Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: requirements, minimum salary and Beckham tax regime

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa lets non-EU remote professionals live in Spain while working for foreign employers or clients. Introduced by the 2023 Startup Law, in 2026 it remains one of the fastest and most attractive routes to relocate to Spain — including tax benefits.

What is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?

It's a residence-and-work authorization aimed at remote workers. It grants legal residence in Spain for up to 3 years (renewable up to 5) and access to a 24% flat tax regime during the first years.

2026 Digital Nomad Visa requirements

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• Work remotely for a foreign company, or as a freelancer with foreign clients (maximum 20% of billing from Spain if self-employed).
• Prove a working relationship of at least 3 months with the company/client.
• Minimum income: approximately €2,760/month (200% of Spain's minimum wage). Add 75% for a spouse and 25% per child.
• University degree or 3+ years of professional experience.
• Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
• Criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years.
• The employing company must have been operating for at least 1 year.

Tax benefits: the Beckham regime for digital nomads

If you get the digital nomad visa and haven't been a Spanish tax resident in the last 5 years, you can apply for the special impatriate regime:

• Flat 24% tax on employment income up to €600,000 (vs. progressive IRPF up to 47%).
• You are taxed only on Spanish-sourced income, not on your global earnings.
• Duration: 6 years (the year of relocation plus 5).

How to apply, step by step

1. Gather documentation: work contract, last 3 payslips or invoices, company incorporation certificate, degree, apostilled criminal record.
2. Choose the route: apply from your country (consulate) or while in Spain as a tourist (UGE route, faster).
3. File the application through UGE (Large Companies Unit) — resolved in about 20 business days.
4. Once approved, apply for the TIE within 30 days.
5. Apply for the Beckham tax regime within 6 months of Social Security registration.

Family benefit: bring your family from day one

The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to bring your spouse, registered partner and children as part of the initial application, with residence and work rights from day one. This is one of the biggest advantages compared with other permits.

Common mistakes that delay approval

• Failing to prove company seniority (commercial certificate required).
• Billing more than 20% from Spain (self-employed only).
• Submitting insurance with waiting periods or co-payments.
• Not providing an apostilled/translated work contract when required.

How long? How much?

UGE route in Spain: about 20 business days. Consular route: 1 to 2 months. Administrative fees: €73 + €16.08 for the TIE.

Need help with your Digital Nomad Visa?

At Vive Legal we prepare all documentation, file the UGE application and advise you on the Beckham tax regime. See our digital nomad visa service.