Route 02 · For U.S. applicants

Spain Digital Nomad Visa: keep your U.S. career, live in Spain.

The Digital Nomad (Telework) Visa lets remote employees and freelancers live in Spain while working for companies or clients based outside Spain. You can apply from the U.S. through your consulate, or from inside Spain, and the route you choose changes how long you're approved for. Start with the checklist.

  • Employees and freelancers
  • Family can join
  • Up to 3 years when filed in Spain

Free PDF: Digital Nomad Visa Document Checklist

3 pages · Reviewed September 2026

  • Both ways to apply, compared
  • 2026 income requirements
  • Social Security and insurance timing
Download the Free Checklist

PDF · No email required

€2,849/moApproximate minimum gross income for the main applicant*
+€1,068/moFor the first accompanying family member*
+€356/moFor each additional family member*
3 monthsMinimum time already working with your employer or clients

*Based on 200% of Spain's 2026 minimum wage (SMI) of €1,221/month in 14 payments, spread over 12 months. Figures are approximate; reconfirm them before filing.

Is it right for you?

Who the Digital Nomad Visa is for

Employees may work only for companies outside Spain. Freelancers can take Spanish clients, as long as they make up no more than 20% of their total work.

A good fit if you…

  • Work remotely for a company or clients outside Spain
  • Have worked with them for at least the last 3 months
  • Work for a company that has been active for at least 1 year
  • Hold a degree, or have 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Earn at least about €2,849 a month, plus family amounts

Consider another route if you…

How it works

Two ways to apply

Choose your route before you order any documents. It changes how long you're approved for, how you file and when your health insurance needs to start.

Option 1

Apply at your U.S. consulate

Up to 1 yearvisa
  • Apply before you move, at the consulate that covers where you live
  • Decision is generally due within 10 working days
  • The visa itself lets you live and work remotely in Spain
  • To stay longer, apply for residence in the final 60 days of the visa
Option 2

Apply from inside Spain

Up to 3 yearsresidence
  • Enter Spain legally, then file online with the UGE before your allowed stay ends
  • Decision is due within 20 days, and no answer counts as approval
  • You can file yourself or through an authorized representative
  • After approval, apply for your TIE residence card
Renewable. Residence can be renewed for two-year periods while you still qualify.
Family included. Spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can apply with you or later.
Social Security matters. Plan how you'll be covered before you file. Details are in the checklist.
Checklist at a glance

What you'll need for your Digital Nomad Visa application

Tick items off as you go. The full PDF explains what each authority expects and how the requirements differ between the two ways to apply.

1

Eligibility & work arrangement

2

Core application documents

3

Social Security, insurance & family

Don't overlook Social Security. Employees may need their foreign employer to register in Spain. Freelancers usually commit to registering as self-employed (RETA). If you're relying on U.S. coverage instead, you'll need the actual certificate: an application for one isn't enough. Need documents translated? See our official sworn translation services.

Get the Full Checklist (PDF)
Health insurance

Get your insurance timing right

If your application relies on private health insurance, the policy must come from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain and be comprehensive. These are not accepted:

  • Travel insurance
  • Reimbursement-only policies
  • Policies with copayments
  • Policies with waiting periods

Contact GuiriGuru several months before you file or travel, so your policy's start date lines up with your consular appointment or UGE application.

Get Visa-Compliant Health Insurance

When to buy your policy

  • Applying at the consulateBuy before your appointment. Coverage must start by your planned entry date and last for the whole visa, up to one year.
  • Applying from SpainThe policy must already be active when you file with the UGE, and stay active for the full authorization, up to three years.
  • No need to prepay three yearsAn annual renewable Spanish policy is common. Just keep it in force and renew on time.
  • Joining Spanish Social Security?If you'll be enrolled after approval, separate insurance evidence usually isn't needed. If you're relying on U.S. coverage that doesn't include Spanish healthcare, private insurance is still required.
Free download

Get the complete Digital Nomad Visa checklist

The free 3-page PDF covers eligibility, both ways to apply, 2026 income figures, Social Security, insurance timing and what happens after approval. Keep it on your phone while you gather your paperwork.

Download the Free Checklist Talk to a Spanish Immigration Lawyer

Free · PDF · No email required

Other routes

Not the right fit? Explore the other visa routes

Retirees and saversNon-Lucrative Visa Studying 90+ daysStudent Visa Married to an EU citizenEU Spouse Residence Married to a Spanish citizenSpanish Spouse Residence
Compare All Spain Visa Routes

Important: This page and checklist are for general information only and are not legal advice. Requirements change and can differ by consular district, employment structure, Social Security position and personal circumstances. Always confirm the current requirements with your assigned Spanish consulate or the UGE, or book a consultation with a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer through GuiriGuru.