Digital Nomad Visa: Work Remotely from Spain in 2025
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a legal and flexible path for non-EU remote workers and freelancers to live in Spain while working for international clients or employers. It’s a unique opportunity to combine professional life with the exceptional quality of life Spain offers — and it may also open the door to tax advantages like the Beckham Law (full guide here).
This detailed guide covers eligibility, documentation, the step-by-step application process, and key updates for 2025.
Make sure you are elegible
Before starting, you should ensure you are in a position to meet the primary requirements.
Financial Requirements (2025)
You must prove steady income earned from outside Spain. The required monthly income depends on how many family members are included in the application:
- 1 applicant: €2,763/month (€33,156/year)
- 1 applicant + 1 dependent: €3,799/month (€45,588/year)
- 1 applicant + 2 dependents: €4,144/month (€49,728/year)
- 1 applicant + 3 dependents: €4,490/month (€53,880/year)
- 1 applicant + 4 dependents: €4,835/month (€58,016/year)
You’ll also be required to submit a bank certificate covering the 3 months prior to the date of application, confirming receipt of income related to your employment or freelance work.
Work & Experience Requirements
- You’ve worked with your employer or freelance clients for at least 3 months
- Your employer/clients have been in business for at least 1 year
- Your employer or clients provide a letter authorizing remote work from Spain
You hold either:
- A university degree or qualification, or
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience
If self-employed, your clients must be registered businesses (not individuals)
Criminal Record Check
- You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from all countries of residence in the last 2 years
- You must sign a declaration confirming no serious criminal convictions in the last 5 years
Important Note on Document Expiry: Most submitted documents must be recent (issued within 3 months of your application), so plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary costs in legalizations/translations or having to obtain new copies.
Understand Social Security Requirements
Social security coverage is mandatory while living and working in Spain.
If Employed:
- If your home country has a social security agreement with Spain (e.g. the UK), your employer can apply for an A1 certificate
- If there is no agreement, your employer must register to pay social security in Spain via a local legal representative
If Self-Employed:
- You must register with Spanish social security after approval
- For the first year, pay a flat rate of €80/month
- After that, fees range from €225–530/month, depending on income
- A signed declaration pledging to register with Spanish social security is required at the application stage
Gather the Required Documents
Start early, especially for documents that need official translation and legalization (apostille).
Criminal Records & Declaration
- Certificate(s) from countries of residence during the past 2 years (apostilled + translated)
- Signed declaration of no criminal record over the last 5 years (in Spanish)
Proof of Work or Client Relationship
- Employer letter confirming your role, salary, start date, and remote work authorization
- For freelancers: client letter detailing duration of the relationship, invoicing, and permission to work remotely from Spain
- Proof that employer or client has existed for at least 1 year (e.g. Certificate of Incorporation, with apostille+translation)
- Bank certificate confirming receipt of income over the last 3 months
Qualifications or Work History
- Copy of degree or professional certificate (apostilled + translated), or
- Proof of 3 years of relevant experience, confirmed by tax or social security documentation
Curriculum Vitae
- Updated CV in Spanish — simple translations accepted
Health Coverage or Declaration
- Self-employed: Signed declaration of intent to register for Spanish social security (no insurance needed)
- A1 form holders: May access public healthcare via S1 — no private insurance required
- Others: Must present private health insurance from a Spanish provider with no co-payments
Submitting Your Application
You can apply in two ways:
In Spain (recommended):
- Enter Spain as a tourist and apply within 90 days
- If approved, receive a 3-year residence permit (or shorter if tied to your contract)
Via a Spanish Consulate:
- Grants a 1-year visa, which can be converted into full residency after arrival
- Recommended only for applicants who require a visa to enter Spain
Beckham Law (Optional Tax Regime)
Eligible Digital Nomad Visa holders may apply for the Beckham Law, which offers:
- Flat 24% tax on employment income (up to €600,000/year)
- Exemption on most foreign-source income
- Valid for up to 6 years
- Must apply within 6 months of registration with Spanish tax authorities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to apostille or translate required documents
- Not providing a bank certificate for income proof
- Submitting outdated documentation
- Assuming the Beckham Law applies automatically
- Not verifying that freelance clients are registered businesses
- Using health insurance with co-payments
Why Spain?
- Enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle
- Access Spain’s public healthcare system
- Bring your family under reunification terms
- Option to apply for long-term residency after 5 years
- Live and work legally with clear tax and legal guidance
- Potential access to significant tax benefits
Work with us
At SamirLaw, we guide digital professionals through the entire relocation journey:
- Visa application support
- Document review and translations
- Beckham Law guidance
- Social security registration
- TIE/NIE application & post-arrival support
Contact here or write to us at info@samirlaw.com