How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (2026 Complete Guide)

If you have ever dreamed of living in Spain while working remotely, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa might be your perfect ticket. In fact, this visa allows you to stay in Spain legally while working for a company or clients outside the country.

There are two main ways to apply:

1.  Through your local Spanish consulate before moving to Spain.
2. Through UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos) once you are already in Spain.

This friendly, detailed guide explains both routes, requirements, and practical tips so you can confidently start your application journey.

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa or International Remote Worker Visa) allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country.

It was introduced under Spain’s Startup Law to attract global talent, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to experience Spain’s lifestyle without changing employers or opening a business locally.

This visa offers several benefits, including:

• The ability to live legally in Spain for one to three years
• Permission to bring your spouse or partner and children with you
• Access to Spain’s excellent healthcare system
• A lower cost of living compared to many other European destinations

Who Can Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

Personal Requirements

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must have no criminal record in Spain or any country you have lived in during the last five years.
• You must have a university degree, professional qualification, or at least three years of relevant work experience.

Employment or Freelance Requirements

• You work remotely for a company or clients located outside Spain.
• Your contract must be active for at least three months before applying.
• The company you work for must have been active for at least one year at the time of application. This can be verified through a Certificate of Good Standing or a Company Registration Certificate.
• If you freelance, your Spanish clients must not exceed 20% of your total income.
• Your employer or clients must provide written authorization allowing you to work remotely from Spain.

Financial Requirements

You must prove stable income. As of 2025, the minimum requirement is around €2,763 per month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage).

Add about €1,036 for the first dependent and €345 per succeeding dependents.

Two Ways to Apply: Consulate vs UGE (In Spain)

There are two official ways to get the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. The right one for you depends on where you are applying from.

Option 1: Apply Through a Spanish Consulate (From Abroad)

If you are outside Spain, you will apply at your local Spanish embassy or consulate.

Steps:

1. Obtain your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) if you don’t already have one.
2. Book an appointment at your local Spanish consulate.
3. Prepare your documents, ensuring they are translated and apostilled if required.
4. Submit your application and pay the corresponding fee.
5. Wait for a decision, which typically takes 20–45 working days (turnaround time varies per country).
6. Once approved, you’ll receive a one-year visa that allows you to enter Spain.
7. After arriving in Spain, book an appointment at the police station for fingerprinting to obtain your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) or residence card.

Pros:

• Clear and structured process
• You can enter Spain fully approved

Cons:

• Initial visa is valid for only one year
• You must renew your residence permit once in Spain
• More requirements, which vary depending on your country and consulate

Option 2: Apply Through UGE (Inside Spain)

If you are already in Spain legally (for example on a tourist stay), you can apply directly through UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).

Steps:

1. Prepare all required documents (translated, legalized, and apostilled if necessary) before entering Spain so you can submit your application as soon as you arrive.
2. Enter Spain legally using a Schengen tourist visa or visa-free entry depending on your nationality.
3. Submit your application online via the UGE platform. At Spain Move HQ, we can handle the entire submission process on your behalf. Alternatively, if you prefer to apply on your own, you’ll need your NIE and a digital certificate to access the UGE platform.
4. Wait approximately 20 working days or earlier for your application to have a result.
5. Once approved, you’ll receive a residence permit valid for up to three years.

Pros:

• Longer initial residence (up to 3 years)
• No need to leave Spain to apply
• Faster approval time
• More straightforward requirements compared to consulate applications
• Eligible for positive administrative silence — if no decision is issued within 20 working days, your application can be considered approved

Cons:

• Must apply within your legal stay period (typically within 90 days)
• May require precise timing and assistance if you don’t have a digital certificate

Spain Digital Nomad Visa – UGE Submission Checklist

For Main Applicant

• A complete passport scan (all pages)
• Proof of payment for Tasa Modelo 790, Código 380 (€73.26 government fee)
• The MIT application form
• Your signed work contract or agreement with a sworn translation
• Bank statements (no translation needed) — highlight transactions matching your invoices/payslips
• Three months of invoices/payslips (no translation needed)
• Certificate of Good Standing / Company Registration Certificate — with apostille and sworn translation
• Letter from client or employer authorizing remote work — with sworn translation
• Diploma or degree certificate — with apostille and sworn translation. If your degree isn’t related or you don’t have one, show proof of at least 3 years of work experience.
• Curriculum Vitae — with simple Spanish translation
• Pledge to register as autónomo — with simple translation
• Police Clearance or Criminal Record Certificate — with apostille and sworn translation
• Responsible declaration of no criminal record — with simple translation

For Dependent Spouse/Partner

• Passport — scan all pages
• Tasa Modelo 790, Código 380 — government fee (€73.26)
• MIF application form
• Marriage Registration Certificate — with apostille and sworn translation. If unmarried, show proof of relationship.
• Private Health Insurance
• Police Clearance or Criminal Record Certificate — with apostille and sworn translation
• Responsible declaration of no criminal record — with simple translation
• Special Power of Attorney — with apostille and sworn translation. Only needed if the dependent is not in Spain at the time of application.

For Dependent Minor Children

• Passport — scan all pages
• Tasa Modelo 790, Código 380 — government fee (€73.26)
• MIF application form
• Birth Certificate — with apostille and sworn translation
• Private Health Insurance
• Affidavit of Consent — notarized, with apostille and sworn translation. Only needed if one parent is not coming or the parents are separated.

NOTE: For consulate applications, requirements may vary slightly. Always double-check requirements with your local Spanish consulate, as they may differ depending on your country.

After Your Visa Is Approved

Once your visa or residence permit is approved:

Register your address (empadronamiento) at your local town hall. Then, book an appointment at the nearest police station for fingerprinting. After approximately 30 days, return to the same station to collect your residence card (TIE).

With your residence card in hand, you’ll have legal residence in Spain, the right to live and work remotely, and the freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants encounter delays or rejections due to avoidable errors. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to have documents properly apostilled or translated by a sworn translator. Others submit their applications after their legal stay has expired, which is especially problematic for those applying from within Spain.

Some also fail to include clear proof that their employer or clients authorize remote work, or they provide incomplete or outdated income documentation. Finally, remember to apply for your TIE card as soon as possible.

Why Spain is Perfect for Digital Nomads

Spain is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for remote professionals. Beyond the visa’s benefits, the country offers a warm climate, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a relatively affordable cost of living.

Major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga boast high-speed internet and thriving digital nomad communities, making it easy to connect and collaborate. Spain also provides excellent healthcare, a welcoming culture, and a family-friendly environment—ideal for those looking to balance work, travel, and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa opens the door to living in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries while keeping your remote job or business.

If you are still abroad, start with the consulate route. But if you can manage to get a Schengen tourist visa or if you are already in Spain, the UGE in-country route gives you a faster and longer residence permit.

To sum up, prepare your documents early, make sure everything is translated and apostilled, and get professional help if needed. Once approved, you can focus on what matters most which is enjoying your new life in Spain.