Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa online — expert guidance, document checks and consulate-ready applications to start your remote-residence process.
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the Digital Nomad Residence under the Startup Law and Ley 28/2022) lets eligible non‑EU/EEA nationals live in Spain while working remotely for non‑Spanish companies or as independent contractors. The visa was created as part of Spain’s reform to attract remote international talent and sits alongside a residence authorization route for those already legally in Spain. Applications are typically assessed by Spanish consulates and the visa is intended for medium‑term remote residence.
Applications are submitted to the relevant Spanish consulate or via an accredited representative and supported by documentary evidence: passport, photos, proof of remote work (employment contract or service agreements), criminal record certificates, health insurance, proof of means and company registration documents where applicable. The consular pages and Spain’s Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGECE) provide official guidance; DoVisa offers a guided application service that prepares your consulate packet and checks documents before submission. After consular approval you receive a national visa sticker in your passport and, once in Spain, you can apply for the TIE/residence card when required.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a national long‑stay visa — it is not a short‑stay Schengen entry permit. The visa grants entry to Spain and the right to begin the residence process (the visa itself usually has a maximum validity of 1 year, with residence permits handled separately and renewals/extensions possible under Spanish immigration rules). Recent legal reforms (Ley 28/2022) formalised the telework/residence pathways and set administrative processing expectations; if you are already legally in Spain you may apply directly for a residence permit through the UGECE instead of a consular visa. Check official pages for the latest documentary lists and timelines.
For comprehensive Spain visa guidance visit Spain visa information or the official consulate guidance at exteriores.gob.es — Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa. When you’re ready Apply for your visa now and let DoVisa prepare your consular-ready application.
Who Needs the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?
Who Needs It
- Non‑EU/EEA nationals who plan to live in Spain and carry out remote work for companies located outside Spain
- Remote workers employed under a foreign labour contract and independent contractors providing services remotely
- Applicants who can provide required documents (valid passport, proof of remote work, criminal record certificate, health insurance, proof of means)
- Family members of an eligible applicant (spouse/partner and dependent children) may also apply for family visas
Who Is Exempt
- Spanish nationals
- Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland (different freedom-of-movement rules apply)
- Airline and vessel crew on active official duty
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government business
Spain Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from the Schengen area and should meet EU travel document standards; bring photocopies of biometric pages. See GOV.UK guidance for details.
Vaccination & Health Advice
No routine vaccinations are required for entry to Spain, but keep routine immunisations up to date and follow CDC health advice before travel. Travel health notices are available at the CDC Spain page.
Customs & Prohibited Imports
Spain restricts import of certain animal products, meat and dairy from non‑EU countries and strictly prohibits illicit drugs, weapons and endangered species products. Commercial shipments and restricted goods may need permits. See the Trade.gov summary for specifics.
Criminal Record & Document Legalisation
Applicants must submit a criminal record certificate for countries of residence; documents from abroad often require an apostille and a Spanish translation. The consulate guidance lists exact certification requirements.
Health Insurance & Financial Means
You must show valid health insurance covering your stay and evidence of sufficient funds or regular income for the duration of the visa; the consular checklist details acceptable proofs of means and insurance policies.
Travel Tips for Spain Visitors
Spain is a large, diverse country spanning mainland Iberia and island territories. Main international gateways include Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Josep Tarradellas Barcelona‑El Prat (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Málaga‑Costa del Sol (AGP), Alicante–Elche (ALC) and Gran Canaria (LPA). Know transport times; island transfers require extra planning.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for milder weather; summer is busy along the coast.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). USD is occasionally accepted in tourist areas but use EUR for most purchases and ATMs.
- Language: Spanish is the official language; English is widely available in major cities, tourism and business centres.
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET, GMT+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, GMT+2) in summer.
- Register for NIE early: Foreigners often need an NIE (identification number) for tax, banking and the visa process — start this before arrival if possible.
- Plan consular appointments: Book your consulate slot early and prepare apostilled criminal records and translated company documents.
- Respect local customs: Mealtimes run later than in many countries; dress codes are informal but respectful in churches and official buildings.
- Prepare for EES/ETIAS changes: Short‑stay travellers should be aware of the EU Entry/Exit System and upcoming ETIAS rules for non‑EU visitors.
"DoVisa helped me assemble everything for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa — apostille on my contract, Spanish translation and consulate checklist. Appointment in Madrid was smooth and the visa sticker arrived on time."
"Applied from the US with DoVisa support. The team advised on the NIE requirement and the criminal record apostille; consulate in MAD accepted the packet and I collected the visa three weeks later."
"Clear instructions for documents and translations. The service saved time — guidance on bank statements and freelance contracts was especially helpful for my application to live and work remotely in Spain."
"Support helped when the consulate asked for an extra company certificate. Once we uploaded the additional paperwork the appointment proceeded and the visa was issued without further delay."
"Efficient and professional — they checked my service agreements and criminal record certificates. The process felt much less stressful with a consular‑ready application packet."
"Good guidance but I had to reschedule my consulate slot twice due to local document turnaround times. Once scheduled, the visa sticker collection at BCN went smoothly."
"I received excellent help preparing translations and the police certificate for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa — thorough checklist and quick responses from support."
"Photo specs and apostille steps were the trickiest part; DoVisa’s document checklist made it manageable. Consulate accepted my file and I flew to Spain soon after."
"Minor delay: my police certificate needed a translation the consulate requested. Support handled the follow-up but it added a week to my timeline — otherwise a positive outcome."
"Excellent help for long‑term relocation. The team explained the distinction between the initial visa sticker and the later TIE/residence card, and helped book the right appointments."
"DoVisa helped me assemble everything for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa — apostille on my contract, Spanish translation and consulate checklist. Appointment in Madrid was smooth and the visa sticker arrived on time."
"Applied from the US with DoVisa support. The team advised on the NIE requirement and the criminal record apostille; consulate in MAD accepted the packet and I collected the visa three weeks later."
"Clear instructions for documents and translations. The service saved time — guidance on bank statements and freelance contracts was especially helpful for my application to live and work remotely in Spain."
Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
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Check Price & Apply NowSources & References
- Telework (Digital nomad) Visa - Consular Section (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spain)
- Digital Nomad Visa - Consular guidance (Spanish consulate pages)
- UGECE — Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (Teleworkers / Residence permit info)
- Spain — Traveler view | Travelers' Health (CDC)
- Entry requirements - Spain travel advice (GOV.UK)
- End of stamp on passports with the new European entry/exit system (Service‑Public)
- Spain - Prohibited & Restricted Imports (Trade.gov summary)