no co-pays, similar to Spanish public system)
- ✓University/college degree from recognized institution OR minimum 3 years professional experience in current field
- ✓No EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (these citizens don't need this visa)
- ✓All foreign documents must have sworn Spanish translation (traductor jurado)
Note: Apostille requirement is critical - many applications fail due to improper authentication of criminal background checks
Application Documents
- ✓Completed national visa application form (not EX-14 - that's for residence permits)
- ✓Valid passport with minimum 1 year validity and 2 blank pages
- ✓Recent passport-style photos meeting Spanish biometric requirements
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract, hotel reservation, or invitation letter)
- ✓Proof of residence in consular district (for applications outside Spain)
- ✓Marriage certificate (if including spouse) with apostille and sworn translation
- ✓Birth certificates for dependent children with apostille and sworn translation
Note: Applications must be submitted at Spanish consulate in country of legal residence - cannot apply while in Spain as tourist
Interactive Eligibility Checker
📋 Am I Eligible?
Answer these questions to get a preliminary assessment of your eligibility:
Do you earn at least €2,763 per month (2026 threshold)?
Can you work remotely for non-Spanish companies (80%+ income)?
Do you have a university degree or 3+ years experience?
Are you a non-EU citizen?
Do you have clean criminal background?
💡 This is a preliminary check only. Consult with immigration professionals for definitive eligibility assessment.
Application Process & Timeline
Document Preparation (2-6 weeks)
Gather all required documents, obtain apostilles for criminal background checks, and ensure health insurance coverage meets Spanish requirements.
Tip: Start with criminal background check first - apostille process can take 2-4 weeks.
Submit Application (1 day)
Apply at Spanish consulate in your country of residence. Book appointment well in advance.
- • Submit form EX-14 with all supporting documents
- • Pay visa fee (approximately €80)
- • Provide biometric data if required
Processing & Decision (3-6 weeks)
Immigration authorities review application. You may be contacted for additional information.
TIE Card Application (within 30 days of arrival)
Once in Spain, apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card at immigration office.
Beckham Law: Tax Benefits Explained
The Beckham Law (Ley Beckham) allows new Spanish residents to pay a flat 24% tax rate instead of progressive rates up to 47%. Named after footballer David Beckham, it's designed to attract high-earning professionals to Spain.
Beckham Law vs Standard Spanish Taxes
| Tax Aspect | Standard Tax | Beckham Law | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Rate | 19-47% progressive | 24% flat rate | Up to 23% reduction for high earners |
| Worldwide Income | All global income taxed | Only Spanish-source income | Foreign investment income exempt |
| Wealth Tax | 0.2-3.5% on assets >€700k | Completely exempt | 100% wealth tax elimination |
| Duration | Permanent resident rates | Up to 6 years maximum | Time-limited advantage |
💰 Example: €80,000 Annual Income
Standard Spanish Tax
- • Progressive rates: 19% to 37%
- • Total tax: ~€22,000
- • Wealth tax applies to assets
- • All worldwide income taxed
Beckham Law Tax
- • Flat rate: 24%
- • Total tax: €19,200
- • No wealth tax
- • Only Spanish income taxed
💡 Annual savings: €2,800+ plus wealth tax exemption
How to Apply for Beckham Law Status
⏰ Critical Timing
You must apply within 6 months of becoming a Spanish tax resident. Missing this deadline means you cannot access Beckham Law benefits.
Application Steps
- Determine tax residency date: Usually when you spend 183+ days in Spain or establish primary residence
- File Form 149: Submit application to Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
- Provide supporting documents: Employment contracts, proof of non-resident status in past 5 years
- Wait for approval: Tax agency reviews application (typically 3-6 months)
- File annual returns using Model 151: Special tax form for Beckham Law beneficiaries
Professional advice recommended: Tax implications are complex. Consult with Spanish tax advisors who specialize in Beckham Law applications.
Renewal & Permanent Residence Path
Digital Nomad Visa Renewals
- First renewal: After 1 year, extend for up to 2 more years
- Second renewal: After 3 years total, extend for final 2 years
- Maximum duration: 5 years total on nomad visa
- Income requirements: Must continue meeting €2,334/month threshold
After 5 Years: Your Options
Permanent Residence
Apply for long-term EU resident status. Requires passing Spanish language and integration tests (A2 level Spanish).
Spanish Citizenship
After 10 years of legal residence (2 years for Latin Americans), apply for Spanish nationality and EU passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income requirement for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?▼
Can I apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa while already in Spain?▼
Can I qualify for Beckham Law with a Digital Nomad Visa?▼
Can freelancers get Beckham Law tax benefits?▼
How long does the Digital Nomad Visa application take?▼
Can I work for Spanish clients with a Digital Nomad Visa?▼
Why is Spain ranked #1 for digital nomads?▼
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying While in Spain
You cannot apply for the Digital Nomad Visa from within Spain. Must apply from your country of residence.
❌ Missing Beckham Law Deadline
The 6-month deadline to apply for Beckham Law is strict. Missing it means paying standard Spanish tax rates.
⚠️ Working for Spanish Companies
Digital Nomad Visa requires working for non-Spanish entities. Working for Spanish companies violates visa terms.
❌ Insufficient Income Documentation
Must prove consistent €2,334/month income. One-off payments or irregular income may not qualify.
Common Application Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Critical Timing Issues
- • Applying from Spain: Cannot apply while in Spain as tourist - common rejection reason
- • Expired documents: Criminal checks older than 6 months are automatically rejected
- • Missing Apostille: FBI checks without proper Hague Apostille cause delays or rejections
- • Beckham Law timing: Must apply within 6 months of becoming tax resident or lose benefits forever
Documentation Errors
- • Wrong application form: National visa form required (not EX-14 residence permit form)
- • Income calculation mistakes: Must include family members' additional requirements
- • Translation requirements: All foreign documents need sworn Spanish translation (traductor jurado)
- • Insurance inadequacy: Must be Spain-specific with no co-pays, similar to public system
Strategic Considerations
- • Two application paths: 1-year visa from home country vs. 3-year permit directly in Spain (experts recommend Spain route)
- • Employment vs. Self-employment: Only employees qualify for Beckham Law - plan accordingly
- • Tax residency planning: Coordinate move timing with tax advisor to maximize benefits
- • Social Security requirements: US citizens often need company to register with Spanish SS for Beckham Law eligibility
Authoritative Sources & Professional Resources
🏛️ Official Government Sources
- • Ministerio del Interior: Immigration law updates and official requirements
- • Spanish Consulates Worldwide: Local application procedures and appointment booking
- • Agencia Tributaria (Spanish IRS): Beckham Law applications (Form 149)
- • Exteriores.gob.es: Visa application forms and consular services directory
- • BOE (Official State Gazette): Legal text of digital nomad visa regulations
👨⚖️ Professional Services
- • Immigration lawyers: Specialized in digital nomad visa applications
- • Tax advisors: Beckham Law application and ongoing compliance
- • Sworn translators (Traductores Jurados): Official document translation
- • Gestorías: Administrative assistance for Spanish bureaucracy
- • International health insurance: Spain-compliant coverage providers
📋 Action Plan Checklist
- 1. Calculate exact income requirements for your family size
- 2. Initiate FBI background check with apostille process (2-4 weeks)
- 3. Apply for NIE number at Spanish consulate
- 4. Secure Spain-compliant health insurance
- 5. Gather and translate all required documents
- 6. Book consulate appointment (often 2-6 weeks wait)
- 7. Plan tax residency timeline and Beckham Law application
💰 Budget Planning
- • Visa fees: €80-120 depending on consulate
- • FBI background + Apostille: $50-200 USD
- • Sworn translations: €25-50 per document
- • Legal consultation: €150-500 per hour
- • Health insurance: €50-150 per month
- • NIE application: €15-20 fee
Content verified: December 31, 2025 | Sources: Spanish Ministry of Interior, official consulate websites, Agencia Tributaria, and verified immigration legal experts. Disclaimer: Immigration and tax laws change regularly. Always verify current requirements with official sources and qualified professionals before making decisions.