A UK citizen’s guide to securing a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Obtaining a digital nomad visa in Spain has become one of the most attractive options for UK citizens who want to combine remote work with the benefits of living in Southern Europe.

Spain offers a unique balance of warm Mediterranean weather, world-class culture, and an accessible cost of living.

For remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, this visa provides legal certainty, a route to medium-term residence, and access to Spain’s robust infrastructure and healthcare.

This page explains the updated 2025 requirements, financial thresholds, documentation, and the business structures available to UK citizens, with links to authoritative guidance from Delaguía & Luzón.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Spain introduced the digital nomad visa under its Startup Law to attract international talent and foster innovation. For UK citizens, this is particularly relevant after Brexit, since traditional EU mobility rights no longer apply.

The visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while carrying out remote work for companies based abroad. It also permits a limited percentage of professional activity with Spanish companies, capped at 20 percent of your total workload.

Eligibility hinges on academic or professional credentials. Applicants must either hold a university degree or be able to prove at least three years of relevant professional experience.

There must also be evidence of a contractual relationship of at least three months with the foreign employer or clients, and the foreign company must have been legally operating for at least one year.

For an overview of immigration routes, see our immigration law page.

Financial Requirements

A core element of the application is proof of sufficient income to ensure self-sufficiency in Spain. As of 2025, the digital nomad visa requires a minimum annual income of €30,240, which corresponds to 200 percent of the current Spanish minimum wage.

For family members, additional amounts are required. A spouse or registered partner increases the threshold by 75 percent of the minimum wage, which is approximately €993 per month.

Each dependent child or other family member increases the requirement by 25 percent, equal to about €331 per month. Evidence of financial means can include recent bank statements, valid work contracts, or payslips.

For broader tax and compliance context, visit tax law and accounting.

Business Structures for UK Citizens: SL or Autónomo

Many applicants also plan to invoice clients or structure a business presence in Spain. The two primary routes are registering as an autónomo or incorporating a Sociedad Limitada (SL).

The autónomo route is simpler and designed for freelancers and consultants. It involves registering with Social Security (RETA), filing Form 036 or 037, and declaring your activity.

Although it is flexible, autónomos are personally liable for their debts. Our step-by-step article on becoming self-employed in Spain explains the formalities in detail.

The SL is a limited liability company that requires a minimum share capital of €3,000 and is suitable for ventures with partners or employees. Incorporation includes obtaining an NIE, registering the company with the Commercial Registry, and opening a corporate bank account.

For a deeper dive into incorporation, see how to create a limited company in Spain.

Documentation Checklist

Preparing a complete file reduces delays and the risk of refusal.

Typical requirements include the official application form, passport copies, an apostilled and translated criminal record certificate, proof of financial means, and comprehensive private health insurance equivalent to Spain’s public system.

Travel insurance is not accepted. If you will carry out any economic activity, you will need an NIE and, after arrival, a TIE residence card.

For practical guidance on both documents, consult Green card, NIE and TIE in Spain.

When you are ready to start, our team can coordinate translations, apostilles, and filings to ensure each document meets consular standards.

Family Members

The visa regime recognises family unity, allowing spouses, registered partners, and dependent children to accompany the main applicant.

In certain cases, ascendants such as parents or financially dependent adult children can also be included. You will need official proof of the relationship, such as marriage and birth certificates, plus evidence of financial dependency where required.

Our immigration team regularly manages accompanying family applications, ensuring each attestation, sworn translation, and legalisation is compliant with Spanish regulations.

For personalised support, contact us through our contact page. 

Application Procedure

UK citizens can submit a digital nomad application at the Spanish Consulate in the UK or from within Spain if they hold a valid tourist status.

Typical processing time is around 20 working days, although the duration varies by consulate and the completeness of the file. After approval, you will receive a residence permit tied to your NIE and must complete local registration within 30 days of arrival.

The initial residence is valid for two years and can be renewed for up to three additional years, subject to continued compliance. For strategic planning across all stages, explore our areas of expertise.

Tax Considerations

Tax status is a central planning point for digital nomads. Under the Startup Law, eligible taxpayers can benefit from a flat 24 percent tax on income up to €600,000 during the first four years.

If you spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year, you will be considered a Spanish tax resident and subject to personal income tax at progressive rates between 19 and 47 percent.

The Spain–UK double taxation convention helps prevent the same income from being taxed twice. Choosing the correct structure, tracking days of presence, and coordinating payroll or invoicing can optimise your position.

Our tax team can assess your situation and apply the most advantageous regime.

Key Differences: Digital Nomad Visa and Golden Visa

Spain offers multiple residency pathways, each designed for a distinct profile.

The Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers who earn income from foreign employers or clients and meet relatively low income thresholds.

The Golden Visa is designed for investors who contribute significant capital, typically through real estate purchases of at least €500,000 or other qualifying investments.

Your choice depends on whether your priority is work-based residence with operational flexibility or residence through investment.

For context on current investor policy, see our update on the possible elimination of the Golden Visa.

How Delaguía & Luzón Can Help

Applying for a visa and structuring a business in Spain requires precise legal and tax coordination.

Delaguía & Luzón has more than 65 years of experience advising international clients on Spanish immigration, tax, and commercial matters.

We provide tailored advice on whether to register as an autónomo or form an SL, manage the full visa process, incorporate companies, open bank accounts, draft Articles of Association, and align your tax position with the Startup Law.

We also coordinate family applications to keep your move friction-free.

Explore our areas of expertise, read our guide to applying for the digital nomad visa, and reach out through our contact page to begin your assessment.