Spain's Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers and freelancers live in Spain while working for non-Spanish clients or employers. The optional Beckham Law caps your income tax at a flat 24% — well below Spain's normal 47% top rate.
Spain launched its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023 as part of the Startup Act, targeting remote workers and freelancers from outside the EU who want to live in Spain while earning income from foreign sources. It is one of the most attractive remote work visas in Europe — combining an affordable lifestyle, Mediterranean climate, and an optional tax regime that dramatically reduces your income tax burden.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible you must work remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain (at least 80% of your income must come from non-Spanish sources), have a minimum income of approximately €2,500/month (roughly the Spanish minimum wage × 200%), hold a university degree or at least 3 years of professional experience in your field, and have no criminal record.
The Beckham Law Tax Advantage
Spain's normal income tax peaks at 47% for high earners. Under the Beckham Law (officially, the Special Tax Regime for Impatriates), qualified digital nomad visa holders can opt to pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000 per year for the first 5 years of their stay. Foreign income is generally exempt from Spanish taxation under this regime. This is a substantial saving for professionals earning above €50,000 annually.
Visa Duration & Pathway
The initial visa is valid for 1 year (issued from a Spanish consulate in your home country). Once in Spain, you convert it to a residence permit valid for 3 years, renewable for another 2 years. After 5 continuous years of legal residence, you can apply for long-term EU residency. After 10 years, you may qualify for Spanish citizenship.
Application Process
Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country with proof of remote employment (employment contract or client contracts), proof of income, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and accommodation arrangements in Spain. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
