Since launching in January 2023 as part of Spain's Startup Act, Spain's Digital Nomad Visa hasgiven contractors and full-time employees outside the European Economic Area a straightforward route to live and work in Spain legally for up to five years.

This guide covers the current requirements, income thresholds, and tax rules as of 2026.

What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa gives non-EU nationals the right to live and work in Spain for up to five years. It was introduced as part of Spain's Startup Act — legislation designed to attract international talent and stimulate the economy.

The visa runs as five consecutive 12-month periods. During that time, you can live in Spain legally, apply for a Spanish residency card, and benefit from a reduced income tax rate under the Beckham Law.

Who Can Apply?

The visa is for non-EU nationals from outside the European Economic Area who work remotely for a foreign employer or client. You can work as either a full-time employee or a contractor, as long as no more than 20% of your income comes from Spanish companies.

Your employer or client must have been trading for at least one year, and you need to have worked with them for at least three months before applying.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements in 2026

To qualify, you need to:

• Be a non-EU national not currently living in Spain illegally
• Work remotely for a company or client based outside Spain
• Earn no more than 20% of your income from Spanish clients
• Have worked with your employer or client for at least three months
• Hold a university degree or professional qualification relevant to your work
• Have no criminal record in the past two years, and provide a sworn statement of no convictions in the five years prior
• Hold valid health insurance covering you in Spain

What Documents You'll Need

• Completed application form
• Proof of payment of the administration fee
• A copy of your passport
• Proof of employment and income
• Proof that your employer or client has traded for at least one year
• A letter from your employer authorising you to work from Spain
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of health insurance

Income Requirements: 2026 Thresholds

Spain's minimum wage (SMI) increases annually, and the Digital Nomad Visa income thresholds move with it. Here's where the income thresholds stand in 2026, based on an SMI of €1,424.50/month:

These figures represent 200% of the 2026 SMI for the main applicant, 75% for a spouse, and 25% per child. Expect these thresholds to increase again in 2027 if Spain raises its minimum wage.

How the Beckham Law Tax Regime Works

Digital Nomad Visa holders are eligible for Spain's Beckham Law. Beckham Law is a special tax regime that applies a flat 24% rate on work income up to €600,000. Income above that threshold is taxed at 47%.

The regime applies for up to six years, provided you weren't a Spanish tax resident in the five years before your arrival. Spain's standard income tax scales up to 47% for high earners, so the flat 24% rate represents a meaningful saving for most applicants.

The Beckham Law also exempts you from wealth tax and the Form 720 overseas asset declaration requirement. However, it's not automatic. You need to apply for it separately within six months of registering with Spanish social security.

How to Apply

You have two options:

From your home country: Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy before you travel. Processing times vary by location.

From Spain: If you're already in Spain on a tourist visa, you can apply within your first three months. You'll apply through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) for the initial visa, or at a local immigration office for the residency card.

Bringing Your Family

Spouses, partners, and dependent children can join you in Spain under a dependent visa. Each family member needs to be listed on your application with evidence of the additional income shown in the table above.

Renewals and Ongoing Compliance

Renewals require more documentation than the initial application. Spain expects Digital Nomad Visa holders to register as autónomo (self-employed) in some circumstances, particularly for longer stays, which affects your social security obligations and tax filing.

If you're planning to stay beyond the first year, it's worth getting local advice early.

Final Thoughts on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa remains one of the more accessible routes for non-EU remote workers wanting to live in Europe legally. The core structure is straightforward: meet the income threshold, demonstrate remote work, and apply through your nearest consulate.

If you're an employer with remote workers navigating visa eligibility, income verification, or multi-country compliance, RemotePass can help you manage it without building a local entity. See if it's a good fit.

FAQs About Spain's Digital Nomad Visa

Does Spain still have a digital nomad visa in 2026?

‍Yes, Spain's Digital Nomad Visa launched in January 2023 and remains active, offering non-EU nationals up to five years of residency with access to the Beckham Law tax regime.

How much income do you need for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

The 2026 threshold is €2,849 per month (€34,188 annually) for the main applicant, calculated at 200% of Spain's minimum wage and adjusted each year.

Can US citizens apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

‍US citizens qualify as non-EU nationals and can apply either through a Spanish consulate in the US or within their first three months in Spain on a tourist visa.

What tax rate applies under Spain's Beckham Law for digital nomads?

‍Digital Nomad Visa holders pay a flat 24% tax rate on work income up to €600,000 for up to six years, compared to Spain's standard progressive rates that reach 47%.