Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
Live and work in Spain on your remote income — a 24% flat tax and permanent residency in 5 years.
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (officially autorización de residencia para el teletrabajo de carácter internacional, internationally known as the DTV / Digital Nomad Visa) is a residence programme that lets remote employees and freelancers legally live and work in Spain. It was introduced in January 2023 under Spain's Startup Law (Ley 28/2022) to attract entrepreneurship and global talent.
For software engineers, digital marketers, consultants, designers and other remote professionals, the DTV is the most practical legal route in the post–Golden Visa era. Any non-EU/EEA national who meets the criteria can apply.
2026 Income & Eligibility Requirements
At the core of the visa is stable, verifiable income, indexed to 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI). As of 2026:
- Single applicant: ≈ €2,850/month (≈ €34,200/year)
- Spouse / first dependent: + ≈ €1,070/month
- Each additional dependent (child): + ≈ €360/month
These amounts adjust automatically with minimum-wage increases. Other key requirements:
- Work must be fully deliverable remotely via computer and telecom technology.
- A university/college degree or at least 3 years of experience in the field.
- At least 3 months of history with the current employer/clients; the employer operating for at least 1 year.
- No more than 20% of income from Spain-based companies/clients.
- Full-coverage private health insurance valid across Spain, with no co-pay.
- Apostilled criminal-record certificate (issued within 90 days) and a valid passport.
The Beckham Law: 24% Flat Tax Advantage
The DTV becomes most attractive combined with the Beckham Law (special expat tax regime): income earned in Spain is taxed at a flat 24% up to €600,000/year (47% above that), instead of the standard progressive scale (19–47%), for 6 years.
Key distinction: the Beckham regime applies only to employees; freelancers (autónomo) cannot use it and pay progressive tax plus monthly social-security contributions (~€230+). To qualify you must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the past 5 years and must apply within 6 months of social-security registration.
Applying from Your Home Country: Two Routes
- Consulate route: apply at a Spanish Consulate in your country of residence, receive a 1-year visa, then convert it to a residence card (TIE) after entering Spain.
- UGE-CE route (from within Spain): apply electronically to the Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE-CE) for a direct 3-year permit. UGE decisions take ≈ 20 business days; if no reply arrives in time, the application is automatically approved (silencio positivo).
Process & Timelines
End-to-end timing is typically 2.5–4 months when applying from within Spain and 4–6 months via a consulate. The main delays come from apostille processing and TIE fingerprint appointments — which is why flawless document preparation is critical.
The Golden Visa Is Gone — Why DTV Is the Best Route
Spain's Golden Visa (residence by property investment) was fully abolished on 3 April 2025. Residency can no longer be obtained through real estate. Foreigners can still buy property freehold in Spain, but those who wish to live there now rely on the Digital Nomad Visa or the non-lucrative (passive income) visa. If you have remote income, the DTV is by far the most flexible option because it also grants the right to work.
If you would like to acquire an investment or lifestyle property while living in Spain, explore our Spain country guide and browse current Spain listings.
The Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
The DTV is also a gateway to permanent settlement. The framework runs 3 years + a 2-year renewal; after 5 years of continuous legal residence you can obtain permanent residency, and after 10 years you may apply for Spanish citizenship (2 years for Ibero-American nationals; 10 years applies to most others).
End-to-End Guidance with ResidaGlobal
A DTV application involves many sensitive steps — income evidence, degree/experience file, apostilles, insurance and tax planning — and a single missing document can mean rejection. ResidaGlobal handles the entire process with Spain-based expert lawyers and a secure, transparent case-management workflow: from eligibility analysis and the Beckham tax filing to TIE appointments and family reunification. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment.
Requirements & Documents
- Fully remote-capable work; employer or clients based outside Spain
- Stable, verifiable income of ≈ €2,850/month (higher with family)
- University/college degree or at least 3 years of experience in the field
- At least 3 months of history with the current employer; employer operating 1+ year
- No more than 20% of income from Spain-based companies/clients
- Apostilled criminal-record certificate issued within the last 90 days
- Full-coverage private health insurance valid across Spain, no co-pay
- Valid passport and foreigner ID number (NIE)
Estimated Costs
| Consulate visa fee | ≈ €80 |
| NIE (foreigner ID number) | ≈ €10 |
| TIE residence card | ≈ €79 |
| Document translation + apostille | ≈ €300–800 |
| Private health insurance (annual) | ≈ €600–1,200 |
| ResidaGlobal advisory | Quote on request |
Costs are indicative and may vary with current official fees and exchange rates.
How the Process Works
- 1
Eligibility & document preparation
We prepare your income proof, degree/experience file, contract, health insurance and apostilled criminal record.
- 2
Choosing the route: consulate or UGE-CE
We decide between the consulate route (1-year visa) or the in-Spain UGE-CE route (direct 3-year permit).
- 3
Submission & review
UGE decisions take ≈ 20 business days; if no timely reply, the application is auto-approved (silencio positivo).
- 4
Entry to Spain & TIE
We handle the fingerprint appointment and the residence card (TIE) on your behalf.
- 5
Tax & settling in
Beckham 24% tax regime filing, NIE, bank account and social-security registration.
- 6
Renewal & permanence
Planning for the 3+2 year renewal, permanent residency at year 5 and citizenship at year 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income is required for the Spain DTV in 2026?
Around €2,850/month for a single applicant (≈ €34,200/year). Add ≈ €1,070/month for a spouse and ≈ €360/month per child. Amounts adjust with the minimum wage.
What is the Beckham tax advantage?
Income earned in Spain is taxed at a flat 24% up to €600,000 (47% above) for 6 years. Only employees qualify; freelancers pay progressive tax (19–47%) plus autónomo social security.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes. Freelancers can apply, but no more than 20% of income may come from Spanish clients, and they pay progressive tax plus autónomo social security instead of the Beckham rate.
How do I apply from Turkey?
Apply at the Spanish Consulate in Istanbul or Ankara for a 1-year visa, then convert it to a TIE after entering Spain. Alternatively, apply from within Spain via UGE-CE for a direct 3-year permit.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. A spouse, children and in some cases dependent relatives can be included; the income threshold rises for each family member.
How long does the process take?
About 2.5–4 months from within Spain (UGE ≈ 20 business days) and 4–6 months via a consulate. Delays are mainly due to apostilles and TIE appointments.
When do I qualify for PR and citizenship?
Permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence, and citizenship after 10 years. (2 years for Ibero-American nationals; 10 years for most others including Turkish citizens.)
Is the Spain Golden Visa still available?
No. The property-based Golden Visa was fully abolished on 3 April 2025. For those wishing to live in Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and the non-lucrative visa are the leading legal routes.
What is the health insurance requirement?
You need full-coverage private health insurance valid across Spain with no co-pay. Non-compliant policies are a common rejection reason.
Why are applications rejected?
The most common causes are non-compliant insurance, missing apostilles, less than 3 months of employment history, criminal records older than 6 months, and insufficient or unstable income. Careful case management removes these risks.
Let’s plan your process together
Contact our team for a free, tailored preliminary assessment of your case.
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