Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (International Teleworker Visa) - A Complete Guide

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), officially known as the "International Teleworker Visa," enables non-EU citizens to reside in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish companies. This initiative aims to attract international talent, boost the local economy, and foster cultural exchange. Official Source↗.

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is intended for those who want to live in Spain as residents and planning to work remotely.

• Remote Employees: Individuals employed by companies located outside Spain where the employer consents to this remote working arrangement.
• Self-Employed Professionals: Freelancers or entrepreneurs with clients predominantly outside Spain. They may also engage with Spanish clients, provided the income from Spanish entities does not exceed 20% of their total business activity.

• Passport with at least 12 months of validity and 2 recent passport-sized photos.
• Have not lived in Spain for the last 5 years.
• Work experience: The applicant must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or have at least 3 years of work experience in his/her current field of activity.
• Valid job contract: The applicant must submit a certificate proving that they have been working with the company for at least 3 months prior to applying to the Digital Nomad Visa. A certificate showing the length of the contract, salary, and providing explicit consent that the employee works remotely from Spain.
• Company Registration: A certificate issued by the country's Chamber of Commerce, certifying the type of business and date of creation of the company, which should be at least 1 year before the application.
• Financial Means: The applicant's income must be at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage (total of €2,646). In the case of moving with family members: For the first family member: an additional 75% (€993).For each additional applicant: 25% (€331).
• Health insurance: Original and copy of the certificate accrediting a private health insurance contracted that is authorized to operate in Spain or proof of being registered in the Spanish National Social Security through the S1 form↗.
• Clean Criminal Record: Present a certificate showing no criminal history in the past five years.

• Passport with at least 12 months of validity and 2 recent passport-sized photos.
• Have not lived in Spain for the last 5 years.
• Work experience: The applicant must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or have at least 3 years of work experience in his/her current field of activity.
• Financial Means: The applicant's income must be at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage (total of €2,646 per month). In the case of moving with family members: For the first family member: an additional 75% (€993 per month). For each additional applicant: 25% (€331 per month).
• Work contract length and terms and conditions.
• Company Registration (if applicable): A certificate issued by the country's Chamber of Commerce, certifying the type of business and date of creation of the company, which should be at least 1 year before the application.
• Health insurance: Original and copy of the certificate accrediting a private health insurance contracted that is authorized to operate in Spain or proof of being registered in the Spanish National Social Security through the S1 form↗.
• Clean Criminal Record: Present a certificate showing no criminal history in the past five years.

The following family members may also obtain the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV):

• The spouse or unmarried partner.
• Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit.

You will be required to provide documentation proving the kinship:

• For Spouse or Unregistered Partners: Marriage certificate or certificate of registration as an unmarried couple.
• For Children: A birth certificate, adoption certificate, or family book (for adult children, a document proving financial dependence and civil status).
• Dependent Relatives: Documents proving they are in the applicant's dependent care, including for example monthly transfers and other receipts.

The documents must be legalized or apostilled and submitted together with an official Spanish translation.

Proof of financial means must be provided for each applying dependent:

• For Spouse or Unmarried Partner: 75% of the SMI (€993 per month).
• For each additional dependent: 25% of the SMI (€331 per month).

You can apply to the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) from your country of residence. Once you are in Spain, you should apply for the residency.

If you are already in Spain, you can apply for the residence permit by appointment at your local immigration office (Extranjeria).

Yes, prior to applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), the applicant must have a valid Foreign Identity Number (NIE).

• If the applicant is already in Spain, they may request a NIE from the Extranjeria (Immigration office).
• If the applicant will be applying from abroad, they can request the NIE from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy.

To get more detailed information, check out our article How to Obtain a NIE in Spain in 2025 (Foreigner Identification Number)↗. If applying from your country's Spanish consulate or embassy:

1. Fill form EX-15↗, select "NIE" in section 4.1 and "Oficina Consular" in section 4.3.
2. Provide the original and a copy of the passport. If the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, a copy of the family record book, birth certificate, or guardianship document must be presented. Additionally, the valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian must be shown.
3. Submit proof of residence in the country where you are applying.
4. Fill out Tax form 790-012↗.

The embassy or consulate may request documents pertaining to the Digital Nomad Visa requirements, so ensure you have those available.

The documents must be legalized or apostilled and submitted with an official Spanish translation.

Applicants must present both originals and copies of the above documents, along with proof of tax payment, at the embassy or consulate.

Note: A NIE obtained via the consular office identifies the bearer to all levels of the Spanish public administration but does not entitle the holder to reside in Spain or prove residence there.

The processing time is generally around 3 weeks, with the NIE sent to the email address provided in form EX-15.

If already in Spain, complete steps 1 and 4, schedule an appointment (Cita) at the local immigration office (Extranjeria), and submit the required documentation.

To apply to the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in your country of residence:

• Fill the Visa application for each applicant. For minors, the visa application must be signed by one of their parents: Visa Application Form↗.
• Gather all the required documents:
• Passport valid for at least 1 year.
• 2 passport-sized color photos.
• A recent Criminal Record Certificate (not older than 3 months) issued by the countries of residence for the past 2 years.
• The applicant's CV showing work and years of experience.
• The applicant's University Degree or Professional certificate.
• Bank statement with receipts and payslips.
• Health insurance certificate with coverage in Spain or Spanish public social security registration certificate (Régimen de Trabajadores Autónomos de la Seguridad Social Española).
• Proof of residence in the country where you are applying.
• Visa fee payment receipt (in some cases, this is paid at the consular section directly).

For Employees:

• Employment letter from the company showing that the applicant has been employed for at least 3 months, certifying the salary and type of contract.
• An official letter from the company providing explicit consent for remote work from Spain and a declaration to comply with Spanish social security obligations.

For Self-Employed:

• Documentation with contract length, terms, and conditions for working in Spain, and a declaration to comply with Spanish social security obligations.
• Company registration certificate issued by your country's Chamber of Commerce (if applicable).

Refer to your country's Spanish consulate or embassy for any specific requirements that may apply.

• Schedule a visa appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate.
• Pay the visa fee (typically €80 but may vary depending on your country's currency) before your appointment.
• Attend the visa appointment with all original documents, copies, and 2 passport-sized photos.

The visa process takes between 15 and 45 days. You will be notified when your visa is ready for collection.

This visa is valid for up to 1 year or for the same duration as the authorization to live and work in Spain.

If you plan to stay in Spain for more than a year, you should apply for a Residence Permit Card (TIE). If not, obtaining a Residence Permit Card is not mandatory.

If you are already in Spain, make sure to apply for a NIE using Form EX-15 and Tax form 790-012 as detailed above.

Once you are in Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa, to apply for the residence permit card, which is valid for 3 years and renewable up to 5 years (after which you can apply for Permanent Residency), follow these steps:

• Fill Form EX-17↗, selecting "TARJETA INICIAL" in section 4.1.
• Pay Tasa 790 012, selecting the applicable option under "Tarjetas de identidad de extranjeros (TIE) y certificados de registro de residentes comunitarios."
• Get an appointment at the Extranjeria↗ or your local Police Station↗.

Attend the appointment with a recent photo and provide biometric data.

It takes approximately 40 days for the TIE card to be ready for collection.

To Fill Form EX-17↗, follow these steps:

You can pay for Tax 790 012 by filling the tax form and payingonline or at your nearest bank, follow these steps:

It usually takes about 30-40 days for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card to be ready, but here's how you can check precisely if your card is available:

1. Locate Your Lot Number:

   • Find the receipt you received when submitting your TIE application. Your lot number (número de lote) is indicated here.

2. Visit the Official Website:

   • Go to the Cita previa de Extranjería website↗.

3. Select Your Province and Office:

   • Choose your province from the list provided.
   • Under "Selecciona Oficina", choose the specific office where you submitted your TIE application.

4. Select the Relevant Procedure:

   • In "Selecciona trámite", choose "RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)", then click "ACCEPTAR".

5. Check the Latest Lot Number:

   • The next page will display the message "EL ÚLTIMO LOTE RECIBIDO EN LA OFICINA SELECCIONADA ES EL [NUMERO]".

If your lot number is less than or equal to the displayed lot number, your TIE card is ready for collection. If your lot number is higher, you must wait and check again later.

Once confirmed, proceed to book your appointment for collection.

Holders of Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) can benefit from the Special Expat Regime, commonly known as the "Beckham Law." Under this regime, a flat tax rate of 24% applies on income up to €600,000 and is applicable for up to six years.

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is initially valid for one year. The residency is then issued for 3 years and can be renewed for up to five years. After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, permit holders may apply for permanent residency.

After ten years of legal residence in Spain, holders of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient integration, including knowledge of the Spanish language and culture, and renounce their previous citizenship, unless their country of origin has a dual nationality agreement with Spain.