Applicant scenarios
Last updated: 05 May 2026

Spain Digital Nomad Visa: pick your situation

Requirements and documents differ depending on whether you are a freelancer, a remote employee, a director, or applying with family. Find the path that matches your case.

Applicant scenario

for Freelancers

Freelancers can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Residence permit if at least 80% of their income comes from clients located outside Spain and at least one client relationship is older than three months. This page summarises what UGE expects from self-employed applicants.

Applicant scenario

for Remote Employees

Salaried remote employees can move to Spain under the Digital Nomad Residence if their foreign employer authorises remote work and the company has been operating for at least one year. This page focuses on what employees and their employers must prepare.

Applicant scenario

for Company Owners and Directors

Owners and directors of non-Spanish companies can use the Digital Nomad Residence if they hold less than 25% of the share capital, OR if they qualify under the freelance/self-employed track. This page explains both routes and the documents UGE expects.

Applicant scenario

with Family Members

Family members can be added to the Spain Digital Nomad Residence at the same time as the main applicant or in a later reagrupación. This page summarises income thresholds, document sets per relative and the use of the MI-F form.

Applicant scenario

Applying for the Digital Nomad Residence from Inside Spain

You can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Residence from inside Spain while on a regular tourist stay, as long as you are still legally inside the 90-day Schengen window. This route is filed with UGE and uses the Autorización Inicial track.

Applicant scenario

Applying for the from Abroad

Outside Spain, applicants apply for a Digital Nomad Visa through the competent Spanish consulate. This visa is initially valid for one year and is exchanged for a 3-year TIE residence card after entering Spain.

Applicant scenario

Residence Renewal

The Digital Nomad Residence is initially valid for 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 2 years. After 5 years of legal residence, holders qualify for a long-term residence permit.

Applicant scenario

Tax Residency on the Visa

Holders of the Spain Digital Nomad Residence may opt into a special expat tax regime that taxes worldwide employment income at a flat 24% on up to €600,000 for 6 years. This page summarises eligibility, the 183-day rule and pitfalls.

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