Top 7 Spanish Visas Explained: Which Spain Visa Is Right for You in 2026
If you’re thinking about moving to Spain, one of the first - and most important - questions you’ll face is: which Spanish visa actually makes sense for me?
Spain offers multiple residency options, but after consulting with hundreds of families, professionals, and entrepreneurs, one pattern is clear: most people initially focus on the wrong visa.
They arrive convinced they need a specific option, only to discover it either doesn’t fit their work structure, won’t allow their family to move easily, or creates long-term restrictions they didn’t anticipate.
The truth is that the right Spanish visa depends entirely on your personal situation - your income source, employment setup, business structure, family needs, and how quickly you want to relocate.
In this guide, we break down seven of the most common Spanish visas, ranking them from least to most practical based on four key factors:
By the end of this article, you should be able to clearly identify which visa fits your situation - and which options are likely a waste of time.
#7 Employee Work Visa (Por Cuenta Ajena)
This is the most straightforward visa in theory - and at the same time, one of the hardest to pull off in practice.
On paper, the idea sounds simple: you find a job in Spain, the company hires you, and you move. In reality, this visa is entirely employer-driven, and that’s where most people get stuck.
You cannot apply for this visa on your own just because you want to work in Spain. A Spanish company has to decide they want you badly enough to sponsor you, deal with Spanish immigration authorities, and wait through a process that can easily take several months. This visa exists to fill gaps in the Spanish labor market, which means the employer usually has to justify why they are hiring a non-EU national instead of someone who is already authorized to work in Spain or the EU.
We get a lot of questions from people asking whether finding a job in Spain and moving on this visa is a realistic plan. And based on what we see in real life - it’s very hard. The Spanish job market is competitive, salaries are relatively low compared to the U.S., and most companies are simply not eager to sponsor foreign workers unless they absolutely have to.
I’ve seen this play out many times. I even have a friend who spent almost a year applying for jobs in Valencia and Barcelona. She went through interviews, followed up, did everything “right” - and in the end, it still didn’t work. Not because she wasn’t qualified, but because sponsorship is a burden most companies don’t want to take on.
How the Process Actually Works
This is where expectations really need to be set correctly.
With this visa, the employer applies first, not you. The Spanish company submits an application in Spain for a work and residence authorization on your behalf. Only once that authorization is approved are you allowed to apply for the visa itself at the Spanish consulate that covers your place of residence.
That means there are two separate stages:
Employer authorization in Spain
Visa application at the consulate
If the employer decides to stop the process, delays paperwork, or doesn’t know how to handle immigration correctly, everything can fall apart - and you have very little control over that.
Who Can Actually Qualify for Employee Work Visa
Legally, this visa is available to non-EU nationals who have a formal job offer from a Spanish company, meet the qualifications for the role, and pass the standard criminal record and medical requirements. In practice, however, approvals are far more common in very specific situations - most often for employees being transferred internally by multinational companies, or for highly specialized professionals working in technical or niche roles that are difficult to fill locally. In some cases, roles listed on Spain’s official shortage occupation list may also qualify more easily.
If your plan is to arrive in Spain and “find a job once you’re there,” this visa is simply not designed for that approach.
General Documents Required for Spain Employee Work Visa
Requirements vary slightly by province and consulate, but in general, the process involves:
- Application for work and residence authorization
- Employment contract compliant with Spanish labor law
- Proof the company is legally established and financially solvent
- Justification for hiring a non-EU national
- Valid passport
- Approved work authorization
- Signed employment contract
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Visa application forms and consular fees
Only after the visa is issued can you enter Spain and begin working legally.
Spain Employee Work Visa: Pros and Cons
If everything goes smoothly, the Employee Work Visa allows you to live legally in Spain and work for the sponsoring employer under Spanish labor law. You are registered in Spain’s Social Security system, which gives you access to public healthcare, and the time you spend on this visa counts toward long-term residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship. The initial residence permit is usually issued for one year and must be renewed as long as the employment relationship continues.
The major limitation of this visa - and the part many people underestimate - is dependency. Your legal status in Spain is directly tied to your job. If you lose your position, resign, or the company restructures, your residency can be immediately affected. While changing employers is technically possible, it usually requires restarting a new authorization process, which is slow and uncertain.
Because of this lack of flexibility, combined with the difficulty of finding a sponsoring employer and long processing timelines, this visa is rarely the fastest or least stressful way to move - especially for families trying to relocate together.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
This visa really only makes sense for:
➞ People who already have a confirmed job offer from a Spanish company willing and able to sponsor them
➞ Employees being transferred internally by multinational firms
➞ Highly specialized professionals filling roles Spain genuinely cannot source locally
For most remote workers, freelancers, and business owners, there are far better options that offer more flexibility and far less risk - which is why this visa sits at the bottom of the ranking.
#6 Student Visa
The Spain Student Visa ranks slightly higher than the employee work visa - not because it’s a perfect option, but because it’s often easier and faster to obtain. At the same time, it’s also one of the most misunderstood visas and one of the most commonly misused by people trying to “test” life in Spain.
Spain grants this visa for one very specific reason: to study. Not to relocate permanently, not to work remotely, and not to figure things out later - but because you are enrolled in a full-time, accredited educational program.
This distinction matters a lot, and ignoring it is where people run into trouble.
How the Spain Student Visa Actually Works
The student visa is applied for through the Spanish consulate that covers your place of residence. Processing times are generally faster than work visas and usually fall in the 4-8 week range, depending on the consulate.
To qualify, you must first be accepted into a recognized Spanish educational institution. This can be:
A university degree
A master’s program
An accredited language school
However, the program must be full-time, typically at least 20 hours per week. Online-only programs, casual courses, or short-term certificates generally do not qualify.
Spain uses a government index called IPREM to calculate the financial requirement for student visas. This amount can change, so applicants must always check the latest consulate-specific requirements before applying.
Financial Requirements for Student Visa
To obtain a student visa, you must show that you can financially support yourself during your stay without relying on work income in Spain. At the moment, this usually means proving access to funds equivalent to roughly €600 per month for the duration of your studies.
If you are bringing family members, Spain requires additional proof of funds - typically higher amounts for a spouse and for each dependent child. These funds must be in your name and clearly accessible.
This is one area where many applicants underestimate the documentation burden. Spain doesn’t just want to see a balance - they want to understand where the money comes from and that it’s genuinely available.
Working on a Student Visa
This is where the student visa has become more attractive in recent years. Under updated immigration regulations that came into effect in 2025, students enrolled in higher education programs (such as university degrees or master’s programs) are now automatically authorized to work up to 30 hours per week without applying for a separate work permit.
This is a major improvement compared to the old system.
That said, there are important limitations:
The work authorization applies only to the main student
Family members accompanying you are not automatically allowed to work
The visa is still issued primarily for study, not employment
If your move to Spain depends on both partners working, this visa often falls short.
General Documents Required for a Spain Student Visa
Although specific requirements vary slightly by Spanish consulate, student visa applications generally involve a combination of documents from the educational institution and from the applicant.
Applicants must also obtain private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain. The policy must cover the entire duration of the stay and cannot include major exclusions, deductibles, or copayments. This requirement is strictly enforced and is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected.
In addition, applicants are typically required to submit a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate confirming that they do not suffer from any disease that could pose a public health risk, as defined by Spanish immigration regulations.
- An official acceptance letter
- Proof that the program is full-time and accredited
- A valid passport
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- A private health insurance policy valid in Spain
- A criminal record certificate
- A medical certificate
- Completed visa application forms and payment of consular fees
Because requirements can differ by consulate and are often applied very strictly, student visa applications frequently appear simple online but become far more detailed in practice. Missing or incorrectly prepared documents are one of the most common causes of delays.
Spain Student Visa: Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of the Spain student visa is accessibility. It’s often faster than work visas, easier to qualify for, and doesn’t require employer sponsorship. For people who genuinely want to study in Spain, it can be a great option.
The downside is that it’s not designed as a long-term relocation strategy. Your legal status is tied to your enrollment. If you stop studying, your residency ends. While it’s possible to modify a student visa into another type of residence permit later, that process is not automatic and requires careful planning.
This is why the student visa often works best as a temporary solution or a bridge, not a final destination.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Spain student visa makes sense for:
➞ People who genuinely want to study in Spain full-time
➞ Those pursuing university degrees, master’s programs, or intensive language study
➞ Applicants who understand the limitations and have a clear next step planned
It is not a good fit for people trying to live in Spain while working remotely, nor for families who rely on dual incomes.
#5 Highly Qualified Professional Visa
The Highly Qualified Professional Visa is often confused with the standard Spanish employee work visa - but in practice, it’s a very different pathway, and in many cases, a much stronger one.
This visa exists for senior-level professionals being recruited into roles that Spain considers highly qualified. We’re talking about executives, managers, engineers, technical specialists, and key personnel whose skills are not easily found in the local labor market.
Unlike the traditional employee work visa, this permit is regulated under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law (Ley de Emprendedores) and processed through the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). That single difference alone makes the process faster, more flexible, and more family-friendly.
How the Highly Qualified Professional Visa Works
Just like the regular employee work visa, this is still an employer-sponsored visa. You cannot apply for it independently.
However, instead of going through local immigration offices, the application is handled centrally by the UGE, which dramatically shortens processing times. In many cases, decisions are issued within 20-30 business days, compared to several months under the traditional system.
Another key difference is where you can apply from. The Highly Qualified Professional visa can often be applied for:
At the Spanish consulate in your home country, or
From within Spain if you are already here legally (for example, as a tourist)
This flexibility alone makes it far more attractive than the standard employee work visa.
Who Can Actually Qualify
This visa is reserved for professionals hired into roles that Spain considers highly skilled and economically justified. While the law does not define a single mandatory salary threshold, in practice, the role must be clearly above average for the Spanish market.
From what we see in real cases, approvals are most common when:
The role is managerial, executive, or highly technical
The salary reflects seniority (often starting around €40,000-€50,000 per year and up)
The company can clearly justify why the position requires a non-EU professional
Applicants are generally expected to hold a university degree from a recognized institution or demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. In some cases, graduating from a prestigious business school or university can also strengthen the application significantly.
That said, this visa is not limited to massive corporations. Mid-sized and international companies can also sponsor it - but very small startups with no immigration experience may find the process more challenging.
General Documents Required for Highly Qualified Professional Visa
While requirements vary slightly depending on the company and the role, applications generally include:
- Employment contract or job offer
- Description of the role and its highly qualified nature
- Proof the company is legally established and financially stable
- Authorization to submit the application through the UGE
- Valid passport
- Proof of professional qualifications (degree and/or experience)
- Criminal record certificate
- Private health insurance
- Standard immigration application forms
As with other Spanish visas, documentation must be prepared carefully. Even though this process is faster, it is not automatic.
Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa: Pros and Cons
One of the biggest advantages of the Highly Qualified Professional Visa is its speed and stability. Unlike most Spanish work permits, successful applicants receive a residence permit valid for three years from the start, rather than a one-year card that requires immediate renewal. Another major benefit - especially for couples - is that a spouse is automatically authorized to work in Spain, without needing a separate work permit.
There is also no requirement to prove personal savings. Your employment contract and salary are what financially support the application, which makes this visa far more accessible for senior professionals who are actively employed.
That said, the main limitation of this visa is dependency on the employer. Your legal status in Spain is directly tied to your job. If the employment relationship ends, your residency can be affected quickly unless another qualifying employer is able to step in and take over sponsorship. In addition, not all companies are equipped to handle the administrative requirements of this visa. Smaller startups or businesses without prior experience working with the UGE may struggle with the process, which can make outcomes less predictable.
If approved, the Highly Qualified Professional visa allows you to live and work legally in Spain in a senior or specialized role, register in Spain’s Social Security system, access public healthcare, and bring immediate family members under your residency. Time spent on this visa counts toward long-term residency and Spanish citizenship, making it one of the strongest employer-sponsored pathways available - provided the role and employer are the right fit.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Highly Qualified Professional visa is best suited for:
➞ Executives, managers, and senior specialists recruited by established Spanish companies
➞ Professionals being transferred internally by multinational firms
➞ Candidates offered genuinely senior or highly technical roles with competitive salaries
If you are being hired by a very small foreign startup with no immigration experience - it’s often worth exploring alternatives such as the Digital Nomad Visa, which can offer more flexibility and less dependency.
#4 Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa)
The Spain Entrepreneur Visa, often referred to as the Startup Visa, is one of the most misunderstood residency options in Spain.
People hear “entrepreneur visa” and immediately think they can open a café, start a consulting business, or run a small local company. But that’s not what Spain means by entrepreneurship in this context.
This visa is designed specifically for innovative business projects that are considered to be of special economic interest to Spain. That distinction is critical - and it’s where most applications fail.
How the Spain Entrepreneur Visa Actually Works
The Entrepreneur Visa falls under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law (Ley de Emprendedores) and is evaluated by a government-backed entity called ENISA. ENISA’s role is to assess whether your business project meets Spain’s definition of innovation and economic value.
This is not a box-ticking exercise. The evaluation is subjective.
Spain is looking for projects that are scalable, forward-looking, and capable of contributing to the Spanish economy in a meaningful way. In recent years, ENISA has placed increasing emphasis on businesses related to digital transformation, technology, and environmental sustainability.
A traditional local business - even a profitable one - usually does not qualify.
Spain Entrepreneur Visa Business Plan and Innovation Requirements
When Spain talks about an “innovative” business under the Entrepreneur Visa, it does not necessarily mean inventing something entirely new. What matters is that the project goes beyond a standard local service and demonstrates clear added economic value. In practice, approved applications usually involve technology-driven products or platforms, scalable digital services, startups with international potential, businesses that create qualified jobs, or projects aligned with sustainability or green initiatives.
Just as importantly, Spanish authorities evaluate the founder, not only the idea. Your professional background, education, and experience must clearly support the business you are proposing. A strong, relevant profile can significantly strengthen an application, while a mismatch between the founder and the project is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
The business plan is the core of the Entrepreneur Visa application and is reviewed in detail. It must clearly explain what the business does, who it serves, how it generates revenue, how it will be financed, and how it is expected to scale over time. Spain also wants to understand why the project makes sense in Spain specifically, not just anywhere.
There is no fixed minimum investment amount written into law. However, authorities expect to see that you have realistic access to the funds required to launch and sustain the business. If your project requires significant capital, you must be able to demonstrate that those resources are available, otherwise the application is unlikely to succeed.
General Documents Required for Spain Entrepreneur Visa
While requirements vary slightly depending on the case, applications generally include:
- Valid passport
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Evidence of professional background and experience
- Criminal record certificate
- Private health insurance
- Favorable report confirming the project is innovative and of economic interest
Only once ENISA issues a positive report can the residence permit be approved.
Spain Entrepreneur Visa: Pros and Cons
One of the biggest advantages of the Spain Entrepreneur Visa is the level of flexibility it offers to the right type of founder. If approved, it allows you to live and work legally in Spain while developing your business, and you can include immediate family members under your residency.
If you set up a new Spanish company, you may also benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% during your first profitable years, compared to the standard 25%. These benefits can be extended further if your company is officially recognized as an empresa emergente, which is Spain’s legal term for a qualifying startup. In simple terms, this means a newly created company that meets specific criteria under Spain’s Startup Law - such as being innovative, growth-oriented, and not listed on a stock exchange - and is formally certified by the Spanish authorities.
That said, the limitations of this visa are significant. Approval is not guaranteed, even for experienced entrepreneurs with successful businesses elsewhere. The evaluation process is subjective, the criteria evolve over time, and projects that do not clearly align with Spain’s innovation priorities are frequently rejected.
This is not a general “business owner visa” and not a workaround for freelancers or consultants. Trying to force a traditional or service-based business into this category often leads to months of preparation followed by a denial, which is why this visa should only be pursued when the project genuinely fits Spain’s startup framework.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Spain Entrepreneur (Startup) Visa makes sense for:
Founders building genuinely innovative and scalable businesses
Entrepreneurs in tech, digital services, or sustainability-focused projects
Applicants with a strong professional background aligned with the business idea
People prepared to invest time and resources into a detailed business plan
It is not a good fit for:
Cafés, restaurants, shops, or other local businesses
Consultants, coaches, or freelancers working alone
People looking for a fast or low-effort path to residency
For those cases, other options - such as the Self-Employment Permit or the Digital Nomad Visa - are usually far more appropriate.
#3 Self-Employment Permit (Por Cuenta Propia)
The Self-Employment Permit, officially called residencia y trabajo por cuenta propia, is the visa that allows non-EU nationals to move to Spain to open and run a traditional business or work as a self-employed professional inside the Spanish market.
This is the visa people often think they need when they want to open a café, restaurant, shop, hotel, or local service business in Spain. And in many cases, they’re right - but it’s also one of the most demanding and bureaucratic visa options on this list.
How the Self-Employment Visa Actually Works
Unlike the Entrepreneur (Startup) Visa, this permit is not about innovation or scalability. Spain is not asking whether your business is groundbreaking - it’s asking whether it is viable, lawful, and sustainable within the Spanish economy.
The process happens in two main stages and must be initiated from your home country:
First, you apply for authorization to live and work as a self-employed person in Spain. Spanish authorities review your business plan, financial resources, and professional background to decide whether you are allowed to operate that activity in Spain.
Only after this authorization is approved can you apply for the actual visa at the Spanish consulate that covers your place of residence.
This consular requirement alone makes the process slower and less flexible than visas processed through the UGE.
Spain Self-Employment Visa Requirements and Business Plan
Legally, the Spain Self-Employment Visa is available to non-EU nationals who plan to open a traditional business in Spain or work as a self-employed professional serving the Spanish market. In practice, approvals are most common when the business is clearly defined, locally compliant, and supported by a well-prepared application.
Spanish authorities look closely at whether the applicant has relevant professional experience that matches the proposed activity, as well as whether there is sufficient capital to realistically launch and sustain the business. The business plan plays a central role in this evaluation and must demonstrate that the activity is economically viable and capable of supporting the applicant in Spain.
The business plan should clearly explain what business you are opening or what activity you will perform, how it will operate on a day-to-day basis, who your customers will be, how much capital is required to get started, and how you will support yourself while the business grows. There is no fixed income or savings threshold written into law for this visa. Instead, immigration authorities assess each case individually, which makes this process highly discretionary and detail-driven.
Your professional background is a critical part of the assessment. Spain expects to see a logical and credible connection between your experience and the business you propose to run. Applications where this link is weak or unclear are far more likely to be delayed or refused.
General Documents Required for Spain Self-Employment Visa
While requirements vary slightly by consulate, self-employment visa applications generally include:
- Valid passport
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Evidence of professional qualifications or experience
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Private health insurance
- Preliminary business approvals or licenses
- Favorable assessment of the self-employment project
This is one of the most document-heavy visa categories, and missing or inconsistent paperwork is a common reason for delays.
Spain Self-Employment Visa: Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of the Self-Employment Permit is control. You are not tied to an employer, and you are free to operate your own business in Spain. If approved, you can live and work legally, register as autónomo, enroll in Spain’s Social Security system, and bring immediate family members under your residency.
Time spent on this visa counts toward long-term residency and Spanish citizenship, and after the initial one-year permit, renewals are issued for four years at a time, which provides long-term stability.
The downside is the complexity and rigidity of the process. Applications are slow, highly bureaucratic, and discretionary. You must apply from abroad, timelines are unpredictable, and even well-prepared cases can face delays. This visa is not friendly to last-minute movers or people who need flexibility.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Spain Self-Employment Permit makes sense for:
➞ People opening traditional businesses in Spain (restaurants, shops, hotels, local services)
➞ Professionals serving Spanish clients directly
➞ Applicants with sufficient capital and relevant experience
➞ Those committed to operating locally in Spain long-term
It is not a good fit for:
✖️ Remote workers with foreign clients
✖️ Freelancers earning primarily outside Spain
✖️ People looking for a fast or low-friction move
For those situations, the Digital Nomad Visa is almost always the more practical and flexible option.
#2 Non-Lucrative Visa
Reach out to Move to Europe to explore your pathway to Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa ranks second on this list because, for the right type of person, it can be an excellent path to Spanish residency. But it is also one of the most misused and misunderstood visas - especially by Americans who assume that remote income is allowed.
It isn’t.
This visa is designed for people who want to live in Spain without working at all. That includes not working for Spanish companies and not working remotely for foreign companies. If you rely on active income - even if it comes from abroad - this visa is usually not the right fit.
How the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Actually Works
The Non-Lucrative Visa is applied for through the Spanish consulate that covers your place of residence. Unlike visas processed through the UGE, this is a fully consulate-driven process, which means timelines, interpretation of rules, and document requirements can vary significantly depending on where you apply.
If approved, you receive a one-year residence visa. After entering Spain, you apply for your TIE card, and then you can renew the residency from within Spain - first for two years, and then again for another two years.
Time spent on this visa does count toward long-term residency and Spanish citizenship, which is why many retirees and financially independent families use it as a long-term solution.
Financial Requirements for the Non-Lucrative Visa
Financially, this visa is based on Spain’s IPREM index, which is updated periodically. As of 2026, Spain requires applicants to show 400% of the annual IPREM for the main applicant and 100% of the IPREM for each additional family member.
For the Non-Lucrative Visa, the minimum financial requirement is €28,800 per year (€2,400 per month) for the main applicant. If you apply with a spouse or partner, you must show an additional €7,200 per year (€600 per month). Each dependent child also requires an additional €7,200 per year. In practical terms, this means a couple must show at least €36,000 per year, while a family of three must demonstrate a minimum of €43,200 per year.
Spain wants to see that this money is real, accessible, and stable. Applicants can qualify through pensions, Social Security, investment income, rental income, or savings. Many people qualify using savings alone - especially after selling property or building a strong financial cushion.
What trips people up is the definition of work. Spain is very clear: remote work is still work. Even if your employer or clients are outside Spain, engaging in active work activity violates the conditions of this visa. Consulates take this seriously, and violations can cause problems at renewal.
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General Documents Required for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The documentation burden for this visa is heavy and often underestimated. While exact requirements vary by consulate and BLS center, applications typically include:
- Valid passport
- National visa application form
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, bank letters, income documentation)
- Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation or address plan
- Affidavit or statement confirming you will not work in Spain
- Consular fees
Many consulates request 12 months of bank statements, official bank letters showing average balances, and detailed explanations of income sources. This is one of the visas where documentation quality matters enormously.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of the Non-Lucrative Visa is stability for people who truly do not need to work. It allows you to live in Spain long-term, bring your family, access public services once registered, and eventually qualify for permanent residency and citizenship.
It is also one of the most straightforward visas for retirees, early retirees, or families taking an extended break from active employment.
The downside is the strict prohibition on work. This includes remote work, freelancing, consulting, and running online businesses. For many Americans, this is the deal-breaker. Trying to “bend” this rule is risky and can lead to renewal problems or denials.
Another challenge is consulate inconsistency. Requirements can differ dramatically depending on where you apply, and small documentation errors can cause delays or rejections.
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is best suited for:
➞ Retirees living off pensions or Social Security
➞ People with significant savings or passive investment income
➞ Families taking a true career break or sabbatical
➞ Individuals who do not need to work - at all - while living in Spain
It is not a good fit for:
✖️ Remote workers
✖️Freelancers or consultants
✖️Online business owners
✖️Anyone relying on active income
For those cases, the Digital Nomad Visa is almost always the better and safer option.
To make this process easier, download my free, printable Non-Lucrative Visa Checklist — it includes every required document and lets you track your progress step by step.
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#1 Digital Nomad Visa
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The Spain Digital Nomad Visa ranks number one for a simple reason: for modern remote professionals, it offers more speed, flexibility, and long-term upside than any other Spanish residency option.
This visa was introduced to attract highly skilled remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who earn their income outside Spain. Since its launch in 2023, it has quickly become one of the most popular residency pathways not just in Spain, but across Europe.
It’s fast. It’s family-friendly. It allows you to keep working legally. And it leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
For many people, this visa isn’t just the best option - it’s the only one that truly fits their lifestyle.
How the Spain Digital Nomad Visa Actually Works
The Digital Nomad Visa falls under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law (Ley de Emprendedores) and is processed by the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). This is a major advantage.
Unlike consulate-based visas, the application can be submitted from inside Spain while you are here legally as a tourist. The official resolution time is 20 business days, and if no response is issued within that period, the application is considered approved by positive administrative silence.
Once approved, you receive a three-year residence permit immediately, rather than starting with a one-year card. You can live anywhere in Spain, work legally, and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Who Can Qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify, you must be a non-EU national who works remotely using digital means and earns income from outside Spain.
This includes:
Remote employees working for non-Spanish companies
Freelancers or contractors with international clients
Business owners running online companies with foreign customers
If you are an employee, your employer must be located outside Spain and must authorize you to work remotely from Spain. If you are self-employed, at least 80% of your income must come from outside Spain.
You must also demonstrate professional experience. This can be done by showing either:
A university degree related to your field, or
At least three years of relevant professional experience
This experience requirement is often underestimated, and weak documentation here is one of the most common causes of delays.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements
The income requirement for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is tied to Spain’s minimum wage (SMI) and is calculated at 200% of the SMI for the main applicant. These amounts must be shown in gross income, not net.
As of now, the Spanish government has formally proposed a 3.1% increase to the minimum wage for 2026, but the updated SMI has not yet been officially published in the BOE. While the increase is still under final negotiation, similar proposals in recent years have been approved and applied shortly thereafter.
For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to earn above the current minimum threshold to avoid issues if the increase is approved during their application process.
Based on this expected adjustment, the recommended income levels are:
Main applicant: €2,849 gross per month
Spouse or partner: + €1,069 per month
Each dependent child: + €357 per month
In practical terms, this means a couple should earn approximately €3,918 per month, a family of three €4,274 per month, and a family of four €4,630 per month.
Income must be proven through a combination of employment contracts, invoices, bank statements, and tax documentation, and both consulates and the UGE apply these requirements strictly. Consistency between documents is critical, as discrepancies are one of the most common causes of delays or requests for additional information.
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General Documents Required for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
While each case varies slightly, Digital Nomad Visa applications generally include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment
- Employer authorization letter (for employees)
- Proof of professional experience or qualifications
- Proof of income meeting the minimum threshold
- Criminal record certificate
- Private or public health insurance
- Visa or residence application forms
Self-employed applicants are often required to show proof of self-employment registration in their home country, along with invoices and contracts. Documentation standards have tightened over time, and incomplete financial proof is a common reason for delays.
Navigating the bureaucracy can be tricky. To avoid common mistakes, check out our complete guide:
Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of the Digital Nomad Visa is flexibility. You can continue doing the work you already do, without finding a Spanish employer or opening a local business. You receive a three-year residence permit from the start, your spouse is authorized to work, and your entire family can relocate together.
Time spent on this visa counts toward permanent residency and Spanish citizenship, making it one of the strongest long-term options available.
The main downside is that the requirements are constantly evolving and applied more strictly each year. Small mistakes - unclear contracts, weak proof of experience, or improper income documentation - can result in delays or denials. This is not a visa you want to “wing.”
Who This Visa Is Actually For
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for:
➞ Remote employees working for companies outside Spain
➞ Freelancers and contractors with international clients
➞ Online business owners earning from abroad
➞ Families who want flexibility, speed, and long-term residency
It is not a good fit for:
✖️ People working primarily with Spanish clients
✖️ Traditional brick-and-mortar business owners
✖️ Anyone without consistent, documentable income
For remote earners, however, this visa offers something no other Spanish residency option does: the ability to keep your income, change your location, and build a long-term life in Spain without restructuring your entire career. That’s why it earns the number-one spot.
To make this process easier, download my free, printable Digital Nomad Visa Checklist — it includes every required document and lets you track your progress step by step.
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Spanish Visa Comparison Table (Ranked)
This comparison highlights why some Spanish visas are far more practical than others, depending on how you earn income and how quickly you want to relocate. The ranking reflects not just legal eligibility, but real-world experience with processing times, application logistics, and long-term flexibility.
For most remote professionals and financially independent families, the difference between “technically possible” and “actually workable” is what determines whether a move to Spain feels smooth - or stressful.
| Rank | Visa Type | Silence Rule | Where to Apply | Processing | Speed | Ease | Convenience | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #7 | Employee Work | ✕ Negative | Consulate (after employer files) | 3+ months | Slow |
Hard |
Low |
Low |
| #6 | Student Visa | ✕ Negative | Consulate | 1–2 months | Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
Low |
| #5 | Highly Qualified | ✓ Positive | Spain (UGE) or Consulate | ~20 days | Fast |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
| #4 | Entrepreneur | ✓ Positive | Spain (UGE) or Consulate | ~20 days | Fast |
Hard |
High |
High |
| #3 | Self-Employment | ✕ Negative | Consulate only | 3+ months | Slow |
Hard |
Low |
High |
| #2 | Non-Lucrative | ✕ Negative | Consulate only | 2–3 months | Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
Low |
| #1 | Digital Nomad | ✓ Positive | Spain (UGE) or Consulate | ~20 days | Fast |
Easy |
High |
High |
All Spanish Visas Explained: FAQs
Get Expert Help with Spain’s Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative Visa
Moving to Spain isn’t just about getting a visa approved - it’s about choosing the right visa from the start and making sure everything works smoothly once you arrive.
At Move to Europe, we specialize exclusively in Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa. These are the two pathways we know inside and out - and the only ones we support. From visa strategy and application coordination to post-arrival essentials like your TIE card, empadronamiento, banking, healthcare, and tax or autónomo setup, we guide you through the entire relocation process, end to end.
We’re not a visa factory. We work with a limited number of clients and provide high-touch, white-glove support - from your initial strategy call to the moment you’re fully settled in Spain and compliant long-term.
If you’re planning to move to Spain under the Digital Nomad Visa or the Non-Lucrative Visa and want a seamless, stress-free experience, we can help you do it right from the start. Click below to learn how we work and see if we’re a good fit.
