Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

The chance to live under Mediterranean sunshine while working remotely for a company or clients from anywhere in the world is no longer a dream. It has become a real, legal path. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, officially called the visa for international teleworkers, has become one of the most popular ways to move to the country for professionals who work remotely. For those considering Marbella as a base for living and working, this visa provides a direct route to legal residency.

In this guide, we will look at what the digital nomad visa is, who it is for, what requirements apply in 2026, and how to go through the process step by step.

What is a digital nomad visa

The digital nomad visa was launched in Spain in early 2023 under the Startups Law. This is a package of measures aimed at attracting entrepreneurship, innovation, and foreign investment. This is Spain’s first residence permit specifically created for remote workers and freelancers.

The visa allows you to live and work in Spain while earning income mainly from companies or clients outside the country. This is especially convenient for citizens of countries outside the European Union, who previously could only be in Spain as tourists, without the right to long-term residency.

The key advantage of the visa is the path to long-term status. The initial permit can be extended. In total, you can legally live in the country for up to five years. After that, you can apply for long-term residency.

Who the visa is for

The visa is intended for two main categories of remote workers.

Employees of foreign companies. In most cases, you must have worked for the company for at least three months. The company itself must have been operating for at least one year.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals. Here the condition is that the vast majority of income, usually at least 80 percent, must come from clients outside Spain. Also, at least one client must be a registered company.

An important limitation: you can work with Spanish companies, but this activity must not exceed 20 percent of your total professional activity.

Applicants are also usually expected to provide proof of qualifications: a university degree from a recognized educational institution, or sufficient professional experience in their field.

Financial requirements for 2026

The main requirement of the visa is proof of sufficient income. The threshold is tied to Spain’s minimum interprofessional salary, in Spanish SMI, and changes automatically when it is revised.

In February 2026, the Spanish government increased the SMI to 1,221 euros per month in fourteen payments. Based on this figure, the income threshold for the visa is set at 200 percent of the annual SMI.

As a result, in 2026 the minimum required income for one applicant is about 2,849 euros per month, which is equivalent to approximately 34,188 euros per year. This amount is calculated before taxes.

If family members are included in the application, the threshold increases. About 75 percent of the SMI is added for the first dependent family member, i.e. around 1,069 euros, and about 25 percent of the SMI for each additional dependent, i.e. around 357 euros. For example, a couple with one child would need to prove a combined income of about 4,275 euros per month.

Income can be proven with an employment contract, a letter from the employer or client, invoices for self-employed individuals, and, most importantly, bank statements. Keep in mind: immigration authorities check not only the stated figure, but also the actual movement of funds in the account. Therefore, statements must be consistent and match the declared income. The law also allows proof through savings: instead of showing monthly income, you can show on your account an amount equivalent to the annual requirement.

Tax regime: the Beckham law

One of the notable advantages of the visa is the possibility to use a special tax regime for expats known as the Beckham law.

If the conditions are met, a visa holder who was not a tax resident of Spain in the previous five years can choose taxation at a flat rate of 24 percent on income from Spanish sources up to 600 thousand euros per year. This is instead of the standard progressive scale, which can reach 47 percent. The regime usually applies in the year of arrival plus the next five years.

An important nuance: this favorable regime is usually available to employees working under an employment contract with a foreign company. Freelancers registered as self-employed individuals, autónomo, generally do not fall under it and pay under the standard progressive scale, as well as mandatory contributions to the social security system. Tax matters should be discussed individually with a specialist, since the situation depends on many factors.

Two ways to apply

You can apply for the visa in two ways. Your choice affects the validity period of the initial permit.

Through a consulate in your country of residence. You submit documents to the Spanish consulate in your country and receive a visa valid for one year. You can then convert it into a three-year residence permit while already in Spain.

From Spain directly. If your citizenship allows visa-free entry to the Schengen area, you can enter as a tourist. Within the first 90 days, you can apply directly to the Spanish authority responsible for such matters, in Spanish UGE. In this case, you receive a residence permit for three years right away. This route is often faster.

Step-by-step process

In general, the procedure looks like this.

Step one: check that you meet the requirements. Make sure you meet the criteria for income, remote work status, and qualifications.

Step two: gather the document package. It usually includes a valid passport, proof of income and remote employment, private medical insurance, a criminal record certificate for recent years with an apostille, a completed application form of the required format, and proof of payment of the government fee. The list for employees and for freelancers differs slightly.

Step three: submit the application using the chosen route, either through a consulate or from Spain.

Step four: wait for review. Timelines depend on the submission method. Review from Spain can take about several weeks. Meanwhile, the full cycle, including apostilles and registrations, often takes several months. Through a consulate, the process usually takes longer. You should submit documents in advance.

Step five: after approval, arrange the related documents in Spain. This includes obtaining the identification number NIE, registering your address empadronamiento at the local town hall, usually within the set period after arrival, and, if necessary, registering in the social security system.

Also remember the 183-day rule: to extend the visa, you must physically live in Spain for at least six months each year. This automatically makes you a tax resident of the country.

Digital nomad visa and life in Marbella

Marbella and the Costa del Sol are among the most attractive destinations for holders of a digital nomad visa. More than 300 sunny days per year, developed infrastructure, international schools, quality private healthcare, excellent internet connection, and convenient access via Malaga airport create an ideal environment for living and remote work.

For many professionals, the digital nomad visa becomes the first step. After that, they often decide to buy property here. Having legal residency makes it easier to complete transactions, open a bank account, and settle in. And buying your own home turns temporary stay into a full base for living.

The ABARZO team understands the needs of those moving to Marbella for remote work. We will help you choose property that is ideally suited for life by the coast. The full property catalog in Marbella is available on our website.

Please note that immigration laws and tax rules change from time to time. Each situation is individual. Therefore, specific requirements and timelines should be confirmed with specialized lawyers and on official resources.

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