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Spain — Digital Nomad Visa (International Remote-Worker Visa): Everything You Need to Know

Spain — Digital Nomad Visa (International Remote-Worker Visa): Everything You Need to Know

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Spain?

Spain has become a top choice for remote professionals seeking quality of life, excellent connectivity, and legal certainty. The Digital Nomad Visa (officially, Visa/Residence for “Teletrabajadores de carácter internacional”) lets you live in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish employers or international clients—opening a path to multi-year residence and, eventually, long-term status.


What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?

A visa/residence route for highly qualified non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies based outside Spain or as self-employed professionals with international clients.

Legal basis: created by Law 28/2022 (Startup Law), which amended Law 14/2013 to add the “international telework” category. See the BOE (Spain’s Official Gazette) for the law text and details. (BOE)


Who manages it?

  • From abroad (visa): Spanish consulates/embassies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). Example guidance pages: Bogotá Consulate, Moscow Consulate. (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  • From within Spain (residence): the UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos). Overview and requirements: UGE site; government PRIE summary. (Inclusion)


  • Law 28/2022 (Startup Law) – establishes the international telework visa/residence. (BOE)
  • Law 14/2013 (as amended) – chapter “Teletrabajadores de carácter internacional” with durations, renewals, and core requirements. (BOE)


Duration & renewals

  • Consular visa: up to 1 year. (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  • In-country residence authorization (UGE-CE): up to 3 years, renewable for 2 more (total 5 → eligible for long-term residence). (BOE)
  • Processing time target: decisions in 20 working days; positive administrative silence applies. (See consulate/UGE guidance.) (Foreign Affairs Ministry)


Key eligibility (what authorities actually ask for)

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship. (BOE)
  • Remote work proof:
    • Employees: contract with a non-Spanish company; at least the last 3 months of relationship + employer letter authorizing remote work from Spain. (BOE)
    • Self-employed: contracts/engagements with non-Spanish clients for at least the last 3 months and terms allowing remote delivery. (Some guides note up to 20% of revenue may come from Spanish clients for freelancers.) (BOE)
  • Qualifications: university/FP/business-school degree or 3+ years’ professional experience. (prie.comercio.gob.es)
  • Financial means: ≥ 200% of Spain’s Minimum Wage (SMI) per month for the main applicant; +75% SMI for the first dependent; +25% SMI for each additional dependent. (Consulates publish current figures; e.g., Buenos Aires). (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  • Health insurance: public (if applicable) or private policy valid in Spain for the full stay. (abogadacristinagriga.es)
  • Clean criminal record for the last 5 years. (BOE)


Step-by-step application

Option A — Apply from abroad (consular visa)

  1. Book a consular appointment and complete the visa form. (See your consulate’s page—for example, Bogotá or Moscow.) (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  2. Prepare documents: passport, remote-work proof (see above), degree or 3+ years’ experience, financial means (≥200% SMI), health insurance, criminal record. (Consular checklists provide exact formats.) (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  3. Pay the visa fee and submit biometrics.
  4. Receive decision (target 20 working days). If approved, the visa in your passport lets you live and work remotely in Spain for up to 1 year. (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
  5. On arrival: register locally and obtain your foreigner ID card (TIE) as instructed by the consulate.

Option B — Apply inside Spain (UGE-CE residence)

  1. Enter legally (e.g., as a visa-exempt tourist).
  2. File the online UGE-CE application (you’ll get a 3-year residence if approved). Decision target: 20 working days; positive silence applies. (Inclusion)
  3. Pick up your TIE and complete local registrations.


Taxes & work scope (at a glance)

  • The route is designed for non-Spanish-sourced work. Employees must work only for employers outside Spain; self-employed may have limited Spanish-sourced income (commonly cited cap 20% of total). Always confirm your specific setup before billing any Spanish entity. (Antonio Segura)


  • BOE – Law 28/2022 (Startup Law): visado/residence for international teleworkers. (BOE)
  • BOE – Consolidated Law 14/2013 (chapter “Teletrabajadores de carácter internacional”). (BOE)
  • UGE-CE (Unit for Large Companies) – teleworker page & requirements. (Inclusion)
  • PRIE (Government portal) – Digital Nomads summary. (prie.comercio.gob.es)
  • MAEC consular guidance – examples: Bogotá; Moscow. (Foreign Affairs Ministry)


QUESTRAVEL’s take

The two biggest stumbling blocks we see are (1) unclear income evidence (not meeting 200% SMI cleanly) and (2) weak remote-work letters (missing explicit authorization to work from Spain). Our concierge method focuses on watertight document sets, correct translations/legalizations, and choosing the best route (visa vs. in-country residence) for your timing.

💡 Ready to launch your Spain plan with confidence? Book a 1:1 with QUESTRAVEL at fromquestravel.com and get a customized, step-by-step pack for your case.

Updated on: 03/11/2025