Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply (Updated for 2025)

Dreaming of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine? Spain is the ultimate destination for remote workers. With the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you can work and explore this beautiful country hassle-free. Let us guide you through the process in 4 simple steps!

Step 1: Check If You Meet the Requirements

Before diving into the application process, make sure you meet these key criteria:

a) Financial Resources For 2025

You’ll need to prove that your pre-tax earnings (or gross income if self-employed) meet the following minimum thresholds:

b) Work Experience & Qualifications

You’ll need to check off the following:

c) Absence of a Criminal Record

Here’s what you’ll need:

Step 2: Apply for a Social Security Certificate (if applicable)

Social security ensures benefits like healthcare and unemployment pay.

For Employees

• If your country has a reciprocal agreement with Spain, your employer can request a certificate.
• If not, your employer can register to pay social security in Spain.

For Self-Employed

• No certificate needed! Simply pledge to register for Spanish social security after approval.(Tip: Use our free downloadable template.)
• First-year flat fee: €87/month (reimbursed in some regions).

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

a) Criminal Record Certificate

b) Evidence of Having Worked for at least 3 months for your Employer/Clients

c) Professional Qualifications or Work Experience

You'll need to provide ONE of the following:

If you go for the second option, UK employees can download the work history report here and the self-employed can use the self-employment pages from your self-assessment return. If you are from the US, you can use W2s and 1099s. 

If your profession is regulated in Spain (i.e. if you are a lawyer, architect etc.), we recommend that you work with an experienced professional for the application as care must be taken. 

d) Curriculum Vitae

e) Declaration That You Will Sign Up As Self-Employed OR S1 Form OR Private Medical Insurance

Step 4: Submit your Application

There are two ways to apply for the Digital Nomad visa/residency:

• Through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence
• In Spain.

If you apply in a Consulate, you'll only get a 1 year visa and will have to do the whole Spain process anyway. For this reason, we recommend that you apply within Spain.

If you apply in Spain, you'll receive a 3-year residency approval OR the length of your longest contract or A1 form (if shorter). 

To apply from within Spain, you have two choices:

1. Get a NIE and Digital Certificate, then apply by yourself 
2. Use a representative such as Move to Spain Guide (No NIE or Digital Certificate is needed).

1. Apply by yourself

This is an option for those in Spain or who have already got an NIE, Digital Certificate and (preferably) a Spanish bank account. 

A NIE (número de identification de extranjero, or foreigner's identification number) is an essential part of living in Spain. You'll be surprised at how often you need it once you live here: it's used for everything from taking out a mobile phone contract to accepting a parcel. 

Note: It is usually much easier to get a NIE from a consulate in your home country. If you try to get it from a police station in Spain, it's very hit-or-miss if the police will be willing to give it to you.  

You can find out how to apply for a NIE in Spain here

A Digital Certificate is an electronic form of identification that will allow you to do a wide range of administrative processes from your own computer, from changing your address with each government agency to paying your car tax without queuing at an office. 

Get a Digital Certificate here 

Note: it's also possible to apply for the Digital Nomad visa using a Cl@ve but a Digital Certificate is more useful as you can do more with it.

Once you've got your NIE and Digital Certificate, you can apply for the digital nomad residency online here. 

Before you go ahead, make sure to get your documents checked with Move To Spain Guide first. 

2. Use a Representative

Since the Digital Nomad Visa is still new and the requirements change often (it launched in January 2023), we suggest working with an experienced representative to handle your application.

By hiring a representative, you can bypass the need for a NIE or digital certificate. A skilled representative will guide you in presenting your application effectively, thereby enhancing your chances of success.

Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa with Move To Spain Guide

Maximise your chances of success with our expert guidance! We’ve been there from the start, helping individuals navigate the complexities of the application process. With over 1,000 successful applications under our belt, we know exactly what it takes to get your residency approved. Let us guide you every step of the way to make your move to Spain smooth and stress-free.