If the thought of trading in grey commutes and instant coffee for a sunny desk in Costa Blanca fills you with glee, you’re not alone. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is finally making it possible for non-EU citizens to live the Mediterranean remote-working dream—legally.

But how exactly do you get from “I work from home” to “I work from Spain”? Let’s unpack the steps, the paperwork (yes, there’s a fair bit), and what to expect along the way.

Breathe deeply—we’re about to make this very manageable.

📌 Who is this visa for?

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (officially: Visado para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional) is designed for:

• Non-EU/EEA citizens
• Employees of foreign companies or self-employed freelancers
• Remote workers earning at least €2,762/month (200% of the updated national minimum wage -SMI-, as per the day of issue of this post)
• Those who can prove work experience, education, and a clean criminal record

You must primarily work for non-Spanish clients (up to 20% of income from Spanish companies is allowed).

📝 What you need to qualify

Here’s what Spain wants to see before letting you settle in with your laptop:

• 💼 Proof of remote work: A contract with your employer or client agreements
• 🎓 Qualifications: University degree, vocational certificate, or 3+ years of work experience
• 💶 Financial means: Income of at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage—around €2,760/month in 2024
• 🧾 Clean criminal record: No offences in the last 5 years (must be apostilled and translated)
• 🏥 Health insurance: Private coverage valid in Spain
• 📄 Valid passport: At least 12 months left
• 👨‍👩‍👧 For family members: Marriage/birth certificates and proof of additional income

How to apply

There are two ways to apply, depending on where you are:

Option 1: Apply from your home country

• Visit your local Spanish consulate
• Submit all documents
• If approved, you’ll receive a 1-year visa
• You can later convert this to a residence permit (residencia) once in Spain

Option 2: Apply while in Spain

• Already in Spain on a tourist visa?
• Apply for a residence permit directly at the Oficina de Extranjería
• You’ll get 3 years of residence, renewable for 2 more

🕐 Processing time: Around 20–30 working days, though this varies slightly by location.

💸 Tax perks? Yes, please.

If you apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, you may be eligible for Spain’s Beckham Law regime (yes, named after that Beckham).

It allows you to:

• Pay 24% flat tax on income up to €600,000/year
• Avoid global income tax (for up to 6 years)

Be sure to apply for this within 6 months of getting your residency. A good tax advisor or gestor can help you make the most of it.

✅ Quick checklist for non-EU digital nomads

Here’s what to gather before your application:

• Passport with 1+ year validity
• Visa application form
• Proof of work and income
• Degree or CV showing 3 years’ experience
• Apostilled criminal background check
• Private health insurance
• Passport-size photos
• Proof of address (rental or hotel booking if in Spain)
• Family documents if applying with dependents

🧳 Why choose Costa Blanca?

Beyond the paperwork, let’s not forget the why. Costa Blanca offers:

• ☀️ 300+ days of sunshine
• 🏖️ Beach towns like Altea, Jávea, Denia, and Alicante
• 💻 A growing digital nomad community
• 🏠 More affordable rentals than Madrid or Barcelona
• 🧘 Slower pace of life + excellent healthcare

It’s not just about Wi-Fi and tax breaks—it’s about quality of life.

💡 Final tip

Spanish bureaucracy can be, let’s say… character building.
Don’t hesitate to get help from:

• 🧑‍💼 A gestor (trusted admin professional)
• ⚖️ An immigration lawyer
• 🤝 A reputable relocation service

They can save you time, headaches, and possibly a nervous breakdown.

📎 Official sources for latest updates

Always double-check the latest rules directly from the Spanish government:

• Official Ministry of Commerce
• Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs