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Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa)

Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026

Spain's digital nomad visa, created under the 2022 Startup Law, has become the benchmark every other European program is measured against — and for good reason. It is the only major EU digital nomad route that lets you skip the consulate entirely: arrive as a tourist, file with the UGE-CE (the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit) from inside Spain, and walk away with a three-year residence permit in about 20 working days. No other country in this guide offers that flexibility. The income threshold sits at roughly €2,849 per month for a single applicant — 200% of Spain's minimum wage — which undercuts Portugal's D8 by more than €800 a month while delivering a longer initial permit. Add the Beckham Law, a special tax regime that can cap your rate at 24% on Spanish-source income for six years while leaving foreign-source income untouched, and the financial case becomes difficult to beat. There are real requirements behind the headline: you need a degree or three years of experience, three months of history with your employer or clients, and private health insurance valid in Spain. But for Americans and Britons seeking a five-year path to EU residency with Mediterranean weather, fast cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and genuinely quick bureaucracy by southern-European standards, Spain is the default answer — which is exactly why we rank it first.

Verified October 8, 2026Official source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa ↗Report an error

Spain digital nomad visa for your nationality

For AmericansFor British applicantsFor CanadiansFor Australians

Key facts at a glance

Minimum income

€2,849/month

200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), per month

Savings required

None set

No fixed savings figure is published; 3–6 months of expenses in reserve is advisable.

Maximum stay

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Processing time

15–45 working days at the consulate

about 20 working days for in-country UGE-CE decisions.

Application fee

From ~€80 visa fee

plus €90–€200 for the residence card.

Degree required

Yes

or equivalent experience

Full requirements

Program
Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa)
Minimum income
€2,849 per month (200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), per month)
Savings
No fixed requirement — No fixed savings figure is published; 3–6 months of expenses in reserve is advisable.
Duration & renewal
Up to 5 years. 1-year visa when filed at a consulate, or a 3-year residence permit when filed in-country via the UGE-CE. Renewable up to 5 years total, with a path to permanent residency.
Processing time
15–45 working days at the consulate; about 20 working days for in-country UGE-CE decisions.
Fees
From ~€80 visa fee, plus €90–€200 for the residence card.
Family
Spouse or registered partner, dependent children and other dependent relatives may join. The income bar rises by roughly €1,068/month for the first family member and €356/month for each additional dependent.
Apply from abroad
Yes — Apply at the Spanish consulate serving your place of residence. This route yields a 1-year visa, convertible to a residence permit after arrival.
Apply in country
Yes — Spain is the only country in this guide that lets you enter as a tourist and apply from inside the country. Filed through the UGE-CE (Large Companies Unit), it grants a 3-year residence permit directly — the fastest route to long-term status.
Degree / experience
Required — A university degree (or recognized professional qualification) OR at least 3 years of documented professional experience in your field.
Remote work history
3+ months — At least 3 months working with your current employer or clients; the company must have operated for 1+ years.
Health insurance
Required — must be valid for the full stay

Tax notes

Qualifying new tax residents may elect the Beckham Law: a 24% flat rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years, with foreign-source income potentially exempt entirely. This is the single most valuable tax feature of any visa in this guide — confirm eligibility with a Spanish tax advisor.

Tax rules are simplified here and change often. Confirm your position with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

A single applicant must show roughly €2,849 per month, equal to 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI) — i.e. €34,188/year. The threshold rises with family: add about €1,068/month for the first dependent and €356/month for each additional one. A couple should therefore budget around €3,917/month. Note: some consulates quote €2,442/month instead — that is the same €34,188 requirement expressed over Spain's 14-payment salary system, not a lower bar (showing €2,442 × 12 falls short of the binding annual figure).

Sources & verification

Not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently and consulates interpret them differently. Always verify current requirements with the official consulate or immigration authority before applying.

Compare Spain head-to-head

Comparison

Spain vs Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Our verdict: Spain for most people, Portugal for the patient

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Comparison

Spain vs Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Our verdict: Spain unless the income bar is your binding constraint

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Comparison

Malta vs Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Our verdict: Spain for almost everyone; Malta for the island-first few

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More in Europe

All countries

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from €3,680/mo

Italy

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from €2,066/mo

Greece

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Croatia

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from €3,622.5/mo

Estonia

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Malta

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