Spain has introduced a new type of residence permit for remote employees (teletrabajador de carácter internacional), also commonly known as the Digital Nomad Visa. Strictly speaking, it is more accurate to call it a remote worker permit. It is not ideal for true ‘nomads’ because it restricts free travel. To renew it easily, you must spend more than 180 days a year in Spain. However, for those who want to settle in Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa is a perfect fit. It is the only residence permit issued for 3 years right from the start, and you can apply for it directly from within Spain! Plus, the entire application process is online.
Popular types of Spanish residence permits in 2026: Arraigo (residence through integration), the Non-Lucrative Visa (residence for financially independent individuals without the right to work), the Startup Visa, the Student Visa, and others
You cannot buy a Spanish residence permit, but if you have the required income, it is easy to apply for it on your own. Alternatively, you can hire professionals to help you. However, in either case, you will still need to gather all the required documents yourself.
Benefits of a Spanish Residence Permit
Any Spanish residence permit allows you to stay in Spain and travel to Schengen countries visa-free. The Digital Nomad Visa enables the main applicant to register as a self-employed individual (autónomo), while family members gain the full right to work in Spain.However, any type of residence permit brings not only rights but also the obligation to pay taxes in Spain.
On average, the tax rate ranges from 13% to 20%, depending on your income, region of residence, and smart tax optimization (Spain offers many different deductions). Read more details in our guide on taxes for digital nomads in Spain
How to Get a Spanish Residence Permit in 2026
There are two ways to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain:
- Apply for a digital nomad visa in your country of residence, then travel to Spain to complete your residence permit.
- Travel to Spain and apply for the residence permit directly from within the country.
The second option is faster and more convenient, as it requires fewer documents and offers higher approval rates. However, you must be in Spain legally (this option is not available to those who have overstayed their tourist visa).Validity of the Digital Nomad Residence PermitThe Digital Nomad Residence Permit is initially issued for a maximum of three years, with the option to extend it for another two years. After that, you can apply for permanent residency (PR). Permanent residency is renewed every 10 years. Alternatively, instead of renewing your PR, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
How many years is the Digital Nomad Residence Permit issued for
The Digital Nomad Residence Permit can be obtained for a maximum period of three years, with the option to extend it for another two years. After that, you can apply for permanent residency (PR). Permanent residency is renewed once every 10 years. Alternatively, instead of renewing your PR, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Obtaining the Residence Permit
To obtain a Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Spain, you must hold citizenship outside the EU, work remotely, and have a proven income of at least:
- 200% of the SMI (salario mínimo interprofesional — minimum wage) for the main applicant, totaling 2762.0 euros per month;
- +75% of the SMI for a spouse, totaling 3797.75 euros per month for two people;
- +25% of the SMI for each additional family member, such as children and parents (under this permit, you can bring any dependent family members to Spain).
In 2026, the SMI in Spain = 1381.0 euros (check the current information here). All income must be documented.
Example.
For a family of 4 (husband, wife, and two children), you need to show a minimum monthly income of 2SMI + 0.75SMI + 2×0.25SMI = 3.25 x 1381.0 euros = 4488.25 euros
These are the main requirements for the digital nomad residence permit in Spain. Applicant criteria can be found on the official website here (in Spanish).
Below, we will take a detailed look at how to get a Spanish residence permit in 2026, along with the document checklist for the Digital Nomad Visa.