Spain digital nomad visa: international remote worker residence permit

If you work remotely for a company outside Spain and you are already here, for example as a tourist, you do not need to go back to your country to apply for a visa. The international remote worker residence permit, better known as the digital nomad visa, can be applied for from within Spain.

It is decided by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) in about 20 days. It is fast, but the documents of the company you work for are examined closely, and that is where most applications are decided.

We look at your case, tell you what you need to prove, review the documents and file the application.

What we check in your case

• Which route applies to you: employee of a foreign company, or freelancer with clients outside Spain.
• That the company has at least one year of real activity and that your relationship with it goes back at least three months before the application.
• That your company authorises you in writing to work remotely from Spain.
• Your qualifications: a university, vocational training or business school degree, or three years of experience in your field.
• Your income, which must reach 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, plus an amount for each family member coming with you.
• How you will be covered by Social Security, and your criminal record here and in the countries where you have lived.

If you are in Spain as a tourist

This is the most common situation: you arrived as a tourist, with or without a visa, and you keep working remotely for your company. You can apply from here as long as your stay is lawful on the day the application is filed.

Filing on time extends your stay while it is being decided, so what matters is not running out of tourist days. If you have little time left, write to us as soon as possible.

Timeframes

The UGE has 20 days to decide from the date the application is filed. If it does not reply within that time, the permit is deemed granted.

It is granted for the period you request, up to a maximum of three years, and renewed for two-year periods as long as you still meet the requirements.

How we handle your case

1. We look at your work situation and tell you whether you qualify and through which route, as an employee or as a freelancer.
2. We tell you which documents you need from yourself and from your company, and we review them before filing anything.
3. We file the application online with the UGE, together with your family members' applications if they are coming with you.
4. We respond to any requests that come in and let you know the decision.
5. We guide you through the next steps: Social Security registration and the appointment for your foreigner identity card (TIE).

Official sources

• Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs (arts. 74 bis to 74 quinquies) — BOE
• FAQ on international remote workers — UGE (in Spanish)

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply if I entered as a tourist?

Yes, as long as your stay is still lawful on the day the application is filed. Tell us when you arrived and we will tell you how much time you have.

I work as a freelancer for foreign clients. Does it apply to me?

Yes, if you have had contracts with those companies for at least three months. You can also have clients in Spain, as long as they do not exceed 20% of your activity.

Can my family come?

Yes. Your partner, your children and your dependent parents can apply with you or later, and they will be able to work in Spain. Your income must cover them too.

Do I have to register with Spanish Social Security?

As a general rule, yes. It depends on whether you are an employee or self-employed and on whether your country has an agreement with Spain. We review it with you before filing.

I don't live in Valencia. Can you handle it?

Yes. The procedure is online and we handle it by video call, wherever you are in Spain.