Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: What You Need to Know Before Applying
6 Octubre, 2025
In recent months, we’ve noticed that a very common question among people who want to move to Spain is whether they qualify for the Digital Nomad Residence. And it must be said clearly: many people have a mistaken idea of what this residence truly means. The reason is simple — the internet is full of incomplete or outright incorrect information.
One of the most frequent mistakes is thinking that “if I work with a computer, I’m a digital nomad.” The reality is more complex. Spanish law sets specific requirements and limits this residence to certain profiles. In this article, we’ll explain what a digital nomad is according to Spanish Immigration Law, which jobs qualify and which don’t, and most importantly, the tax and social security implications of moving to Spain under this scheme.
What is a Digital Nomad under Law 14/2013
The official name is “Residence Authorization for International Remote Workers”, introduced in Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs and its 2022 amendment (known as the Startup Law).
The legal definition is found in Article 74 bis: it refers to non-EU citizens authorized to reside in Spain to work remotely for companies located outside Spain, using exclusively telematic and communication means.
- If you work as an employee, your employer must be located outside Spain and allow full remote work.
- If you are self-employed, you may have Spanish clients, but their revenue must not exceed 20% of your total turnover.
- In addition, you must prove university, postgraduate, or vocational training, or at least three years of professional experience.
Profiles that qualify and those that don’t
✅ Examples of profiles that do qualify
(these are illustrative examples, not requirements regarding specific countries or sectors)
- Software engineer employed by a foreign company who works 100% remotely from Spain.
- Independent consultant with clients in several countries (for example, Germany and Canada) and one in Spain representing 15% of their income, within the legal 20% limit.
- Online language teacher who delivers all lessons via video call to foreign students.
❌ Examples of profiles that do not qualify
- Employee of a Spanish company, even if the work is remote.
- Self-employed professional with more than 20% of income generated in Spain.
- Professions that are not 100% telematic — this is one of the most misunderstood points.
The key limit: what does “100% remote work” mean?
The law requires that the work be carried out exclusively through telematic means. This does not simply mean “using a computer,” but that the entirety of your activity can be performed online. The moment your profession requires any physical presence in Spain, it is no longer considered international remote work.
Example: entrepreneur with a foreign company
- As long as they manage the company through video calls, digital platforms, and remote systems, they fit within the digital nomad framework.
- But if they begin meeting employees in person in Spain, attending trade fairs, or organizing corporate events locally, they break the exclusivity requirement.
Example: digital content creator
- A streamer who produces and monetizes content online for an international audience does qualify.
- However, if they also perform live shows in Spain, participate in on-site productions, or attend local events, their work is no longer 100% remote.
Example: online teacher
- If all classes are taught to foreign students via video conference, this qualifies as international remote work.
- But if they also teach in-person classes at academies in Spain, they no longer meet the legal condition.
👉 The boundary is clear: if your work requires being physically present in Spain for any part of your activity, you are no longer considered a digital nomad under Spanish immigration law.
The part nobody talks about: taxation and Social Security
One of the least discussed — yet most important — aspects is that once you obtain this residence, you are considered a worker in Spain and, in most cases, a tax resident.
Social Security
- If you are an employee, your foreign employer must register with Spanish Social Security and contribute on your behalf.
- If you are self-employed, you must register under the RETA (Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers) and pay contributions based on your income.
Taxation
- If you spend more than 183 days in Spain, or if your economic and family center is based here, you must pay Personal Income Tax (IRPF, Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas) on your worldwide income.
- You may opt for the special impatriate regime, commonly known as the “Beckham Law” (Art. 93 LIRPF), which allows a 24% flat rate up to €600,000 per year.
- If you do not become a tax resident, you will be subject to Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR, Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes) on income earned in Spain.
Example (applicant residing in Hong Kong earning €100,000 annually):
- In Spain (under the impatriate regime): IRPF ≈ €24,000 + employee Social Security contributions ≈ €3,600–€3,900.
- In Hong Kong: Salaries Tax max 15% (≈€15,000) + MPF annual cap ≈ €2,000.
👉 This example shows how Spain’s tax burden can become a major barrier for applicants coming from low-tax jurisdictions.
When it may not be the best option
Although for many people the Digital Nomad Residence is an excellent opportunity, it’s not always the most suitable choice. At Aray Asociados, we have seen many cases where, after analyzing the situation, the Non-Lucrative Residence turned out to be a better alternative.
This type of residence does not allow you to work in Spain, but it does not prevent you from being a shareholder of a foreign company or earning income abroad. In this way, you avoid the tax and Social Security obligations that come with the international remote work permit.
👉 However, this is only one possible alternative. There are other residence authorizations that may better fit different personal and professional profiles.
The Digital Nomad Residence in Spain opens the door to many international professionals, but it also comes with real limits and costs that are rarely explained online.
The key is to understand:
- What it truly means to be 100% remote.
- What tax and labor obligations come with living in Spain under this residence.
- And above all, that it’s not always the best choice — there may be better alternatives depending on your profile.
At Aray Asociados, we emphasize that every case is unique. Our work is not just about processing permits, but about helping you identify the residence that truly fits your situation and confirming your eligibility.
📩 Want to know which residence authorization is right for you?
Contact us and receive a professional assessment tailored to your case.
