If you’ve ever dreamed about swapping your home office for Mediterranean beaches and endless tapas, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Thanks to a new law passed in 2023, remote workers from outside the EU can now live and work legally in Spain.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—who’s eligible, what documents you’ll need, and what life as a digital nomad in Spain really looks like. We’ll also explore the best cities to call home, how to stay connected with a Spain eSIM, and answer all the biggest questions travelers like you are asking.
A digital nomad is a remote worker who uses technology to perform their job from anywhere in the world. Many work as freelancers, consultants, developers, designers, writers, marketers, or online entrepreneurs. Instead of reporting daily to a fixed office, digital nomads organize their professional lives around flexible schedules and diverse locations.
For those dreaming of making Spain their base, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a clear legal pathway. It allows non-EU professionals to live and work in Spain without changing employers or clients, offering the chance to experience the country’s vibrant culture, enjoy long-term residency, and continue growing an international career — all while soaking up everything Spain has to offer.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Anyone staying in Spain for more than 183 days in a year is usually considered a tax resident.
This means paying Spanish taxes not just on income made in Spain, but on money earned anywhere in the world. It’s not just about counting days, either. Even staying less than 183 days could still make someone a tax resident if their main work, business, or family life is based in Spain.
For digital nomads on Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, it’s important to keep this in mind. Staying short-term usually isn’t an issue. But planning to live in Spain most of the year? Then expect to become a tax resident and pay Spanish income taxes.
The good news? Spain offers a special tax deal for many remote workers (the Beckham Law), which can reduce taxes to a flat 24% on income up to €600,000 a year — much lower than normal rates.
Keeping track of travel dates and getting advice from a local tax expert can make a big difference and help avoid any surprises.
When applying, you’ll need to prepare:
All documents that are not originally in Spanish must be officially translated by a sworn translator recognized in Spain. In many cases, documents also need an apostille certification, which is an official stamp confirming that a document is authentic and can be legally used abroad.
Spain makes it easy for digital nomads to bring their families along. Under the Digital Nomad Visa program, it’s possible to include a spouse or civil partner, dependent children under 18, and even dependent parents who need care.
However, there are extra income requirements to make sure the whole family is financially supported. The main applicant must show a minimum income of €2,650 per month, plus an additional €1,987.50 for a spouse or partner, and €662.50 for each child.
For example, a remote worker relocating with a spouse and two children would need to show at least €5,000 per month, or about €60,000 a year. Understanding these numbers ahead of time can save you from delays, extra paperwork, or unexpected rejections.
Choosing Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is about much more than securing a legal stay—it’s about building a better lifestyle. The visa offers remote workers the chance to live in Spain for up to five years, with a clear path toward permanent residency after that.
It also makes it easy to bring family members, travel freely across the 27 Schengen countries, and take advantage of Spain’s special 24% flat tax rate. On top of that, Spain is home to thousands of coworking spaces, international networking events, and one of the best healthcare systems in Europe.
For anyone serious about combining career growth with a high quality of life, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most complete and rewarding options available.
Spain has no shortage of amazing cities for remote workers — whether it’s beach life, big-city energy, or a quieter cultural vibe. Each spot offers something unique for different working styles and lifestyles. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best cities for digital nomads looking to find their perfect base:
Barcelona offers digital nomads the perfect mix of work and lifestyle. With reliable high-speed internet (average speeds around 230–250 Mbps), dozens of world-class coworking spaces, and a strong international community, it's easy to stay productive.
The city also ranks as one of the top safest cities in Europe, making it a comfortable choice for solo travelers. Barcelona is perfect for nomads who want vibrant city energy, creative inspiration, and the ability to swap an afternoon of work for a sunset swim — all without missing a beat professionally.
Best coworking spaces:
Madrid is a fantastic choice for digital nomads who want a true big-city experience without losing the warmth of Spanish culture. The city offers ultra-fast internet (average speeds of 250–300 Mbps), hundreds of coworking spaces, and one of Europe’s most efficient metro systems, making it easy to get anywhere.
Madrid has a booming tech and startup scene, world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía, countless cafés for casual work sessions, and green spaces like Retiro Park for mid-day breaks. Thanks to Madrid’s central location and its busy airport, it’s one of the best bases in Spain for traveling across Europe on weekends.
Top coworking spaces:
Valencia is a favorite for digital nomads who want a beach city vibe without the high price tag. The cost of living here is lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, with one-bedroom apartments in good areas typically renting for €700–€1,000 per month.
The internet is reliable, with average speeds of around 220–250 Mbps, and the city is known for being one of the most bike-friendly places in Spain, with over 150 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes. Valencia’s coworking scene is growing fast, fueled by a strong startup culture and frequent tech meetups.
Best coworking spaces:
Seville is ideal for digital nomads who want a slower pace without losing the buzz of city life. Rent prices are much lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, with good one-bedroom apartments available for €600–€900 per month, and average internet speeds around 200–230 Mbps, strong enough for video calls and remote work.
The city’s charm lies in its deep cultural roots — flamenco shows, traditional festivals like Feria de Abril, and stunning historic architecture are part of everyday life here. Seville has a growing number of coworking spaces, a welcoming expat and local community, and endless sunny days (over 300 days of sunshine per year).
Coworking spaces:
Granada offers digital nomads an unbeatable mix of affordability, culture, and nature. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for just €450–€700 per month, making it one of the cheapest cities for long-term living in Spain. Internet speeds average around 200–220 Mbps, enough for smooth remote work.
Granada has a strong student and international community thanks to its historic university, meaning there's always something happening — from language exchanges to cultural festivals. Nature lovers are perfectly placed: the Sierra Nevada mountains (ideal for winter skiing) are just 45 minutes away, and the Mediterranean coast is reachable in under an hour.
Coworking spaces:
Málaga has quickly risen as one of Spain’s top choices for digital nomads who want a mix of seaside living, great weather, and solid work opportunities. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, reliable internet speeds averaging 220–250 Mbps, and a lively international community, it's easy to settle into a productive and social lifestyle.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges between €650–€1,000 per month, making it more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid but with the bonus of beach access right in the city. Málaga’s airport is one of the busiest in Spain, offering cheap flights across Europe, and the high-speed AVE train connects it to cities like Madrid in under 2.5 hours.
Top coworking spaces:
For a deeper dive into the country's rich culture, don't miss these fun facts about Spain that you probably didn't know. And if you're planning to explore beyond your laptop screen, check out the 10 most beautiful places in Spain or build the perfect Spain itinerary before settling in.
Since launching in early 2023, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa has attracted growing interest from remote workers around the world. While official visa grant numbers haven't yet been fully published, early trends show that Spain is quickly becoming one of Europe's top destinations for digital nomads.
Research suggests Spain now hosts around 125,000 digital nomads, making it the most popular country in Europe for remote workers. A large number of new arrivals are choosing vibrant hubs like Madrid and Valencia, drawn by Spain’s excellent quality of life, good internet infrastructure, and affordable living costs.
Although the application process can involve extra steps—such as sworn document translations and social security proof—the visa remains accessible for well-prepared applicants. With strong momentum behind the program and no official cap on visas yet announced, Spain is positioning itself as a major hub for remote professionals in the years ahead.
Spain offers excellent eSIM technology and fast internet infrastructure, with 4G/5G coverage almost everywhere. For digital nomads, using an international eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected without relying on expensive data roaming. Popular options include:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
 | Holafly | Unlimited data, 24/7 customer support | No data sharing (hotspot); higher cost | From $6.90/day |
 | Airalo | Flexible short-term packages | No unlimited data; variable network quality | From $5 for 1GB/7 days |
 | Nomad | Great for multi-country travel | No unlimited data; some plans may have limited coverage | From $26 for 10GB/30 days |
Once you submit your full application with all required documents, it typically takes between 20 to 45 days for the Spanish authorities to process and issue the visa. However, processing times can vary depending on the consulate, the time of year, and how complete your application is.
If you spend over 183 days/year, yes. Eligible nomads can apply for a reduced 24% flat income tax (up to €600,000/year) under Spain’s Beckham Law.
The Beckham Law lets eligible foreigners living in Spain pay a flat 24% income tax instead of the higher standard rates for up to six years.
The U.S. and Spain double tax treaty makes sure Americans living in Spain don’t get taxed twice on the same income.
A Blue Card in Spain is a residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens who have a valid job offer and meet salary and education requirements.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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