Renewing your digital nomad visa in Spain: how it works

The autorización para teletrabajo de carácter internacional (international remote working authorisation), often called the ‘digital nomad visa’, does not last indefinitely. It has a maximum duration and needs to be renewed if you want to keep living in Spain under it. Here is how it works and what to prepare beforehand.

How long it lasts and how renewal works

Under Ley 14/2013 (Law 14/2013), the authorisation is valid for a maximum of three years, unless you apply for a shorter period of work. Holders can apply to renew it for two-year periods, provided they continue to meet the conditions on which it was granted.

Renewal follows the same process as the initial application: you apply electronically to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE, the large companies unit).

Conditions you must continue to meet

Renewal is not automatic. The Administración (public authorities) checks that you still meet the conditions of your authorisation:

• You still work remotely for companies based outside Spain. If you carry out professional activities, you may also work for a company based in Spain, provided that work accounts for no more than 20% of your total professional activity.

• Your relationship with those companies or clients continues, and you can provide evidence of it.

• You still meet the income and insurance requirements that applied when you first obtained the authorisation.

The authorities may request reports or additional documents to check this. Keep your contracts, invoices, bank statements and evidence of alta en la Seguridad Social (registration with Spain’s social security system) organised.

When to apply

Submit your application before your authorisation expires. Under the law, submitting a renewal application within the applicable time limit extends the validity of your existing authorisation until a decision is made. Missing the deadline makes your situation more complicated.

The exact renewal application window depends on the rules in force. We confirm this with you based on your expiry date.

Common mistakes

• Leaving it until the final month without having your documents ready.

• Changing clients or employers without checking that you still meet the conditions of your authorisation.

• Failing to keep evidence of your client relationships throughout the period.

• Travelling or changing your tax residence without understanding how this affects renewal.

How we support you

We review your circumstances, explain what is missing and prepare your expediente (application file) with registered practising lawyers. If you do not yet have the authorisation, see our page on residencia para nómadas digitales (residence for digital nomads).

👉 Tell us about your situation on WhatsApp

Read also

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

• Renewing your NIE (foreigner identification number) or TIE (foreigner identity card): documents, deadlines and what happens on expiry

• Alta de autónomo (self-employed registration) in Spain: steps, timescales and cost

Official sources

• BOE (Spain’s Official State Gazette): Ley 14/2013, supporting entrepreneurs and their internationalisation

• BOE: Ley 28/2022, promoting the start-up ecosystem

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

This content is for general guidance and does not replace legal advice. Every application depends on your circumstances: discuss your case with a registered lawyer.

Extranjería Clara team · 18/10/2026