Digital Nomad Visa Assistance for Americans & Britons
Live in Spain while working remotely for a company or clients based outside the country — including a reduced-tax option for the first years of residence.
We review your employment or freelance contracts, confirm you meet the income threshold, prepare and apostille your documents, and file your Digital Nomad Visa application on your behalf — including Beckham Law tax registration if you qualify.
Overview
The Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) is designed for remote employees and freelancers whose income comes primarily from outside Spain. It was introduced under the 2023 Startups Law and remains one of the fastest-processing residence categories for US and UK applicants. Employees need a contract showing their employer permits remote work and that the company has operated for at least one year; freelancers need contracts with clients based outside Spain, typically covering the bulk of their income.
The permit is initially valid for up to three years and can be renewed, eventually counting toward permanent residency after five years of continuous legal stay. Holders can also apply for the Beckham Law special tax regime, which taxes qualifying income at a flat rate rather than Spain's progressive scale — see Beckham Law for eligibility.
Eligibility & Income Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employment type | Remote employee of a non-Spanish company, or freelancer with primarily non-Spanish clients |
| Minimum income (single applicant) | Approximately 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), roughly €2,800–€2,900/month gross as of 2026 — this figure adjusts annually and should be confirmed before filing |
| Additional family income | An extra percentage of SMI is added per dependent (spouse and each child) |
| Company track record | Employer or client relationship generally must predate the application by at least a few months to a year |
| Criminal record | Clean record certificate from any country of residence in the last five years, apostilled and translated |
| Health insurance | Private policy with no co-payments, valid in Spain |
Application Process
- Confirm eligibility and gather proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, company registration documents, and income history.
- Obtain a criminal record certificate and apostille it, along with any other foreign-issued documents you'll submit.
- Arrange private health insurance that meets Spanish requirements — no co-payments, full coverage.
- Apply for an NIE number, Spain's foreigner identification number required for nearly every step that follows. See NIE Number.
- Submit the visa application either at a Spanish consulate in your home country or, if already legally in Spain, directly with Spanish immigration.
- Attend biometrics and collect your TIE card once approved — the physical residence card. See TIE Card.
- Register with the local town hall (empadronamiento) and, if working as a freelancer, complete Autónomo Registration.
Costs & Timeline
Government fees for the Digital Nomad Visa are modest compared to investor routes, typically in the low hundreds of euros, plus separate NIE and TIE card fees. Processing at consulates or through Spain's expedited Large Business and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE-CE) can run from a few weeks to around two months, depending on where you apply and document completeness. Renewal is required before the initial permit expires, with a second renewal available before the five-year mark, at which point permanent residency becomes an option — see Permanent Residency.
FAQ
Can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa from within Spain as a tourist?
Yes, if you're already in Spain legally (for example, on a tourist stay), you can apply directly with Spanish immigration authorities rather than through a consulate abroad. Many applicants find this route faster, though it requires careful timing around your legal entry status.
Does the Digital Nomad Visa let me work for Spanish clients?
Freelancers can generally earn up to a limited share of their income from Spanish clients — the rest must come from abroad. Employees must work for a company based outside Spain. Exact percentage limits should be verified against current regulations for your specific situation.
USIf I move to Spain on this visa, do I still need to file US taxes and FBAR?
Yes. US citizens and green card holders are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence, so you'll continue filing a federal return annually. If your foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 in aggregate at any point in the year, FBAR reporting is required, and FATCA (Form 8938) may also apply depending on asset thresholds. The US-Spain tax treaty and Foreign Tax Credit typically prevent double taxation, but the filing obligation itself doesn't go away.
UKHow does the Digital Nomad Visa affect my UK tax residency status?
Becoming a Spanish tax resident (generally by spending more than 183 days per year in Spain) can trigger a change in UK tax residency under the Statutory Residence Test, which affects how HMRC treats your UK-sourced income and capital gains. This is separate from your immigration status — you can hold Spanish residence while your UK tax position depends on days spent in each country and ties retained to the UK.
Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, spouses or registered partners and dependent children can typically be included in the same application, subject to additional income requirements per family member. See Family Reunification if you're adding family after your own permit is already approved.
What happens if I lose my remote job after moving to Spain?
Your residence permit is tied to the employment or freelance activity that qualified you. Losing that income source can affect renewal, so it's worth planning ahead — either securing a new remote arrangement or reassessing whether another visa category fits your situation better.
Ready to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
We'll review your income documentation and employment contracts before you file, so nothing gets rejected on a technicality.
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