In 2023, Spain launched the Digital Nomad visa program – which quickly earned its place of honor in the list of visas for remote workers and is currently in the TOP-5 programs. The visa can be obtained for up to 3 years with the right to extend for another 2 years. After living in the country for 5 years, you receive a permanent residence permit, and after another 5 years, an EU passport.
A digital nomad visa is issued at the Spanish Consulate General at the place of residence. In Spain, foreign citizens apply to an accredited center or online directly to the Ministry of Integration, Social Security and Migration (UGECE). The processing period is 3 weeks.
Specifics of the Freelance Visa in Spain
Digital Nomad is a generalized name for visas for foreigners who want to work remotely using digital technologies and receive income from abroad. Unlike a work visa, it does not give the right to enter into contracts with local employers, but it does open the prospect of obtaining permanent residence. There is an exception for Spanish freelancers. If the applicant operates as an individual entrepreneur, he has the right to receive income in Spain in the amount of no more than 20% of the freelancer’s total income.
For foreigners, a nomad visa has become a convenient way to move to a European country. Requirements for applicants:
- A confirmed income of €2,800 per month;
- Income must be confirmed by either an employment contract and/or a bank statement (for individual entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals);
- No criminal record.
Thinking about applying for a visa? A free guide will help you understand all the intricacies and nuances; it contains all the information necessary to obtain the status.
Taxes in Spain for Freelancers
Foreigners residing on a nomad visa for at least 6 months a year pay income tax at a rate of 24%. The percentage for the self-employed and “nomads” is calculated depending on the region and the amount of earnings.
But tax residency can be counted not only by the number of days spent in the country. Other ways:
- There is a center of human economic interests in Spain (for example, a business is registered there);
- In Spain, there is a center of human vital interests (this can include owning real estate or having a family in the country).
In order to avoid double tax, residents bring a payroll. If, for example, 15% is paid instead of 19%, the missing 4% is deposited to the bank. To optimize high rates, they turn to a hester, a tax lawyer.
How much does the visa cost?
The cost of obtaining residency includes expenses for the government duty – €73 per person and a visa fee – €70, cards – €16. Additional costs include simple/sworn translations and apostille. On average, processing costs around €500.
In the table below, we have written what expenses foreigners will have when applying for a digital nomad visa to Spain in 2025.
Additionally, you need to take into account the cost of the flight to Spain from your place of stay, as well as the cost of accommodation, depending on your requirements for the standard of living.
| Fees, duties and other expenses for obtaining a visa | Cost |
| The fee for each family member | 73,26 € |
| Insurance | up to 1000 € for 1 family member |
| The application for a card | about 16 € |
| Translations of all documents into Spanish | about 320 € |
| Full support of visa processing | from 1350 € |
| Residence permit for students | from 1150 € |
| Residence permit through business registration | from 7500 € |
| Residence permit for financially independent persons | from 4200 € |
In addition, you need to take into account the cost of a flight to Spain from your place of stay, as well as the cost of living, depending on your requirements for the standard of living.
Required Documents and Requirements
Documents in Russian must be translated and apostilled. When applying in Spain, an additional proof of residence in the consular district is required. The list includes:
- Visa application;
- Photo and copy of the passport with at least 1 year remaining validity;
- Bank statement;
- Criminal record certificate with an apostille;
- Proof of collaboration with a company: for employees – a contract, for self-employed/sole proprietors – contractual relationships with terms and conditions;
- Extract from the registry to prove the existence of a legal entity;
- Employer’s cover letter;
- Diploma copies;
- Medical insurance from an accredited agency;
- Commitment to register with social security;
- Receipt for payment of government duty and visa fee.
- We will answer all your questions
- We will help you choose the best option
- We will guide you through every step or do everything for you
Family members attach passports/birth certificates to confirm relation to the applicant. Spouses need a marriage certificate or a document proving cohabitation. When obtaining a visa in Russia, upon arrival in the country, it needs to be validated, and a month before expiration, an application for larga duración must be submitted.
Recent Changes in Visa Matters in Spain
Recently, the Spanish Congress passed a law as part of the Digital Spain 2026 Agenda aimed at developing technological companies and attracting qualified specialists from third countries who wish to work remotely.
The fifth amendment to the law last December on developing the business ecosystem of companies made significant changes. It removed bureaucratic barriers, opened new opportunities for nomads, simplified the tax regime, and eliminated the requirement to pass a language exam.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Spain
All the changes that have occurred over the past year have had a positive impact on the dynamics of interest in the Spanish digital nomad visa, preventing the demand for it from sagging significantly in the early summer of 2024, as happened with most programs. Data from Google Trends and Yandex.Wordstat make it clear that demand for it will be consistently high until the end of the year.
Journalist, editor with 9 years of experience in investment immigration. I specialize in analysis of residency and tax programs, as well as individual selection of jurisdictions for relocation.
Login with Google