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

Updated: October 2026

Spain’s digital nomad visa – officially the residence permit for international teleworkers (teletrabajo de carácter internacional) – lets non-EU citizens live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients abroad. The rules come from the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022), and the income requirement is tied to the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), which was raised again for 2026. Here is what applies in 2026 and how to apply step by step.

What changed for 2026

• Higher income requirement: the 2026 minimum wage is €1,221 per month in 14 payments (Royal Decree 126/2026). Because the visa requires 200% of the SMI, the minimum income has gone up to roughly €2,849 per month (about €34,188 per year).
• Applies to renewals too: the new figure is used for both first applications and renewals filed in 2026.
• Stricter checks: the immigration office (UGE) looks more closely at whether the work is really remote, whether the income comes from outside Spain and whether you actually live in Spain.

Who can apply

• Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
• Remote employees of a company outside Spain. You must have worked with the company for at least 3 months, and the company must have been operating for at least 1 year.
• Freelancers working mainly for clients outside Spain. Up to 20% of your total work may be for Spanish clients.
• You need a university degree, a recognised professional qualification, or at least 3 years of experience in your field.
• No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you lived during the last 5 years.

Income requirement 2026

Who	Minimum per month (approx.)	Basis
Main applicant	€2,849	200% of the SMI
First family member (e.g. spouse)	+ €1,068	75% of the SMI
Each additional family member	+ €356	25% of the SMI

Example: a couple with one child needs roughly €2,849 + €1,068 + €356 = €4,273 per month. The figures are calculated from the yearly minimum wage (€17,094) divided by 12. The immigration office can round or calculate slightly differently, so always aim a little above the minimum.

Documents you need

• Valid passport (full copy).
• Employment contract or freelance contracts showing you can work remotely.
• A letter from your employer confirming remote work from Spain, and proof that the company has existed for at least 1 year.
• Proof of income: recent payslips, invoices and bank statements (usually the last 3 months).
• Degree certificate or proof of 3 years’ experience.
• Criminal record certificates (apostilled and translated into Spanish).
• Health insurance: Spanish social security coverage or private insurance with full cover in Spain and no co-payments.
• Social security: a certificate showing you stay covered in your home country (where there is an agreement), or registration with Spanish social security – as an employee or as a self-employed autónomo.
• Proof that the application fee has been paid.

How to apply – step by step

There are two routes. Which one you use depends on where you are when you apply.

Route 1: from inside Spain (most common)

1. Enter Spain legally (for example as a visa-free visitor).
2. Apply online to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) with a digital certificate or through a lawyer/gestor.
3. The UGE should answer within 20 working days. If there is no answer by then, the application is treated as approved (positive silence).
4. The permit is granted for 3 years and can be renewed for another 2 years.
5. Register at the town hall (empadronamiento) and book your fingerprint appointment to get your residence card (TIE).

Route 2: from your home country

1. Apply for the digital nomad visa at the Spanish consulate responsible for where you live.
2. The visa is valid for up to 1 year.
3. Before it expires, apply to the UGE in Spain for the residence permit, which then runs for up to 3 years.

After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.

Taxes: the Beckham Law

As a digital nomad you become a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain. You can ask to be taxed under the special regime for incoming workers, known as the Beckham Law:

• A flat 24% tax on work income up to €600,000 per year.
• It applies to the year you move and the following 5 tax years.
• You must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years.
• You must apply with form 149 within 6 months of registering with social security in Spain.

Tax is personal and depends on your situation, so talk to a Spanish tax advisor (gestor) before you decide.

Common reasons for refusal

• Income below the 2026 minimum, or income that is not regular.
• The employer’s letter does not clearly allow remote work from Spain.
• Missing social security certificate or insurance with co-payments.
• Documents not apostilled or not translated by a sworn translator.

FAQ: digital nomad visa in Spain

How much do I need to earn in 2026?

Roughly €2,849 per month for the main applicant, plus about €1,068 for the first family member and €356 for each additional one.

Can I apply while I am already in Spain?

Yes, as long as you are in Spain legally. You then apply directly to the UGE for the 3-year residence permit.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Spouse or partner and children can apply with you, as long as your income covers the extra amount for each family member.

Can I work for Spanish companies?

Freelancers may earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients. Remote employees must work for a company outside Spain.

Do I need private health insurance?

Only if you are not covered by Spanish social security. The policy must give full cover in Spain without co-payments.

Does this visa lead to permanent residence?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.

Useful links

• UGE – international teleworkers (official)
• Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – consulates and visas
• BOE – Royal Decree 126/2026 on the 2026 minimum wage
• Get help with your NIE and residence paperwork

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and amounts can change – always check with the official authorities or a qualified advisor.