Quick Answer
Primary Visa: Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups, 2023)
Expected Salary: EUR Variable (minimum 200% of Spanish minimum wage, approx. EUR 2,520/month)/year
Processing Time: 1-3 months. Application fee EUR 80.
Key Requirements: Proof of remote employment or freelance income for non-Spanish company. Minimum income approx. EUR 2,520/month. Health insurance. No Spanish tax residency in previous 5 years.
Spain introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023 under the Ley de Startups (Startup Act). The visa targets remote workers employed by or freelancing for companies outside Spain. It has quickly become one of Europe's most attractive digital nomad programmes.
The income requirement is 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, approximately EUR 2,520 per month in 2026. You can also qualify through savings equivalent to the required income for the visa duration. The visa is granted for up to 3 years and is renewable for an additional 2 years.
A key benefit is the Beckham Law tax advantage: digital nomad visa holders can opt for a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income (up to EUR 600,000) instead of the progressive rates up to 47%. Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and the Canary Islands are top choices for digital nomads.
Path to Permanent Residency
Time on the Digital Nomad Visa counts toward the 5-year residency requirement for permanent residency. Spain's citizenship timeline is 10 years for most nationalities, but just 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, and Portugal.
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What are the income requirements for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?
You need to demonstrate monthly income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, approximately EUR 2,520 per month in 2026. This can be from remote employment or freelance contracts with non-Spanish companies. You can also qualify through savings equivalent to the required income for the visa duration.
Can I use Spain's Beckham Law with the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. Digital Nomad Visa holders who have not been Spanish tax residents in the previous 5 years can opt for the Beckham Law, paying a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income for up to 6 years. This is significantly lower than the standard progressive rates, which reach 47%.
Which Spanish cities are best for digital nomads?
Barcelona offers the strongest coworking and startup scene. Valencia provides excellent value with lower costs. Malaga and the Canary Islands have growing nomad communities with warm weather year-round. Madrid is best for those seeking culture and nightlife. Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) is often ranked among Europe's top digital nomad destinations.