Spain’s digital nomad visa requirements: what the law requires

The ‘digital nomad visa’ is known in law as the autorización para teletrabajo de carácter internacional (international remote work authorisation). It is covered by Ley 14/2013 (Law 14/2013), amended by Ley 28/2022 (Law 28/2022), and processed by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE, Large Companies Unit). Here, we explain what the law requires, without shortcuts.

Who can apply

It is for people from outside the European Union who will work remotely from Spain for companies based outside Spain. If you are self-employed, you can also work for a company based in Spain, provided that work does not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.

The qualifications required by law

You must be a qualified professional. The law provides two ways to meet this requirement:

• A graduate or postgraduate qualification from a recognised, prestigious university or business school, or formación profesional (vocational training).

• Alternatively, at least three years of professional experience. Experience is an alternative to a qualification, not an additional requirement.

Your relationship with companies or clients

The evidence required by law depends on your situation:

• If you work por cuenta ajena (as an employee): evidence of an employment relationship with a company based outside Spain for at least the three months before your application. You also need documents showing that the company allows remote work.

• If you work por cuenta propia (on a self-employed basis): a relación mercantil (commercial relationship) with one or more companies based outside Spain for at least three months, including the terms under which you work remotely.

In both cases, the company or group of companies you work with must have carried out genuine, continuous business activity for at least one year. You must also be able to show that your work can be done remotely.

A rule that is often overlooked

• If you are an employee, you can only work for companies based outside Spain.

• If you are self-employed, you can do some work for a Spanish company, provided it does not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.

Other requirements

You must also meet the general requirements for autorizaciones de residencia (residence authorisations) under the law. These cover identity, antecedentes penales (criminal records), health insurance and any other requirements set out in the legislation. The UGE publishes the minimum income requirement, which changes over time. We therefore confirm the current amount when we start working with you.

How we support you

We review your circumstances, explain whether you meet the requirements and identify anything missing. We prepare your expediente (application file) with abogados colegiados ejercientes (practising lawyers registered with a bar association). Find out more on our residence for digital nomads page.

👉 Tell us about your situation on WhatsApp

Read also

• Residence for digital nomads in Spain: requirements and benefits in 2026

• Renewing your digital nomad visa in Spain

• Apostilla de La Haya (Hague Apostille): what it is and how to get your documents apostilled

Official sources

• BOE (Spain’s Official State Gazette): Ley 14/2013 (Law 14/2013)

• BOE: Ley 28/2022 (Law 28/2022)

• Ministerio de Inclusión (Ministry of Inclusion), UGE: teletrabajadores (remote workers)

This content is for general guidance and does not replace legal advice. Every application depends on your circumstances. Discuss your case with an abogado colegiado (lawyer registered with a bar association).

The Extranjería Clara team · 18/10/2026