Digital nomad visa in Spain
Direct answer
Authorisation for foreign remote workers with overseas income and health insurance under international residence rules.
Key facts
- Minimum income around 200% of Spain's minimum wage (2026 reference: roughly €2,800 gross/month).
- Remote work for a foreign company or professional activity with clients outside Spain.
- Private health insurance or public coverage where applicable for the full stay.
- Apply at a consulate (from abroad) or for residence authorisation (when enabled from within Spain).
Our explanation
What international telework residence is
Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs enables authorisation for foreign nationals who provide remote services to companies located outside Spain or run a professional activity with international clients. It is not a standard work permit tied to a Spanish employer.
Financial and employment requirements
You must prove sufficient means: as an indicative reference, monthly income around double the Spanish minimum wage. Thresholds rise for dependants. Submit an employment or commercial contract, a company certificate authorising remote work from Spain, or—in self-employment—invoices and contracts with foreign clients.
Insurance, criminal records and qualifications
Health insurance covering Spain for the full authorisation period. Criminal record certificates from your country of residence and, where required, countries where you lived more than two years in the last five. University degree or accredited professional experience when the route requires it.
Documents and fees
Full passport, official application form, photographs, proof of address in Spain (lease or booking), fee payment (often modelo 790 code 052 or as published), and sworn translations of non-Spanish documents.
Timelines and renewal
Initial authorisation is typically one year, renewable if requirements are maintained. Apply for renewal well in advance; delay can leave you out of status. Administrative silence depends on the procedure—always keep proof of filing.
Common mistakes
Confusing this route with tourism, failing to show the employer is outside Spain, income below the threshold, or insurance with exclusions in Spain. It generally does not allow your main activity to be serving Spanish clients.
Step by step
- Gather contracts, payslips or invoices for recent months.
- Take out health insurance and obtain criminal record certificates.
- File at consulate (from abroad) or Foreigners Office (when allowed from Spain).
- Collect decision and apply for TIE at police station if required.
Requirements
- Contract or professional relationship with foreign company/clients.
- Proof of minimum income under current rules.
- Valid health insurance in Spain.
- Clean criminal record where required.
- Official form and fee.
FAQ
Can I already be in Spain as a tourist?
It depends on your case and whether rules allow a change of status. Many applicants file at consulate in their home country. Check current instructions before entering without the right visa.
Can my family join me?
Yes, with proof of additional means and family ties. Each dependant needs their own documents and insurance.
Can I invoice Spanish clients?
The main activity must be international. A significant share of income from Spain may be incompatible with administrative criteria.
Official sources
Verified primary references. Our explanation is independent and does not replace official regulations.