Spain has consolidated its position as one of the most desirable countries in Europe for remote professionals, offering not only a favorable climate and cultural richness, but also a specific legal framework that facilitates residence for digital nomads. Far from being a vague concept, the figure of the international remote worker is now regulated under Spanish law, with precise criteria and obligations.
However, the recent regulatory reform introduced by Royal Decree 1155/2024 has brought important updates that affect both new applicants and those seeking to renew their status in 2025. These changes impact key aspects such as income thresholds, required documentation, and the legal definition of professional activity performed from Spanish territory.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the current legal framework applicable to digital nomads, clarifying who can apply, what conditions must be met, and how the new rules affect the application process. If you are considering relocating to Spain as a remote worker, understanding these requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
The Spanish digital nomad visa targets non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or clients. Unlike traditional work permits, this visa is tailored for remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who operate online and don’t rely on local employment in Spain.
As of 2025, the eligibility requirements have been fine-tuned to improve clarity and tighten controls. You must now meet the following conditions:
- Be a third-country national (i.e., not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland).
- Prove a stable work relationship with a foreign employer or clients for at least three months before the application. This is a new requirement introduced by the 2025 reform, replacing the former “indeterminate period” reference.
- Have a university degree or demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in your field.
- Work remotely using digital means.
- Prove financial solvency equivalent to 200% of the Spanish monthly minimum wage (SMI), which as of 2025 equals around €2,520/month. For accompanying family members, the requirement increases by 75% for the first dependent and 25% for each additional one.
Where Are These Requirements Regulated?
The legal basis for the digital nomad visa is found in Law 14/2013 of Support for Entrepreneurs and their Internationalization, but many of the detailed conditions were updated in Royal Decree 1155/2024, which entered into force on January 1st, 2025.
This new regulation harmonizes the criteria for teleworkers of international character and sets out clearer definitions, timeframes, and procedural guarantees. It also clarifies the distinction between “stays” (up to 180 days) and “residency” (longer than 6 months), streamlining how remote workers are classified within the Spanish immigration system.
The Two Paths: Stay or Residence
Depending on your intended duration of stay, you can apply for either:
- Digital Nomad Stay Authorization (for up to 180 days): If you’re planning to reside in Spain for less than 6 months, you’ll be issued a stay permit. This does not count as legal residence for the purposes of permanent residency or nationality. No residence card is issued, although you may need to register your address locally.
- Digital Nomad Residence Authorization (for more than 180 days): If you plan to stay long-term, you must request residence authorization. Upon approval, you’ll receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) valid for 3 years (or the duration of the contract, if shorter), renewable for another 2 years. After 5 years, you may qualify for long-term residence.
As per the 2025 reform, applications for residence can be submitted from within Spain (if you’re on a legal stay, such as a tourist visa) or from your home country via the Spanish consulate. The flexibility of this “dual access” has been retained in the updated regulation.
Documents You’ll Need.
To apply for digital nomad residency in 2025, you’ll need to submit:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of professional qualifications (university degree or 3 years’ experience).
- Employment or freelance contracts with foreign companies/clients.
- A certificate from the foreign company confirming:
- Your role and duties.
- That your work can be carried out remotely.
- That the company has been in operation for at least 1 year.
- Proof of social security coverage:
- Either through an international agreement or enrollment in Spain’s system.
- As of 2025, digital nomads can voluntarily join the RETA (Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers) in Spain, or present a certificate of coverage from their home country’s authority.
- Proof of income (bank statements, invoices, payrolls).
- Private health insurance valid in Spain.
- Clean criminal record certificate for the past five years, apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Under the 2025 modifications, Spanish immigration authorities must process digital nomad residence applications within 20 working days. If they do not issue a resolution within this timeframe, the application is considered approved by positive administrative silence.
This change significantly reduces waiting times and gives applicants a clear procedural advantage compared to other residence permits.
Taxes and Digital Nomads: Key Points
If you’re approved for the digital nomad visa, you may qualify for Spain’s Beckham Law Regime, a special tax status for foreign workers that caps your income tax at 24% for the first €600,000/year for up to 6 years. To access this benefit:
- You must apply within 6 months of your registration with Spanish tax authorities.
- You must not have been a tax resident in Spain for the last 5 years.
- You must not derive income from a Spanish employer (only from foreign sources).
Renewal and Long-Term Residency
The digital nomad residence card is renewable as long as you continue to meet the criteria. After 5 years, you can apply for long-term EU residence. This status allows you to live and work in other EU countries under more favorable conditions.
Note that time spent under stay authorization (less than 180 days) does not count toward the 5 years required for long-term residency or Spanish nationality. Only residence authorization does.
With the implementation of Royal Decree 1155/2024, Spain has clarified and strengthened its framework for digital nomads. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or digital entrepreneur, these 2025 updates make the path to living in Spain clearer and more accessible than ever—provided you meet the updated conditions.
If you’re considering making the move, it’s essential to prepare your documentation thoroughly and understand your tax and legal obligations. Consulting a legal expert in immigration law can help streamline the process and avoid delays.