Updated on 14 December 2023

Spain Review

Item: Spain
Rating: 4.6
Author: The Logician

Looking for a welcoming place to start your digital nomad journey? You should definitely consider Spain, which is one of the most popular choices today!

Updated on 14 December 2023

4.6

Can Be Extended Up to Five Years
Lower Tax Rates Apply
Allows Non-EU Citizens to Travel Around the EU Freely

Starting From

$85/fee

Get Started

Recommended: Affordable Living

As of June 2023, Spain started accepting digital nomads into its country, and it has quickly become one of the most popular choices for people worldwide. With the Spanish digital nomad visa, people from and outside the EU can live and work in Spain for up to five years without committing to long-term residency.

Cost of Living	Medium to Low
Price	Starts At $85
Internet	Superb Speeds and 5G Coverage
Safety	Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Duration	One Year; Can Be Extended for up to 5 Years

Should You Start Your Digital Nomad Journey in Spain?

It’s no secret that Spain is one of the most desirable tourist and living destinations in the world. With its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible passion for sports, this country has been on the radar for thousands of digital nomads for years.

Luckily, in June 2023, Spain officially launched its digital nomad visa as part of the Startup Act. Now, people from EEA and non-EU countries can relocate there and extend their stay for up to five years.

Important

To maintain your visa, you cannot be absent from Spain for more than six months per year.

In my Spain review, I’ll take you through why Spain is one of the most popular choices for digital nomads. Also, I’ll show you how to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, which documents you’ll need, which requirements you’ll need to meet, and what benefits you’ll be able to take advantage of.

So, let’s dig into what Spain has to offer!

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa At A Glance

Spain was bound to have a place at the top of my list of the best digital nomad destinations for a few reasons. Namely, the country has warm weather, clean streets, and a great sense of community that will make you feel at home.

Also, it touches the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a place where you can feel like you’re on vacation 24/7.

Note

Spain joined the European Union back in 1986, allowing citizens and residents there, including those with digital nomad visas, to travel freely in EU countries.

In addition, Spaniards are passionate people, and they make something as simple as watching a football game a spectacle. Speaking of football, Spain is home to some of the best players and clubs in the world, so you’ll have your pick of things to watch and do in your free time.

What most people don’t expect when they think of Spain is how affordable the country is compared to other Western countries. You can find great places to stay for low prices, especially after the summer when the tourist wave dies down.

Also, the supermarkets and local shops are super affordable, and the local farmers’ markets are great places to meet locals and get entwined with the community.

But my favorite part – the siesta. Siestas (afternoon or midday rests or naps) are a huge part of Spanish culture. Businesses all over the country will close up shop every day so that the siesta can take place.

Note

Siesta hours are usually between 2 and 5 pm, while some could go down between 1:30 and last up to 6 pm.

And now, thanks to the Digital Nomad visas that Spain offers, you can enjoy all the things I mentioned above. Digital Nomad visas have been available in Spain since June 2023 and enable remote workers from non-EU and EEA countries to work and live in Spain legally. Initially, the visa lasts for one year, but it can be extended to up to five.

People from EU countries can also work and live in Spain without having to get a Digital Nomad visa. However, in that case, they must be careful when filing their taxes in Spain, as they will be subject to Spanish tax laws, which include income tax and social security contributions.

Important

If an EU citizen spends more than 183 days in the country during a calendar year, they are considered a resident for tax purposes.

Now that you know more about Spain as a country and have more information on its Digital Nomad program let’s see how you can qualify for a visa and start working and living in Spain.

Who Can Apply and Receive a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain – Detailed Overview

The requirements you need to meet in order to qualify for a Spanish Digital Nomad visa are pretty standard as far as visa requirements go. So, in order to be eligible, you must abide by the following:

Be over 18 years of age
Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
Work for a company that allows remote work
Be self-employed with many worldwide clients/receive income from different sources from online activities that are outside of Spain (if applicable)

Note

You can either work for a company outside of Spain that allows remote work or be self-employed with clients outside of Spain.

Have remote work experience of at least one year
Work for a company/companies outside of Spain
Have a clear criminal record with no prior convictions
You are allowed entry to Spain
Have health insurance that has full coverage in Spain
Proof of your work experience and technical knowledge
If you work for a foreign company, you must present proof that you have been working for it for at least three months
If you’re a freelancer, you must work for at least one company

Best Freelance Platforms

Freelancing has become very popular, and as more people get into it, work becomes scarce. So, use some of the best freelance platforms on my list!
READ THE FULL GUIDE

2.

Toptal

Toptal

1.

Freelancer

Freelancer

3.

Fiverr

Fiverr

READ THE FULL GUIDE

You have not been a resident of Spain in the past five years
You must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a legitimate university, college, or business school or have at least three years of relevant work experience in your current field
You have an income of €2,160 per month or €25,920 per year

Note

Once you get your Spanish Digital Nomad visa, the income that you receive from Spanish companies cannot exceed more than 20% of your total income.

Required Documents in the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

Pooling all the documents you need to apply for any visa can be a complicated and long process. Thus, I took it upon myself to create a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad visa so that this step isn’t as stressful for you. Below, you’ll find everything you’ll need for your application:

Note

The visa is still new, so some required documents can be subject to change in the future.

National visa application form
Two recent passport-size photographs in color

Note

The photo must be taken against a light background, without dark or reflective glasses, and you must be facing forward in it.

Valid passport with two blank pages and one-year validity
Criminal record certificate that cannot be older than six months
Proof of residence in the consular district
Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity (if the visa application is submitted through an agency or rep)
Health insurance authorized to operate in Spain
Proof that you’ve been working for a foreign company or client for at least three months
A contract with the same company/client that is valid for at least one more year
Proof that the company you work for has existed for at least one year prior to your application
Proof that the company allows you to work remotely
Documentary proof of income
Copy of the University degree or professional certificate or proof that you have at least three years of relevant work experience
Proof that you have paid the visa application fees
Proof that you have at least €25,000 (~$26,821) in your bank account

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

The application for the Spanish Digital Nomad visa in Spain encompasses five steps. I’ll go through each step in detail below so that you can have a clear idea of how everything works. Let’s begin!

Obtain All the Necessary Documents

All visa application processes start with the same step – getting all the needed documents in order. Likewise, the first step in the Spanish Digital Nomad visa application process is obtaining all the documents I mentioned above.

If you want to double-check if you’ve got everything ready, you can always review the required documents listed on the official site of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Note

If you’re applying for the visa with your family, you must present additional documentation for each member.

Book Your Appointment and Pay the Visa Fee

Unlike other Digital Nomad visa applications, applications for the Spanish Digital Nomad visa must be made in person at your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy. The process of booking an appointment varies from country to country, so the best way to find out what you need to do is to visit the Embassy or Consulate website.

Usually, you’ll be asked to book an appointment via email, where you’ll have to provide the following information:

Full name
A photo of you holding your passport
Passport details
Email address
Telephone number
Your current (local) contact address
The type of visa you’re applying for
Information about any associated applicants

Once you’ve sent the email, you’ll receive a link to select the day and time of your appointment, as well as information on how to pay your visa fee.

Important

The application fee for the Spanish Digital Nomad visa is usually paid via bank transfer and is around $85. Also, regardless of whether you’re accepted or denied, the fee is non-refundable.

Attend Your Scheduled Appointment

Now, you’ll need to go to your local Spanish Embassy and Consulate with your full documentation in tow. When you go, be prepared to answer some questions and leave your passport at the Embassy or Consulate. As for the rest of your documents, the clerks will make copies of them and give you the originals back.

Wait and Get Your Visa

You’ll usually have to wait anywhere between 15 and 45 days for your visa application to be processed. Sometimes, you might be provided with a link where you can track your application’s progress. Also, be ready to submit additional documents if required.

Once your visa application is reviewed, you’ll receive an email on your status – approved or denied. If your application is approved, you’ll have one month to get your visa from the Embassy or Consulate.

Note

Check the Embassy or Consulate website for their work hours so that you know when you can go and get your visa and passport.

If your visa is denied, you’ll be notified via email, and you’ll get information about why it was rejected. You’ll have one month to appeal with additional documentation after you receive your refusal.

Apply for an NIE and NIF

Digital nomads in Spain need an NIE (national identity number) and an NIF (tax number) so that they can open a bank account and make purchases. You can apply for an NIE and NIF number at your local Embassy or Consulate before heading to Spain or after you arrive.

Tip

Generally, it’s easier to apply for NIE and NIF numbers once you are in Spain.

If you opt to apply for an NIE in Spain, you can do so at the Foreigner’s Office or police station. To do that, make an appointment online and bring the following documents:

Your passport with the visa
Three passport photos
A completed application form with three copies in Spanish
Proof of address in Spain
Proof of payment of the administration fee ($10-$22)

Note

Your NIE number and residency card could take up to three months to be prepared, and you’ll be notified when they’re ready via email.

You can get your NIF number at the Spanish Tax Agency, where there is no appointment scheduling and no fees to be paid. When you visit the agency, you’ll need to bring the following documents:

Form 030 completed in Spanish
Your passport
Your tax identification number from your country of residence
Proof of local residency

Note

You’ll receive your NIF number within five working days of submitting the documents.

What Are the Advantages of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spanish Digital Nomad visa provides you with a lot more than working in a place with great weather and welcoming people. So, before I wrap things up, I’ll go through some of the most significant benefits you’ll enjoy.

Special Reduced Tax Rates

Spanish Digital Nomad visa holders are eligible for a special reduced tax rate, which is great. Namely, they get a tax rate of 24% on Spanish income of up to €600,000~652,000 per year for the first four years of their stay in Spain. If they go over this threshold, they will be subject to a 48% tax rate, which is still lower than the standard tax rate of 50%.

Note

Spain has double taxation with 90 foreign countries, which means that you won’t have to pay tax on your foreign income in Spain if you’re paying tax on it in your home country. Thus, you’ll avoid paying taxes twice.

Superb Internet Services

For digital nomads, the Internet is a basic necessity. Luckily, Spain covers that necessity very well, as it holds the 10th place in the world for the fastest Internet speed. Even basic home Internet is fast enough for various online activities, which means that you won’t have to splurge on super-powerful plans to get good connections.

Note

Right now, Barcelona has the best average Internet speeds – a median download speed of 199.35 Mbps and a median upload speed of 164.98 Mbps.

Affordable Cost of Living

Spain is one of the most affordable countries to live in the European Union. It’s not dirt cheap, but it’s significantly cheaper than most Western countries and the US. Of course, prices will be higher in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, but even there, you can still live a comfortable life if you make just a little more than the minimum income requirement.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Pros & Cons

Best for

You’ll live quite comfortably by simply making slightly more than the required minimum income
Spain is in 10th place in the world for the fastest Internet speed
It has one of the most efficient and well-organized healthcare systems in the world
You’ll get a reduced tax rate that’s much lower than the regular one in Spain

Not good for

Around 60
of Spaniards don’t speak English, so you’ll have to learn at least a bit to get around
Overtourism drives rent prices higher
Spain has a complex bureaucratic system

Conclusion

Spain is one of the best and most popular options for digital nomads. Ever since it launched its Digital Nomad visa, people from all over have scrambled to get their hands on it and enjoy Spain as soon as possible.

It’s a vibrant country with warm people, many entertainment options, and a great deal of breathtaking sights to see. And let’s not forget – football and beaches.

The application process can take over a month, and settling in Spain can also be quite exhausting. But when you factor in all the benefits that Spain offers, like reduced tax and superb Internet, the wait and effort will definitely be worth it. So, follow the guidelines I provided in this review and go get your visa!

¡Suerte!

Best By The Logician

Discover my personal recommendations in my Best By section, ranked in quality according to my experience with the products.

Best By The Logician

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

The Spain Digital Nomad visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work remotely in Spain for a year. You can extend it for up to five years, provided that the income you receive from a Spanish employer does not exceed 20% of your total income.

The Spain Digital Nomad visa costs around $85. This fee is paid when you schedule your appointment with your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy, and it is non-refundable.

In order to apply for your Spanish Digital Nomad visa, you need to fill out the national visa application form. You also need to submit a valid passport, health insurance, proof that you’ve worked for a foreign employer/client for the last three months, proof that you’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree, a bank statement, and a few others that are explained in detail in this review.

Yes, you can include your family members in your application for a Spanish Digital Nomad visa. If you do, you’d need to provide the relevant information about them and meet the income and other requirements.

The minimum income requirement for a Spanish Digital Nomad visa (if you’re applying alone) is €2,160 per month or €25,920 per year. For each additional applicant, like family members, 25% of the Spanish national minimum wage is required.

The Spanish Digital Nomad visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work and live in Spain for up to five years, travel freely in EU countries, avoid getting taxed twice, and get reduced tax rates.

get started

The Logician

Trademark of a Living Legend

Spain Review

4.6

$85/fee

Recommended: Affordable Living

Frequently Asked Questions

The Logician

$79/fee

$79/fee

$79/fee

$327.5/fee

$327.5/fee

$327.5/fee

Spain Review

4.6

$85/fee

Recommended: Affordable Living

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

How Much Does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

What Documents Are Required?

Can I Also Include My Family Members in My Application?

What Is the Minimum Income Requirement for Getting a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

What Perks Does the Digital Nomad Visa Bring?

The Logician

Related Products

$79/fee

$79/fee

$79/fee

$327.5/fee

$327.5/fee

$327.5/fee