Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups) lets remote workers and freelancers live in Spain legally. Apply at a Spanish consulate in your country before travelling.
Official sources
- Ministry of Inclusion — International Protection Portal
Official information on Spanish residency permits for foreigners
- Spanish Consulate Appointment System
Book your visa appointment at your nearest consulate
The steps
- 1
Confirm you meet the income requirements
You need to prove regular income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (around €2,646/month in 2024). The income must come from clients or employers outside Spain, or from a foreign company that allows remote work. This cannot be income from Spanish clients or Spanish-registered work.
Acceptable income sources: employment contract with a non-Spanish company, freelance contracts with non-Spanish clients, or a mix. Income from Spanish clients counts toward a maximum of 20% of your total. - 2
Gather your required documents
Collect all required documents. These must typically be translated into Spanish by an official translator and apostilled (Hague Convention certified) if issued outside Spain.
Documents needed
- Valid passport (minimum 1 year remaining validity)
- Completed visa application form (Formulario de solicitud)
- Recent passport-size photos
- Proof of employment or freelance contracts (remote work proof)
- Proof of income for the last 3 months (payslips or invoices)
- Criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled, less than 3 months old)
- Proof of private health insurance valid in Spain
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract, hotel booking, or letter of invitation)
- Payment of the visa fee
- 3
Book a consulate appointment
Appointments at Spanish consulates are in high demand. Book as early as possible — wait times can be 4–8 weeks in major cities. Each consulate serves a specific geographic area; use the nearest one to your registered address.
Time: 5 minutes online, but book 4–8 weeks ahead
- 4
Attend the consulate appointment
Bring all documents (originals + copies). The consulate officer will review your documents and may ask supplementary questions. The process at the counter usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Time: 30–60 minutes at the consulate
Some consulates require original documents; others accept certified copies. Check your consulate's specific requirements before attending. - 5
Receive your decision and collect the visa
Processing time is typically 20 working days. If approved, you will receive a D-type national visa. You must travel to Spain and register there within the visa validity period (usually 1 year). Once in Spain, you will convert the visa to a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) residence card.
If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal (recurso de alzada) within one month of notification.