As highlighted today in this EOS post, Spain has been ranked the No. 1 country in the world for digital nomads in the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025 by Global Citizen Solutions, scoring 99.67 out of 100 and topping a ranking of 64 countries.
This confirms what many remote workers are already experiencing: Spain combines a strong legal framework for international teleworkers, attractive tax options, good infrastructure and a very high quality of life. But to turn this potential into a real move, it is essential to understand how Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa actually works in practice.
Below is a clear overview of the main requirements and the most frequent problems applicants should avoid.
1. What Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Is
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (officially, the visa and residence authorisation for international remote work under Law 14/2013 and the Startup Law) allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or clients.
Key ideas:
It is designed for:
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Employees of non-Spanish companies working fully remotely.
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Owners of foreign companies who manage them from Spain.
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Freelancers with clients mainly outside Spain.
In many cases it can be granted for up to three years (if applied for from within Spain) and is compatible with access to Spain’s special “Beckham” tax regime.
2. Core Eligibility Requirements (2025)
2.1. Type of work
You must be able to prove that:
For employees:
For freelancers/self-employed:
2.2. Minimum income (financial means)
For 2025, the financial threshold is tied to 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (SMI). This translates approximately to:
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Main applicant: around 2,760–2,763 euros per month (about 33,100–33,150 euros per year).
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Spouse/partner: about 75% extra SMI (approximately 1,035 euros per month).
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Each additional dependent (usually children): about 25% extra SMI (approximately 345–350 euros per month).
Different sources round the figures slightly, but all agree on the structure:
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200% SMI for the main applicant.
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75% SMI for the first dependent.
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25% SMI per additional dependent.
It is essential to show that this income is:
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Stable and recurring (not just a one-off).
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Traceable through payslips, invoices, contracts and bank statements.
2.3. Professional profile
You must meet at least one of these conditions:
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University degree (or equivalent higher education).
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Professional training from recognised business schools or similar.
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At least three years of professional experience in your field, properly documented.
2.4. Clean criminal record
Authorities require:
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Criminal record certificates from every country where you have lived in the last two years.
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Documents must be recent (typically issued within the last 90 days) and duly legalised/apostilled and translated when necessary.
2.5. Health insurance
You must have:
2.6. Relationship with the company or clients
For employees:
For freelancers:
In all cases, the foreign company should demonstrate at least one year of real, continuous activity.
3. Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them
Many refusals and delays do not come from “big” issues, but from technical mistakes. Here are some of the most common.
3.1. Income just on the edge (or not clearly documented)
Risk:
How to avoid:
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Show a comfortable margin above the minimum where possible.
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Include several months of bank statements, invoices and payslips that clearly support your income.
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Ensure currency conversions are consistent and well explained.
3.2. Contracts that look temporary or fragile
Risk:
How to avoid:
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Provide contracts or letters that specify indefinite or long-term collaboration.
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For freelancers, include renewal clauses or proof of long-term client relationships.
3.3. Wrong type of insurance
Risk:
How to avoid:
3.4. Missing apostilles, legalisations or translations
Risk:
How to avoid:
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Check in advance which documents need apostille/legalisation.
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Use sworn translators where required.
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Pay attention to the 90-day validity window for criminal records.
3.5. Too much Spanish income or unclear client mix
Risk:
How to avoid:
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Keep clear records distinguishing foreign and Spanish clients.
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If you have Spanish clients, make sure the percentages are clearly below 20% and explain this in your documentation.
3.6. Poor alignment between what you say and what your documents show
Risk:
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Inconsistencies between application forms, contracts, LinkedIn profiles, invoices and tax returns can raise doubts.
How to avoid:
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Review all documents as a whole.
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Ensure your role, employer name, dates and income figures are consistent everywhere.
4. Why This Matters Now
Spain’s position as the leading global destination for digital nomads is not just about lifestyle; it is also about legal clarity, tax opportunities and long-term integration possibilities.
For EOS readers, this combination of:
makes Spain an especially interesting option – provided that the application is carefully prepared and the typical pitfalls are avoided.
If you have any questions, we are here to answer them. We have been applying for this type of visa since 2022 on behalf of digital nomads from all over the world.
