Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The conditions, one by one

1. Remote work for companies outside Spain

The DNV is for work done remotely, using computers and telecommunications, for companies located outside Spain. If you're employed, you may only work for companies outside Spain. If you're self-employed, you may also work for Spanish clients, as long as that work is no more than 20% of your total professional activity.

2. An established working relationship

You must show at least three months' working relationship with the company before you apply:

• Employees show an employment relationship plus the employer's permission to work remotely.
• Self-employed applicants show a commercial relationship with one or more companies, plus the terms on which the remote work will be done.

The company or group must have been genuinely and continuously active for at least a year. If you own the company outright, or control it, the UGE accepts proof of ownership and of more than a year's company activity in place of the three-month relationship, and asks for extra company documents.

3. Qualifications or experience

You need to be a graduate or postgraduate of a recognised university, vocational training centre or business school, or have at least three years' professional experience. For a regulated profession, the UGE asks for recognition of your qualification in Spain, or a notarised declaration that you won't practise that profession here.

4. Enough income

The law asks for sufficient resources for you and your family. The UGE sets the amounts as a share of Spain's minimum wage (SMI): 200% of the SMI per month for the applicant, at least 75% more for a second family member, and 25% for each additional person. The amounts are gross. The 2026 SMI is €1,221 a month, paid 14 times a year (€17,094 a year). The UGE guidance doesn't spell out how the monthly threshold is calculated from that figure, so confirm the amount your service works to before you rely on it.

If your earnings fall short, savings or other liquid funds can make up the difference for the whole period of the authorisation.

5. A clean record

You need no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you've lived in the last two years, plus a declaration covering the last five years. Some consulates ask for certificates covering five years, so check your consulate if you apply from abroad. You must also be at least 18, not be in Spain irregularly, and not be listed as someone to refuse entry.

6. Health cover

The law accepts public or private health insurance with an insurer authorised in Spain. The UGE adds detail:

• If you'll register with Spanish Social Security once authorised, you don't need to show insurance.
• If you stay in your home country's system and that system gives you Spanish public healthcare, you show a certificate of entitlement.
• Otherwise you need insurance with cover equivalent to Spain's public system, and the UGE doesn't accept travel insurance, reimbursement-only policies, or policies with copayments or waiting periods.

Our DNV health insurance guide explains the insurance side in detail.

7. The fee

You pay the official fee for the application.