Spain's digital nomad visa (international telework) in 2026
Facts last verified on against 6 sources (4 official). By the Relocate+ team.
Short answer
Spain's digital nomad visa lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while working remotely for employers or clients abroad. You can apply at a Spanish consulate (the visa authorises one year) or, if you're already legally in Spain, for a residence permit of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods.[1][2][5]
The income requirement is 200% of Spain's minimum wage. The official FAQ puts the minimum wage at €1,221 a month, which means €2,442; some consulates calculate it from the annual minimum wage of €17,094 (about €2,849 a month), so check how yours does it. Freelancers may earn up to 20% of their work from Spanish clients.[1][4][3]
Key facts at a glance
Visa options
Telework visa from a Spanish consulate
Best for: Remote workers applying from their home country before moving.
Requirement: Income of 200% of the minimum wage, at least three months with your employer (or a three-month contract for freelancers), a company that has existed for at least a year, and a degree or three years' relevant experience. The visa authorises residence and work in Spain for one year.[3][1]
- Spain's New York consulate lists a 10-day legal decision period.
- You can request a residence authorisation in Spain when 60 days remain on the visa.
Residence permit applied for in Spain (UGE)
Best for: Non-EU nationals who are already legally in Spain.
Requirement: You must be in a regular situation in Spain. Apply to the Large Companies Unit (UGE) with form MI-T, the employer's authorisation letter, proof the company has traded for at least a year, social security coverage, criminal records and health insurance. The permit lasts up to three years.[2]
- Travel insurance isn't accepted as health cover.
- Fee €89.96 (form 790, code 038); renewal €95.27.
What changed recently
Spain's 2026 minimum wage is €1,221 a month in 14 payments (€17,094 a year) under Real Decreto 126/2026 — so the visa's income threshold rose this year.[4]
Step-by-step timeline
- 1
Before you apply
Check you fit the profile
You must be a non-EU adult working remotely for a company outside Spain, with at least three months' relationship with it. If you're freelance, Spanish clients can make up no more than 20% of your work.[1][2]
- 2
1–2 months before
Get your employer's paperwork
You need a letter from the foreign company authorising remote work from Spain (with position, salary and conditions) and proof the company has at least one year of real, continuous activity.[2][3]
- 3
1–2 months before
Sort out social security
Employers must register with Spanish Social Security as a non-resident company, unless a bilateral agreement lets you keep home-country coverage. Freelancers register in Spain's self-employed scheme (RETA). Failing to register can end the permit.[1]
- 4
Application
Apply at the consulate or the UGE
From abroad, apply for the visa at your Spanish consulate. If you're already legally in Spain, file the MI-T form online with the UGE using a digital certificate or Cl@ve, after paying the €89.96 fee.[3][2]
- 5
Before the visa runs out
Switch to a residence permit
The visa authorises one year. You can ask for the residence authorisation when 60 days remain; it lasts up to three years and is then renewable for two-year periods.[1][5]
Document checklist
- Passport and application form (consulate) or form MI-T (UGE)[3][2]
- Employer letter authorising remote work from Spain[2]
- Proof the company has traded for 1+ year[2][3]
- Contract showing 3+ months' relationship[2][1]
- Degree, or proof of equivalent professional experience[2][3]
- Social security registration (or home-country certificate under a treaty)[1][2]
- Criminal record certificates + sworn statement[2]
- Public or private health insurance (not travel insurance)[2]
- Proof of income: 200% of minimum wage, plus family amounts[1]
Official fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residence permit applied for in Spain (form 790, code 038) | €89.96[2] |
| Renewal | €95.27[2] |
| Consulate visa feeCheck your consulate's current fee list. | Set by each consulate[3] |
Translations, apostilles and insurance depend on your provider, so we don't estimate them.
Tax basics
People who move on the international telework visa are explicitly covered by Spain's special regime for impatriated workers (the 'Beckham Law') if they weren't Spanish tax resident in the previous five tax periods. Employment income is then taxed at a flat 24% up to €600,000, for the year of the move and the next five.[6]
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules depend on your situation — speak to a qualified adviser.
Moving with family
A spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents can apply with you or later. Add 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member and 25% for each additional one. Family members with a residence authorisation may work in Spain without restrictions.[1]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong income figure. The official FAQ calculates from €1,221 a month (€2,442); some consulates use the annual minimum wage (about €2,849). Ask yours.[1][4]
- Too many Spanish clients. If you're self-employed, work for Spanish companies can't exceed 20% of your activity.[1]
- Skipping social security registration. The authorisation can be terminated if you don't register.[1]
- Bringing travel insurance. The UGE requires public or private health insurance; travel insurance isn't accepted.[2]
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for Spain's digital nomad visa in 2026?
200% of the minimum wage. Spain's official FAQ uses €1,221 a month, giving €2,442. Some consulates calculate from the annual figure of €17,094 (about €2,849 a month), so confirm with yours. Add 75% for the first family member and 25% for each additional one.[1][4]
Can I work for Spanish clients on the digital nomad visa?
Yes, as a self-employed professional, as long as work for Spanish companies doesn't exceed 20% of your total professional activity.[1][5]
Can I apply for the digital nomad permit from inside Spain?
Yes, if you're legally in Spain: apply to the Large Companies Unit (UGE) for a residence permit of up to three years. From abroad you need the consular visa instead.[2][1]
How long is Spain's digital nomad visa valid?
The consular visa authorises one year. A residence permit lasts up to three years and can be renewed for two-year periods.[1][5]
Does the Beckham Law apply to digital nomads?
Yes. The Spanish Tax Agency says holders of the international telework visa are covered if they weren't Spanish tax resident in the previous five tax periods.[6]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to one of these. Official = government, consulate or official gazette.
- [1] Digital nomads: frequently asked questions (English) — Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (UGE)Official · checked 23 October 2026
- [2] Residency application for international teleworkers — Spanish government (one.gob.es)Official · checked 23 October 2026
- [3] Telework visa — Consulate General of Spain in New YorkOfficial · checked 23 October 2026
- [4] Real Decreto 126/2026: salario mínimo interprofesional 2026 — Fieldfisher · checked 23 October 2026
- [5] Spain: the Startups Law regulates international remote working — Garrigues · checked 23 October 2026
- [6] Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados (impatriados) — Agencia TributariaOfficial · checked 23 October 2026
Immigration rules change often. Always confirm requirements with the consulate or authority that handles your application before you book or pay for anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.