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Spain Ranks Top On The List Of The Best Digital Nomad Visas!

Spain Ranks Top On The List Of The Best Digital Nomad Visas!

Created13.12.2023, 09.00

Updated17.02.2026, 14.46

According to VisaGuide.World's newly issued Digital Nomad Visa Index, Spain has been listed as the best location for digital nomads looking to work while living in a dynamic and culturally diverse environment. The index has examined digital nomad visas in 38 countries based on various factors.

Spain ranks first in the index, with a score of 4.50. Argentina comes in the second spot with a score of 3.72. Croatia, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates are in third place. In addition, Spain was named as the most joyful country out of the 38. The country is one of the leading supporters of the idea that happiness is contagious.

What Makes Spain a Top Destination for Digital Nomads?

aerial rooftop view of placa d'espanya According to Lum Kamishi of Visa Guide World, Spain is the most suitable country for remote workers due to its low-income requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa and its cheaper cost of living in comparison to other countries on the list.

According to the list, living in Spain is affordable if one has at least €641 per month. This amount puts the country among the most affordable options. However, applicants must demonstrate that they can make at least €2,140 monthly. This is not hard either, given the range of employment options Spain offers.

Moreover, Spain's beautiful Mediterranean beaches, breathtaking scenery, siesta culture, late-night dining, and countless festivals make it a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads as well as retirees.

Spain is famous for the best digital nomad cities. Many well-known neighborhoods are found in Barcelona and Madrid, but other places like Malaga, Valencia, and Alicante may be more affordable due to living costs and many other factors.

Though far less expensive than Barcelona and Madrid, these cities offer the same opportunities, high living conditions, and lively settings. To give an idea, you can visit Spain’s Málaga City: A Wonderful Place for Digital Nomads for more information about Malaga, one of the most preferred locations recently.

What are Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements?

It is easy to obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain with the right documents. Foreign digital nomads can lawfully live in Spain and work remotely for more than 90 days after meeting the requirements listed below. With renewals, this period may increase up to 5 years.

The following are the minimum requirements for digital nomads in Spain, though they can change at any time:

Applicants must be able to work one year or more remotely.
If applicants are a freelancer, they should have at least one employer outside Spain.
If applicants work under a fixed contract, they should be working in the same company for at least 3 months. They should also obtain permission from their employer to work remotely from abroad.
Applicants should be earning at least 80% of their income outside Spain.

You can contact TEKCE real estate consultants for more details about Spain's digital nomad visa application process.

FAQ

Is income regularly monitored after receiving a residence card with the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?No. Once the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is approved, authorities do not continuously monitor your income. Income checks are carried out only during the initial application and at the visa renewal stage.

How much income history required for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?For the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application, it is usually sufficient to provide the last 3 months of income statements. These documents must prove that the minimum income requirement is met, which is around €2,500 per month as of 2025.

At the renewal stage, authorities may request a longer income history. In practice, this is commonly 6 months to 1 year, depending on the evaluating officer. During renewal, it is important to show that your income is regular, stable, and sustainable.

What is the tax rate for digital nomads in Spain?Under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, income of up to €600,000 per year is taxed at a flat rate of 24%.

Is tax deducted from salary with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?Yes. If you receive the Spain Digital Nomad Visa as a salaried employee and your salary is paid through Spain, tax is deducted monthly from your gross salary. You receive your net salary after taxes are withheld and paid to the authorities.

Tax rates for Digital Nomad Visa holders are generally lower than for local Spanish employees. While local workers are taxed under progressive income tax rates, digital nomads may benefit from a fixed tax regime, depending on eligibility.

Can I apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa as a salaried employee of a foreign company?Yes, you can apply, but certain conditions must be met. If you are a salaried employee of a company based outside Spain, your employer must obtain a Spanish tax number (NIF), register with the Spanish social security system, and appoint an official representative in Spain.

In addition, your payroll must be structured in compliance with Spanish regulations, and salary payments must be made through Spain. Without this setup, it is not possible to apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa as a salaried employee while receiving your salary directly from a foreign company.

For this reason, the process for salaried employees is more technical and requires more preparation compared to freelancers or self-employed applicants.

Can I work for a local company in Spain with a Digital Nomad Visa, in addition to remote work?No. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is only valid for remote work. With this visa, you cannot legally work for a local Spanish company in a standard salaried position.

According to the visa rules, at least 80% of your income must come from companies or sources outside Spain. Earning income from within Spain is allowed only on a very limited basis and must not exceed this threshold.