How to Move to Spain

Digital nomad visa

Spain's digital nomad visa lets non-EU remote workers live in Spain while working for clients or employers outside the country. Applicants usually need to show a professional relationship with the employer or clients, a minimum period of remote work experience and sufficient income.

The permit is normally valid for one year from the consulate or up to three years if applied for from within Spain, and it can be renewed.

Non-lucrative and retirement residence

The non-lucrative visa is designed for people who can support themselves without working in Spain. It is popular with retirees and people with passive income. You must show regular income or savings that meet the published thresholds and hold valid private health insurance.

Work and student routes

Most employed work visas require a job offer and an employer to request the initial authorisation. Spain also runs a regulated quota system for some seasonal and non-seasonal work. Student visas allow part-time work under set conditions and can sometimes lead to a post-study work permit.

Family reunification

Once you hold a long-term Spanish residence permit, you may be able to bring close family members under family reunification rules. Each family member must meet health and criminal-record requirements.

Documents and practical steps

Typical paperwork includes a valid passport, proof of income or savings, health insurance, a clean criminal record certificate, a medical certificate and, where relevant, an employment contract or remote-work evidence. Documents issued outside Spain usually need to be legalised or carry an apostille and be translated by a sworn translator.

After arriving, you must apply for your foreigner's identity card (TIE) within the deadline printed on your visa.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying for a digital nomad visa while doing freelance work for Spanish clients, showing income that fluctuates below the requirement, or letting health insurance lapse can lead to refusal. For the non-lucrative visa, savings must be available and regular; one large recent deposit is usually not enough.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work for a Spanish company on a digital nomad visa?

No more than a small percentage of your income may come from Spanish clients. The visa is intended for remote work for non-Spanish employers or clients.

How long can I stay in Spain on a non-lucrative visa?

The initial visa is usually valid for one year, renewable for two-year periods and eventually leading to long-term residence.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Spanish is not usually a legal requirement for these visas, but it helps enormously for daily life, bureaucracy and some work permits.