Long-stay visas (Type D)
Spanish Digital Nomad / International Teleworker Visa (Teletrabajador de carácter internacional)
A residence route under Law 14/2013 for remote workers and freelancers whose income comes mainly from companies or clients outside Spain.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Legal basis
- Law 14/2013, as amended by Law 28/2022 (Startups Act)
- Processed by
- UGE-CE (Ministry of Inclusion)
- Income source
- Mainly from companies/clients outside Spain
- Company relationship
- Employer or clients must generally have operated 3+ months and authorise remote work
- Duration
- Up to 1 year (consular visa) or up to 3 years (in-country authorisation)
- Income threshold
- Linked to the minimum wage (SMI) - see review flag
Who it's for
Remote employees and freelancers from outside the EU/EEA who can perform their work online and whose income comes mainly from outside Spain.
Requirements
- Proof of a real, ongoing employment or professional relationship (typically at least 3 months) with the non-Spanish company or clients
- Evidence the company/activity has existed for at least one year and permits remote working
- A university/professional qualification or at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Sufficient income meeting the SMI-linked threshold (higher amounts for accompanying family)
- Private or public health insurance with full coverage in Spain
- Clean criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years
- Valid passport
What you can do
- Live in Spain while working remotely for foreign employers or clients
- Include family members in the application
- Freelance for Spanish clients up to the permitted minority share of income
- Renew and accumulate time toward long-term residence
How to apply
Applicants abroad request the visa at the Spanish consulate; those already legally in Spain can apply directly to the UGE-CE for the residence authorisation through the Ministry of Inclusion's electronic office. Both are decided by the UGE and typically resolved within about 20 working days.
After approval and entry, holders register and obtain the foreigner identity card (TIE).
Documents
- Contract or letter from the foreign employer authorising remote work, or freelance client contracts
- Proof the company/activity has been operating for at least one year
- Degree certificate or evidence of 3+ years' relevant experience
- Proof of income meeting the threshold (payslips, contracts, bank statements)
- Full health insurance certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Passport and application forms
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only as a minority of your income. Reports indicate freelancers may earn up to around 20% from Spanish clients, with the rest coming from outside Spain.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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