Digital Nomad Visa Spain Requirements
Check the main eligibility requirements for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and residence permit for international remote workers, and understand what should be documented before filing an application.
Who can apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
This regime is aimed at non-EU nationals who wish to live in Spain while carrying out remote employment or professional activity for companies mainly located outside Spain. The activity must be performed through computer, telematic or telecommunications systems.
Genuine remote work
You should be able to show that your duties or services can be performed remotely without requiring regular physical presence at the company’s or client’s premises.
International activity
The relationship supporting the application must be connected mainly to a company or professional activity based outside Spain.
Qualified professional profile
The rules accept certain academic or professional qualifications or, alternatively, at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Evidence-based application
Meeting the requirements in practice is not enough. They must also be supported through contracts, company certificates, corporate documents and other appropriate evidence.
Six points to review before applying
Eligibility depends on the individual circumstances of the applicant, but these are some of the key elements that normally need to be supported in the application file.
Company with real activity
The company or business group connected to the employment or professional relationship must show real and continuous activity for at least one year.
Prior employment or professional relationship
The applicant must generally prove an employment or professional relationship with the foreign company during at least the three months immediately before applying.
Authorization to work remotely
The supporting documents should show that the activity can be carried out remotely and that the company expressly permits this working arrangement.
Qualification or experience
The applicant must show the required qualification through accepted education or, when applicable, at least three years of relevant professional experience.
Sufficient financial means
The applicant must have sufficient financial resources for themselves and, where applicable, for accompanying family members.
Personal requirements
Criminal records, healthcare coverage, Social Security and lawful status in Spain should also be reviewed depending on the application route.
Different requirements for employees and self-employed professionals
Spanish law distinguishes between employment and professional activity. The supporting documents and certain limitations differ depending on which category applies.
Digital nomad employee
In an employment relationship, the applicant must work for a company located outside Spain.
- Prior employment relationship of at least three months.
- Company with at least one year of real and continuous activity.
- Express authorization to perform the work remotely.
- Duties compatible with remote work.
Self-employed digital nomad
A professional relationship may involve foreign clients and, within the legal limits, some activity with Spanish companies.
- Prior professional relationship of at least three months.
- Professional activity capable of being performed remotely.
- Consistent contracts and invoicing documentation.
- Activity with Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of total professional activity.
Criminal records, healthcare and lawful status
In addition to the professional requirements, applicants must also meet the general conditions applicable to residence permits under Law 14/2013.
Criminal records
The appropriate criminal record documentation and declarations must be reviewed according to the applicant’s previous countries of residence.
Healthcare coverage
Applicants must have valid healthcare coverage in Spain through the applicable Social Security system or qualifying private health insurance where required.
Lawful status in Spain
Applicants using the residence permit route from within Spain must be lawfully present in Spanish territory at the time of application.
Eligibility must be supported by evidence
Preparing the supporting documents is just as important as meeting the underlying legal requirements. The documents should be consistent with one another and clearly explain the applicant’s professional situation.
The documentation should help establish the existence and real activity of the foreign company or business group.
The documentation should prove the prior relationship and the conditions under which the activity is carried out.
There should be evidence confirming that the company allows the applicant to work remotely from Spain.
Academic or professional evidence should support the qualification requirement applicable to the case.
Financial resources should be supported by documents that show both sufficiency and consistency with the declared activity.
Legal framework and official guidance
Spain’s international remote worker regime is primarily regulated by Law 14/2013. The Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) also publishes practical information regarding supporting documentation and application requirements.
Requirements and supporting documentation should always be reviewed according to the applicant’s specific circumstances and the rules in force at the time the application is filed.
Questions about Spain Digital Nomad Visa requirements
How long must the company have been operating?
How long must I have worked with the company?
Do I need a university degree?
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Can I apply for the residence permit while already in Spain?
Do I need private health insurance?
Check your eligibility before filing
Lawyer Lino García reviews your employment or professional relationship, company documents, remote work authorization, financial means and other relevant elements before preparing a Digital Nomad Visa or residence application in Spain.