🇪🇸 What Are the Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is your gateway to living in one of Europe’s most attractive countries — while working remotely for foreign employers or clients.
But before applying, you need to meet the official legal, financial, and document-based requirements.
✅ Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, you must meet all of the following:
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Non-EU national | You are from outside the EU/EEA |
| Remote job or freelance work | You work for a non-Spanish company or have international freelance clients |
| Income ≥ 200% of Spanish minimum wage | Roughly €2,400/month gross or €28,800/year |
| Experience or degree | Either: 3+ years professional experience OR university degree |
| Company age | Your foreign employer or freelance clients must be in business at least 1 year |
| Health insurance | Private policy valid in Spain (public access not allowed yet) |
| Clean criminal record | No serious offenses in the last 5 years |
| Legal residence | Apply from your home country or switch from within Spain if legally present |
🗂️ Full Document Checklist (Updated)
To apply, you’ll need the following documents:
| 📄 Document | Required Format |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 1 year remaining |
| Work contract or freelance agreement | Clearly states foreign company or clients |
| Income proof | Payslips, invoices, tax returns, bank statements |
| Experience/education | Diploma, CV, LinkedIn profile, or employment letter |
| Certificate of incorporation (for company) | Proof that employer or clients exist (e.g. website, registry doc) |
| Criminal background check | Must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish |
| Health insurance policy | Full private coverage, no co-pay, valid across Spain |
| Address in Spain (optional) | Needed only if applying from inside Spain (tourist entry ok) |
🔒 Some documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
💼 Income Requirement in Detail
You must earn at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (SMI):
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€1,200/month (SMI) × 2 = €2,400/month
-
Annual: ~€28,800/year
-
Recommended: Show a buffer of €30,000–€35,000/year to be safe
If bringing family:
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Add ~75% for spouse
-
Add ~25% per child
🎓 Education or Experience Requirement
Spain gives you two paths:
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Hold a university or higher education degree
-
Have 3+ years of relevant work experience
Either one is sufficient. No need for both.
📢 Company or Client Requirement
Spain wants to confirm your employer or client is:
-
Not based in Spain
-
Legally registered and active for at least 1 year
-
Willing to confirm remote relationship
Freelancers must show multiple long-term clients or consistent income from abroad.
🛡️ Health Insurance Requirement
You must purchase private health insurance that:
-
Covers 100% of services
-
Has no co-pay (sin copago)
-
Is valid nationwide in Spain
-
Is from an approved provider
❌ Travel insurance is not accepted.
🧾 Criminal Record Certificate
You’ll need a criminal background check from:
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Your country of residence
-
Any country where you’ve lived the last 5 years
-
Must be apostilled and translated into Spanish
🧑⚖️ What If You’re a Freelancer?
Freelancers and self-employed digital nomads can qualify — but you must prove:
-
You serve foreign clients (not Spanish businesses)
-
You’ve had stable income for the past year
-
You can meet the income threshold continuously
🕒 When and Where to Apply?
| Option | How It Works |
|---|---|
| From abroad | Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country |
| From Spain | Apply for a residence permit while in Spain (e.g. as a tourist) |
Both routes are valid. If you’re already in Spain, Borderless Lawyers can process everything from here.
❗ 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting a temporary gig or short-term freelance contract
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Providing income documents without proper translation or apostille
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Not proving the employer or clients are at least 1 year old
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Applying with incomplete insurance
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Skipping the criminal background check or missing apostille
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We guide you through the entire visa process:
✅ Verify eligibility
✅ Help compile and translate documents
✅ Get apostilles and legalizations
✅ Submit the application from Spain or abroad
✅ Handle NIE, tax, and address registration
✅ Assist with Beckham Law tax setup
📣 Ready to Apply?
If you meet the requirements, the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain offers a powerful gateway to European residency, work-life freedom, and even eventual permanent residence. Want to know if you qualify? Contact Borderless Lawyers today for a free eligibility check.