Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Overview

Spain enacted the Startup Act (Ley de Startups) in December 2022, which introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional). The visa came into practical effect in 2023. It targets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who do their work for companies or clients located outside Spain.

Spain's Mediterranean climate, lower cost of living than Northern Europe, and the Beckham Law tax benefit make it a practical choice for Israeli professionals working in tech, finance, and creative industries.

Who qualifies

• Non-EU/EEA national
• Employed by a foreign company or working as a freelancer for clients primarily outside Spain (at least 80% of your income must come from non-Spanish clients)
• Minimum monthly income: €2,160/month (200% of the Spanish minimum wage, the SMI, which is updated annually)
• At least 3 months of active employment or client relationship in your field
• Clean criminal record
• No prior Spanish visa refusals or bans
• Valid health insurance covering Spain

Income threshold details

As of 2024:

• Minimum SMI: €1,080/month (gross)
• Required income: 200% of SMI = €2,160/month
• For accompanying family members: additional 75% of SMI per additional adult (€810/month), 25% per dependent child (€270/month)

Steps

1. Gather documents:
   • Employment contract with a foreign employer or freelance service agreements
   • Proof of at least 3 months of work relationship
   • Last 3 months of bank statements showing income
   • Company registration documents or client agreements
   • Criminal background check from Israel (apostilled + Spanish translation)
   • Health insurance certificate valid in Spain
   • Passport
   • Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental agreement, hotel booking, or owner declaration)
2. Apply at the Spanish Consulate General in Tel Aviv. The Digital Nomad Visa is processed at Spanish consulates for stays over 90 days.
3. Processing time: 20 business days from submission of a complete application (by law), though delays do occur in practice.
4. Enter Spain. The initial visa allows a 1-year stay.
5. Apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Autorización de residencia para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional) at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE) for stays beyond 1 year.
6. Residence permit: Initially 3 years, renewable for 2-year periods.

The Beckham Law tax benefit (Régimen de Impatriados)

Digital Nomad Visa holders can apply for special expat tax treatment under the Beckham Law (Régimen Especial para Trabajadores Desplazados):

• Flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000/year
• Income above €600,000: taxed at 47%
• Tax on foreign-source income: only dividends, interest, and capital gains from abroad are taxed (at 19–28%); foreign employment income is generally exempt
• Duration: 6 years (year of arrival + 5 subsequent years)
• Must apply within 6 months of obtaining your Spanish residence permit

This can mean significant savings compared to the standard progressive Spanish income tax rate (up to 47%).

Costs

• Digital Nomad Visa fee: approximately €80
• Residence permit fee: approximately €73
• Apostille and translations: €100–€300
• Health insurance: €600–€2,000/year

Family members

Spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you on a dependent family visa. They receive full work authorization in Spain from the start.

Path to permanent residency

• 5 years of continuous legal residence → permanent residence permit (Residencia Permanente)
• 10 years of legal residence → Spanish citizenship eligibility
• Citizens of Ibero-American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, and others qualify for citizenship after only 2 years. This does not apply to Israeli nationals.

Comparison to Portugal