Spain's digital nomad residence route, who qualifies and what it allows

Key rules

• Who can apply: Only non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals with no irregular stay in Spain can use this route.
• Income: Your income must reach 200% of Spain's minimum monthly salary, and the figure changes each year.
• Freelancers: Spanish clients can bring in at most 20% of your total professional income.

Who the route is for

The route is for non-EU remote workers who work online for companies or clients outside Spain. You can be an employee or a freelancer. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need it. It is commonly called the digital nomad visa.

You file at a consulate abroad. If you are already in Spain lawfully, on a short stay, a visa or a residence permit such as a student or non-lucrative one, you can file in Spain with the fast-track unit instead. A stay in Spain without papers rules you out. You also need a clean criminal record certificate from every country you lived in over the last five years, excluding Spain: the office checks Spanish records itself, so you do not need a Spanish certificate. A certificate from another EU country in the multilingual standard form needs no apostille and no translation. One from a non-EU country that is a Hague Convention member needs an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. One from any other country needs full legalisation through that country's foreign ministry and the Spanish consulate, and a sworn translation.

Income you must show

You must show income of at least 200% of Spain's minimum monthly salary, counted over 14 payments. That salary is reset every year, so the figure you need depends on the year you apply. For 2026 it is €2,849 a month.

Family members add to this amount: 75% of the monthly minimum salary for the first and 25% for each further one. The euro figures are on the family page.

Work record and company rules

Employees need at least 3 months with the company, and the company must have operated for at least one year. The rules and the proof are on Employee or freelancer, how the nomad route treats each.

What the permit allows

• Fully remote work, done online, for companies outside Spain, as an employee or a self-employed professional.
• As a freelancer, you may also serve Spanish clients, within the limit in the key rules.
• You may not work on-site for a Spanish employer.

You must be able to show that your job can really be done remotely.

How long it lasts

The first permit lasts up to 3 years. You can then renew it in 2-year periods, up to 5 years in total. At each renewal you must show you still work remotely and still meet the income level.

Timeline and deadlines

Timing for the digital nomad route

• Have worked with your company: At least 3 months before you apply, if you are an employee.
• Receive your first permit: Valid for up to 3 years, then renewals of 2 years

Documents you need

Documents for employees of foreign companies

• A contract, an employer letter or similar document showing you have worked with the company for at least 3 months. You get it from your employer.

• Documents proving the company exists and has been operating for at least one year, and that it is located outside Spain. The company provides these, usually from its own registry or records.

Digital nomad route eligibility self-check

• Check that you need a visa: confirm you are a non-EU national and have had no irregular stay in Spain.

• Work out your monthly income target: at least 200% of Spain's minimum monthly salary, over 14 payments, plus extra for each family member who comes with you.

• Gather proof of income that shows you meet that figure for the year you apply.

• Pick the qualification you will use: a degree from a recognised university, a postgraduate qualification, a vocational training qualification, or at least 3 years of professional experience in a related field.

• Arrange health insurance valid in Spain with no co-payments, and check your passport is valid.

• Fix gaps in this order: first the ones you cannot change quickly (tenure, company age, Spanish-client share), then income proof and qualification, then the paperwork such as certificates and insurance.

Digital nomad residence, quick answers

Can I use the route if I own the company I work for?

Yes in principle. A large share brings limits and the authority decides whether your relationship with the company is genuine; see Employee or freelancer, how the nomad route treats each.

Do my years on the digital nomad permit count toward long-term residence?

Yes, time on the permit counts toward long-term residence once you have lived legally in Spain for 5 continuous years. Nationality by residence needs 10 years of legal residence.

How long can I be away from Spain while holding the permit?

Stay under 6 months abroad in any year, because longer absences break your continuity of residence. You can work for companies abroad and travel, but Spain must remain your home.