How does Digital Nomad (Teleworker) Visa & Residence work in Spain, and who qualifies?

Spain's Digital Nomad (teleworker) Visa was created under the reformed Startups Law (Ley 14/2013, as amended by Ley 28/2022) for non-EU nationals who work remotely, using telematic means, primarily for companies based outside Spain. A limited amount of Spanish-source income is permitted, but the bulk of your work must be for foreign employers or clients.

To qualify you generally need to show a minimum income (set as a multiple of the Spanish minimum interprofessional wage, the SMI, with extra for accompanying family), a university or higher-education degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience, and a documented working relationship of several months with the foreign company or clients. Private health insurance and a clean criminal record are also required.

You can apply either as a visa at a Spanish consulate or as a residence permit from within Spain through the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE), which typically resolves within about 20 working days. Because income thresholds tied to the SMI change frequently, confirm the current figures on the official Spanish portals before applying — and ACME can help you decide whether the consular visa or the in-country residence route suits you better.