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Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has detailed the framework, eligibility and application process for its Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the international teleworker visa. The visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for companies based outside the country, using digital and telecommunication systems.
The move is part of Spain’s effort to attract skilled professionals without opening access to the domestic labour market. The rules are anchored in recent legal changes that define who can apply, what kind of work is permitted and how long applicants can stay.
Employees granted this authorisation can work only for non-Spanish companies. Self-employed professionals may work for a Spanish company, but such work must not exceed 20% of their total professional activity. The scheme does not apply to citizens of the European Union or those covered by EU law.
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Applicants must be qualified professionals. They need to show a university degree or postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution, or prove a minimum of three years of professional experience. Before applying, candidates must obtain a Foreigner Identity Number, known as the NIE.
The telework visa itself can be issued for a maximum of one year, depending on the work period. During its validity, it serves as sufficient authorisation to reside and work remotely in Spain.
Applicants must prove sufficient financial means. The minimum requirement is set at 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary, listed as $2,300. Additional amounts are required for accompanying family members. Proof of valid health insurance in Spain, covering 100% of medical expenses without co-payments or limits, is also mandatory.
Applications are processed through BLS Spain Visa Application Centers. The legal decision period is 10 days from the day after submission, although authorities may extend this if additional documents or interviews are required. Visa refusals are issued in writing, and applicants have the right to appeal through the consular office or the High Court of Justice of Madrid.
The move is part of Spain’s effort to attract skilled professionals without opening access to the domestic labour market. The rules are anchored in recent legal changes that define who can apply, what kind of work is permitted and how long applicants can stay.
Who can apply and what work is allowed
The visa applies to nationals of third countries who plan to work remotely from Spain for companies located abroad.Employees granted this authorisation can work only for non-Spanish companies. Self-employed professionals may work for a Spanish company, but such work must not exceed 20% of their total professional activity. The scheme does not apply to citizens of the European Union or those covered by EU law.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Applicants must be qualified professionals. They need to show a university degree or postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution, or prove a minimum of three years of professional experience. Before applying, candidates must obtain a Foreigner Identity Number, known as the NIE.
Residence permit and stay period
The law allows foreigners who are already legally in Spain, or who enter with a telework visa, to apply for a residence permit for remote work. This permit can be valid for up to three years and can be issued without a prior visa if the applicant is already in Spain legally.The telework visa itself can be issued for a maximum of one year, depending on the work period. During its validity, it serves as sufficient authorisation to reside and work remotely in Spain.
Family members and financial requirements
Family members can also apply to join the main applicant. Eligible relatives include a spouse or unmarried partner, dependent children and adult children, and dependent relatives in the ascending line.Applicants must prove sufficient financial means. The minimum requirement is set at 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Salary, listed as $2,300. Additional amounts are required for accompanying family members. Proof of valid health insurance in Spain, covering 100% of medical expenses without co-payments or limits, is also mandatory.
Applications are processed through BLS Spain Visa Application Centers. The legal decision period is 10 days from the day after submission, although authorities may extend this if additional documents or interviews are required. Visa refusals are issued in writing, and applicants have the right to appeal through the consular office or the High Court of Justice of Madrid.
