How to Apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Discover the key requirements and benefits of Spain’s new digital nomad visa, designed to attract international remote workers and boost innovation.
07/12/2022

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Spain has officially joined the global race to attract international talent. With the approval of the new Startup Law, the country now offers a legal framework for remote workers through the digital nomad visa. This visa allows non-EU professionals to live and work remotely from Spain, either as freelancers or employees of foreign companies.
If you’re a remote worker, entrepreneur, or company looking to relocate talent to Spain, this guide will walk you through the essentials of the new visa, its requirements, and how to take advantage of the broader benefits of the Startup Law.
What Is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa is a new residence permit introduced under Spain’s Startup Law. It allows non-EU nationals to legally live and work remotely from Spain for up to five years.
This visa is designed for:
- Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies.
- Freelancers or self-employed professionals with international clients.
- Entrepreneurs launching or managing digital businesses from Spain.
The goal? To attract international talent, foster innovation, and position Spain as a global hub for startups and remote work.
Key Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
o qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria depending on their professional situation:
If You’re a Remote Employee
You must:
- Prove an existing employment relationship of at least 3 months with a non-Spanish company.
- Demonstrate that your job can be performed 100% remotely.
- Show that your employer has been operating for at least 1 year.
If You’re a Freelancer or Contractor
You must:
- Provide contracts with one or more foreign clients.
- Prove that your services can be delivered entirely online.
- Show a contractual relationship of at least 3 months prior to applying.
If You Work with Spanish Clients
You can work with Spanish companies, but no more than 20% of your total income can come from them.
Tax Benefits: The Special Regime for Digital Nomads
One of the most attractive features of the visa is the Special Tax Regime (commonly known as the “Beckham Law”). Under this regime:
- You’ll be taxed as a non-resident for up to 5 years.
- The corporate tax rate drops from 25% to 15% during the first four years of profitability.
- You can benefit from reduced personal income tax on foreign-sourced income.
This makes Spain one of the most competitive destinations in Europe for digital nomads and remote-first companies.
The Startup Law: A Broader Framework for Innovation
The digital nomad visa is just one part of Spain’s ambitious Startup Law, officially known as the “Law for the Promotion of the Emerging Companies Ecosystem.” This law introduces over 80 measures to boost entrepreneurship and attract international investment.
Key Highlights:
Support for Serial Entrepreneurs
Founders launching multiple startups can now benefit repeatedly from the law’s incentives.
Rural Innovation
Pilot programs will promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, aligned with the Smart Rural Territory initiative.
Talent Retention
Graduates from Spanish universities can now stay longer to seek employment or launch projects.
Simplified Bureaucracy
- A one-stop digital portal (ONE) will certify startups.
- Foreign investors no longer need a NIE—only a tax ID (NIF).
- Notary and registry fees are significantly reduced.
Fiscal Incentives for Startups and Investors
The law also introduces major tax benefits for startups and their investors:
- Corporate tax reduced to 15% for the first 4 profitable years.
- Investment deduction increased from €60,000 to €100,000 annually.
- Deduction rate raised from 30% to 50%.
- The “recently created” status extended from 3 to 5 years (or 7 for strategic sectors).
What Qualifies as a Startup?
To be recognized as a startup under the law, a company must:
- Be less than 5 years old (7 for strategic sectors).
- Not be listed or distribute dividends.
- Have its headquarters in Spain.
- Employ at least 60% of staff in Spain.
- Generate less than €10 million in annual revenue.
Why Choose Spain as a Digital Nomad?
Spain offers a unique combination of lifestyle, infrastructure, and legal incentives:
- Global connectivity with major tech hubs.
- High quality of life and affordable cost of living.
- Legal certainty for remote workers and startups.
- Access to EU markets and funding opportunities.
At Adlanter, we specialize in digital nomad visa in Spain. Our team of legal and tax experts can:
- Assess your eligibility for the digital nomad visa.
- Handle the entire application process.
- Advise on tax optimization and compliance.
- Support your relocation or that of your team.
If you’re considering relocating to Spain as a remote worker or want to attract international talent to your company, the digital nomad visa is a strategic opportunity. Combined with the Startup Law, it positions Spain as a top destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global mobility
imo de 10 millones de euros.

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