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

Key takeaways

• The digital nomad visa in Spain allows non-EU remote workers to live legally in Spain while working for foreign companies.
• To qualify in 2026, you must show income of at least €34,188/year (200% of Spain’s SMI) and proof of a remote work relationship.
• The visa is valid for 1 year when issued by a consulate, or 3 years when applied for in Spain, renewable up to 5 years in total, and includes tax incentives under the Startup Law (24% flat rate).
• You can bring family members, and choose between registering as an autónomo or setting up a limited company (SL) with minimum capital of just €1 under Startup Law 28/2022.

Obtaining a digital nomad visa in Spain remains one of the most attractive pathways for UK and non-EU citizens looking to combine remote work with the lifestyle benefits of Southern Europe.

With its modern infrastructure, access to the Schengen area, affordable cost of living, and vibrant cities, Spain continues to be a leading destination for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees alike.

In this updated 2026 guide, Delaguía y Luzón outlines the latest visa requirements, income thresholds, renewal conditions, tax benefits under the Startup Law Spain 2026, and strategic business structures for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Spain.

What is the digital nomad visa in Spain?

The digital nomad visa in Spain, introduced under the Spanish Startup Law 28/2022, allows non-EU citizens to legally live and work in Spain while providing services to foreign companies or clients.

Key features:

• Available to remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs
• Permits up to 20% of income from Spanish companies
• Initially valid for 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain application), renewable up to 5 years
• Offers legal residency within the Schengen area

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a university degree or at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Show a stable contract or client relationship (3+ months) with a foreign company
• Ensure the company has been operational for at least 1 year

For an overview of all legal pathways, visit our immigration law services.

2026 financial requirements for a digital nomad visa in Spain

As of 2026, following Royal Decree 126/2026, the SMI is set at €1,221/month (€17,094/year). The income threshold for the digital nomad visa is 200% of the SMI, which equates to €2,849/month or €34,188/year.

Additional amounts apply for dependents:

• Spouse or partner: +75% of SMI (~€916/month)
• Each additional dependent: +25% of SMI (~€305/month)

Did you know?

To verify your income, you can provide:

• Recent payslips or freelance invoices
• International bank statements
• Client contracts (in English or Spanish)

For tax and residency compliance, see our tax law and accounting guide.

Business structures for digital nomads

Choosing the right business setup can optimise your legal and tax position in Spain:

1. Autónomo (Freelancer)

Simple and flexible. You’ll register with Social Security, submit Modelo 036/037, and pay monthly autónomo contributions (cuota).

2. Sociedad Limitada (SL)

Best for those with partners or long-term growth plans. Under Startup Law 28/2022, the minimum share capital is just €1 (down from the previous €3,000). A corporate bank account and Commercial Registry filing are still required.

See our guide on creating an SL in Spain.

Required documentation for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Spain

Your application must include:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport copy (valid for at least 1 year)
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled + translated)
• Proof of income and remote work relationship
• Private health insurance valid across Spain with no co-payments

Note: Travel insurance is not accepted.

You will also need an NIE before arrival and a TIE (foreigner ID card) once in Spain.

See our NIE and TIE guide.

Bringing family members

Your spouse, registered partner, dependent children, and, in some cases, your parents, can accompany you under the same digital nomad visa in Spain scheme.

Submit translated and legalised proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates) and evidence of financial support.

The immigration team at Delaguía y Luzón can manage the full family application process.

Spain has issued close to 32,000 digital nomad visas since 2023.

Source:
VISAHQ

Application procedure for UK citizens

You may apply:

• From the UK via the Spanish Consulate (1-year visa)
• From within Spain while on a valid tourist stay (3-year residence permit)

Processing takes approximately 20–30 working days.

After approval, you will receive a residence permit and must register locally (empadronamiento) within 30 days.

The visa is renewable up to 5 years in total, offering a potential path to permanent residency and even Spanish citizenship.

2026 tax implications for the digital nomad visa in Spain

As a digital nomad, your tax residency depends on your physical presence in Spain.

If you stay over 183 days/year, you become a tax resident.

Tax benefits include:

• Flat 24% tax on income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years (the year of arrival plus the following 5) under the Beckham Law 2026
• No double taxation under the UK–Spain tax treaty
• Mandatory foreign asset reporting via Modelo 720 if applicable

Digital nomad visa vs Golden Visa

Spain used to offer several legal residency options:

• Digital Nomad Visa: Income-based, flexible, work-permitting
• Golden Visa: Investment-based (e.g., €500,000 property purchase)

However, the Golden Visa was eliminated on 3 April 2025.

Holders can still renew their permits, but new applications are no longer accepted or processed.

Why choose Delaguía y Luzón

With over 65 years of cross-border legal expertise, we help remote professionals secure Spanish residency with confidence.

We handle:

• Visa applications and renewals
• Business incorporation and autónomo registration
• Tax structure analysis (Beckham Law, SL setup, Modelo 720)
• Family reunification support
• Translation, apostille, and consulate document prep

FAQ

What is the minimum Spain digital nomad visa income requirement?

The minimum Spain digital nomad visa income requirement for 2026 is €34,188 annually (€2,849/month), which is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (SMI), set at €1,221/month under Royal Decree 126/2026.

Can family members join me on the digital nomad visa?

Yes, spouses, partners, dependent children, ascendants and economically dependent adult children can join the applicant. Additional financial requirements apply: +75% of SMI for the first family member and +25% of SMI for each additional dependent.

What is the tax rate for digital nomads in Spain?

Digital nomads who qualify under the Beckham Law benefit from a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years (the year of arrival plus the following 5), instead of progressive rates that reach up to 47%.

Different rules may apply if you are working remotely in Spain for a UK company.

Can I work for a Spanish company with a digital nomad visa?

Yes, but income from Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of your total professional activity. The visa is designed for remote workers serving primarily foreign employers or clients, with options like the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US W-2 employees following the same principle.

How long can I stay in Spain with the digital nomad visa?

The initial visa is valid for 1 year (consulate application) or 3 years (in-Spain application), and can be renewed for additional periods up to a total of 5 years.

Are there limitations on how much time I can spend outside of Spain?

There are no strict day limits, but maintaining your residency status and complying with tax obligations is essential to avoid complications during renewal.

What are the main differences between the digital nomad visa and the Golden Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by foreign companies and has income-based requirements. The Golden Visa, which was eliminated on 3 April 2025 for new applications, was investment-based and required a €500,000 property purchase or equivalent investment.

How do I get a NIE number in Spain?

To obtain a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE), you must apply at either a Spanish National Police station authorised to issue them or through a Spanish consulate abroad. The application requires the official EX-15 form, a valid passport or EU identity document, recent photographs, and the administrative fee payment receipt.

The NIE is essential for almost all legal and economic activities in Spain, from buying property to opening a bank account. Delaguía y Luzón provides full support, preparing the documentation, managing appointments, and representing international clients before Spanish authorities.

How long does it take to get a NIE number in Spain?

Processing times vary depending on the city and whether the application is made in Spain or abroad. In Spain, once an appointment is secured, the NIE can often be issued within a few days to two weeks. At consulates abroad, it may take longer, sometimes up to a month or more.

The main challenge is usually obtaining the appointment slot rather than the actual processing.

What documentary proof is needed to obtain a NIE?

Spanish authorities require applicants to justify why they need an NIE. Acceptable documentary proof includes:

• A property purchase contract or reservation agreement
• An employment contract or job offer in Spain
• Company incorporation papers if setting up a business
• Tax or social security documents proving economic activity
• Inheritance documents if managing estates in Spain

Can you get a NIE without an appointment?

In most cases, no. An appointment (cita previa) is mandatory at Spanish police offices. The system is online and often saturated, which can make securing a slot difficult.

Exceptions exist in urgent cases (e.g., high-value property transactions or corporate filings), but these usually require professional intervention to argue urgency.