Digital nomad visa in Spain: requirements and taxes
The digital-nomad visa/residence (for international teleworkers) under Ley 28/2022 is for non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies outside Spain; for professional/freelance activity, up to 20% of income may come from Spanish clients. You can bring your family and if you qualify, elect the special regime for inbound workers known as Beckham (24% IRPF up to €600,000 and 47% above it — an option, not automatic). Below: who qualifies, income (~200% of the SMI), documents, the fast UGE process and common mistakes.
What the visa is
Residence for international teleworkers (teletrabajadores) under Ley 28/2022 (the Startups Law).
For non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign companies; in professional/freelance activity, up to 20% of income may come from Spanish clients.
Two routes: a visado from abroad (at a consulate, usually 1 year) or an autorización de residencia from inside Spain (up to 3 years, renewable).
Processed by the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) — fast and online.
Who qualifies
- Non-EU nationals working remotely (employed or freelance) for companies outside Spain.
- With a degree/postgrad from a reputable university OR 3+ years of professional experience.
- The relationship with the company/clients is at least ~3 months old; the company has operated ≥1 year.
- No irregular stay in Spain and a clean criminal record.
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Income, taxes, family
- Income: sufficient means — a guide of ~200% of the SMI for the main applicant (+ add-ons per family member); check the exact figure for the year.
- Tax break: if you meet the conditions you can elect the special regime for inbound workers (Ley 35/2006, art. 93) — 24% IRPF up to €600,000 and 47% above it, instead of the progressive scale. It is not automatic: you must elect it within the statutory deadline.
- Family: you can bring your spouse, children and dependent parents at the same time.
- Health insurance (full private cover or public).
- The right to live and work remotely from Spain, legally.
Timing
- UGE processing is usually ~20 days; positive administrative silence applies (silencio positivo).
- A visado from abroad is usually for 1 year; you then switch to residencia.
- An autorización from inside Spain is for up to 3 years, then renewed.
- Plan the apostille and translations early — that is the bottleneck.
Documents
- Proof of remote work: contract/agreement, a company letter, proof of ≥3 months and of the company operating ≥1 year.
- Qualification: a degree/postgrad or proof of 3+ years of experience.
- Income: statements, contracts, tax documents (~200% of the SMI).
- Health insurance, a criminal-record certificate (apostille+translation), a passport.
How to apply
- Choose the route: a visado (from abroad, at a consulate) or residencia (from Spain, UGE).
- Gather proof of remote work, qualifications, income and insurance.
- Apostille and translate the criminal-record certificate and the required documents.
- File online with the UGE (or the visado at the consulate).
- After approval — get the TIE; opt into the Beckham regime with Hacienda if you wish.
Common mistakes
- More than 20% of income from Spanish clients in professional/freelance activity — outside the regime.
- The company has operated less than 1 year, or the relationship is shorter than 3 months.
- Insufficient income (below the ~200% SMI guide, including family).
- Being in Spain irregularly at the time of applying.
- Missing the deadline to opt into the Beckham regime with Hacienda.
If you are refused
- Most refusals are due to missing income or proof of remote work; complete the file.
- You can reapply after fixing the gap, or file a recurso within the deadline.
- Check the 20% Spanish-income limit for professional/freelance work and the company/relationship history.
- Keep every filing and payment justificante.
Get help with the digital-nomad visa
Tell us your situation (how you work, income, the company’s country): NAVI tells you whether the teleworker visa fits, which documents and income you need, how to opt into the Beckham regime and how to file with the UGE.
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Key terms in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the digital-nomad visa for?
Non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign companies; for professional/freelance activity, up to 20% may come from Spanish clients. You need a degree or 3+ years of experience.
What income is needed?
A guide of around 200% of the SMI for the main applicant plus add-ons for family; check the exact figure for the year.
What is the Beckham regime?
The special IRPF regime for inbound workers (Ley 35/2006, art. 93). It is not automatic: you must meet the conditions and elect it with Hacienda within the statutory deadline. The rate is 24% up to €600,000 and 47% above that — and it is not cheaper for everyone.
Can I bring my family?
Yes — spouse, children and dependent parents can be included at the same time.
How long does it take?
The UGE usually takes ~20 days; positive silence applies.
Visado or residencia — what’s the difference?
A visado is obtained from abroad (usually 1 year); residencia from inside Spain (up to 3 years, renewable).
Can I work for a Spanish company?
If you apply as a professional/freelancer, partly — up to 20% of income from Spanish clients; the main work must be for foreign companies. For employment, the employer must be outside Spain.
I was refused — what now?
Complete the file and reapply, or file a recurso on time; NAVI helps you read the grounds.
Official sources
Income thresholds, the Beckham regime and timing change — check yours with NAVI or the UGE.
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This guide is general information about Spanish law, not a legal opinion on your case. Rules change and outcomes depend on your own facts and documents — check your situation before you act on it.
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