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🇪🇸Spain · remote work

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Best for: remote workers and freelancers earning €30K+/year

Income req
€2,646/mo
€31,752/year
Tax rate
24% flat
Special regime
Processing
60-90d
From submission
Total cost
€920-€2,500
App + lawyer + fees

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Overview

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is one of Spain's primary residency routes for remote workers and freelancers. Best for: remote workers and freelancers earning €30K+/year

This visa is designed for non-EU citizens, aged 18+. Minimum monthly income requirement: €2,646 from freelance, employee, company_owner.

After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in Spain. Citizenship becomes available after 10 years of continuous residence.

Tax treatment

Tax treatment

Beckham Law (special expat regime).

Holders pay a flat 24% rate income up to €600K, then 47%.

Important: First-year residents pay 24% flat (vs progressive 19-47% for residents).

Capital gains tax: 19%.

Wealth tax: exempt for first year, regional after.

Requirements

Application process — step by step

1

Get NIE number

Foreigner identification number (apply at Spanish consulate or in Spain)

⏱ 2-4 weeks
2

Register with Social Security

Required for self-employed (autónomo) and freelancers

⏱ 1 week
3

Prepare documents

Apostille degree, criminal record, work contracts, bank statements

⏱ 3-6 weeks
4

Apply at Spanish consulate

In country of residence (1-year initial visa)

⏱ 60-90 days processing
5

Enter Spain within 90 days of approval

Get TIE card within 30 days of arrival

⏱ 1 month
6

Renew after 1 year

Renew for 2-year periods, then 5-year residency after 5 years

⏱ ongoing

⚠ Common pitfalls

  • Income must be from companies OUTSIDE Spain (75%+) — Spanish clients disqualify
  • Beckham Law application is SEPARATE from visa — need to opt in within 6 months of arrival
  • Health insurance must be FULL coverage (no deductibles) — many travel insurances don't qualify
  • Tax residency triggered after 183 days — even if visa says 1 year

Cost breakdown

The total cost of obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) ranges from €920 to €2,500, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.

Family inclusion

Yes — the Spain DNV allows family members to be included as dependents.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

The Spain DNV is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain.

Citizenship is available after 10 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.

This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

Non-EU/EEA citizenship. Bachelor's degree OR 3+ years professional experience. Proof of remote work for 3+ months. 75%+ of income from companies outside Spain. Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.

How much income do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

€2,646/month minimum (€31,752/year). Income source must be: freelance, employee, company_owner. 3 months bank statements + work contract OR client contracts (75% of income from outside Spain)

What is the tax rate for Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) holders?

Beckham Law (special expat regime). Flat tax rate of 24%. First-year residents pay 24% flat (vs progressive 19-47% for residents).

How long does the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) application take?

Typical processing time is 60-90 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.

What does the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) cost in total?

Application fee: €120. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €800 on average. Total: €920-€2,500 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.

Does the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 10 years.

Can I bring my family with the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically +75% of base requirement. Each child adds 25% to the income threshold.

What are the most common pitfalls with Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

Income must be from companies OUTSIDE Spain (75%+) — Spanish clients disqualify. Beckham Law application is SEPARATE from visa — need to opt in within 6 months of arrival. Health insurance must be FULL coverage (no deductibles) — many travel insurances don't qualify

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 · Sources: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/visa-info, https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2022-21739.
This page is informational only — not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.