11/05/2025 
Reading time: 5 min What Rights Do Digital Nomads Have in Spain?
The article was provided by an expert
Olga
Chief Spain Relocation Specialist, Company Co-founder
The concept of the digital nomad is relatively new. This term refers to people who earn a living through the internet. Most often, these are IT specialists and freelancers. Digital nomads can work from anywhere in the world—their income is not tied to their physical location. All they need is a network connection and internet access. Many can afford to take extended trips across the globe and live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Remote work gives professionals the flexibility to set their own schedules.
Some countries have started offering special visas for digital nomads, allowing them to work legally. It’s a win-win: workers enjoy the comfort of longer stays without constant visa worries, and governments benefit from increased tax revenues. Spain has become an attractive destination for IT professionals. In 2023, the Spanish government introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, allowing a stay of up to three years. The country also welcomes digital nomads’ family members.
Spain's appeal lies in its mild climate, respect for personal freedom, and widely available high-speed internet. The local culture also suits those with a European mindset.
To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must provide proof of income. The origin of the income doesn’t matter—this is ideal for those working with foreign companies. Employment contracts must explicitly state that the job is remote. No country wants financially unstable individuals entering its borders, so a minimum monthly income of €2,650 is required.
The visa is available not only to employed individuals but also to the self-employed and sole proprietors. However, the income must come from legal entities (companies). Entrepreneurs who conduct business with companies online can continue doing so while in Spain. Anyone with the necessary capital can register a business there. Setting up a company in Spain generally requires at least €3,000.
Business registration allows you to operate throughout the EU without restrictions. You can also apply for business loans from Spanish banks. Registering a company can be a step toward obtaining a Spanish residence permit (residency). Family members of the business owner can also qualify, provided the business plan shows the company’s value to Spain. Approvals typically go to founders who can contribute significant investment to the country through stable and high revenue.
Steps to Starting a Business:
The obligation to pay taxes is one of the main downsides for digital nomads in Spain. According to the law, tax residents must pay taxes on their global income. Non-residents are only taxed on income earned in Spain. A digital nomad becomes a tax resident after 184 days of presence in Spain. From that point, they must pay income tax and contribute to the social security system.
The tax rate depends on income. Digital nomads are required to pay 24% tax on income up to €600,000 per year. For higher income, the rate can go up to 47%. However, digital nomads can apply for tax relief by filing with the Spanish tax office and may be considered non-residents for tax purposes for up to five years.
Nomads must also pay income tax in their home country. Double taxation can be avoided only if there’s a tax treaty between Spain and the nomad’s home country. Russia signed such a treaty with Spain in 1998, but parts of it were suspended in 2023. As a result, Russian nationals first pay the 13% income tax in Russia. Then, since Spain requires 24%, the remaining 11% must be paid to the Spanish tax authority.
Spain’s real estate market offers many housing options: apartments, private rooms, and entire houses. It's best to rent through reputable agencies, which can help you choose the right location and price. As of 2024, rental prices have risen, averaging from €13 per square meter, depending on location and amenities.
For long-term stays, tenants must sign a rental agreement, which requires proof of income and a security deposit. If no damage is found upon move-out, the deposit is refunded. Some rental contracts include an option to purchase the property later.
Utility costs are rising, just like in many parts of the world. However, you can save on internet expenses thanks to free Wi-Fi in many public places. Non-residents can also buy property in Spain, as long as they have a foreigner identification number (NIE). Property owners must pay annual property taxes, similar to what is required in Russia.
Go back to the blog
Right to Work and Run a Business
To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must provide proof of income. The origin of the income doesn’t matter—this is ideal for those working with foreign companies. Employment contracts must explicitly state that the job is remote. No country wants financially unstable individuals entering its borders, so a minimum monthly income of €2,650 is required.
The visa is available not only to employed individuals but also to the self-employed and sole proprietors. However, the income must come from legal entities (companies). Entrepreneurs who conduct business with companies online can continue doing so while in Spain. Anyone with the necessary capital can register a business there. Setting up a company in Spain generally requires at least €3,000.
Business registration allows you to operate throughout the EU without restrictions. You can also apply for business loans from Spanish banks. Registering a company can be a step toward obtaining a Spanish residence permit (residency). Family members of the business owner can also qualify, provided the business plan shows the company’s value to Spain. Approvals typically go to founders who can contribute significant investment to the country through stable and high revenue.
Steps to Starting a Business:
- Decide on the type of company—Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Joint-Stock Company (JSC).
- Choose a name and obtain a certificate confirming the uniqueness of the company name.
- Obtain a bank certificate proving that the full amount of the share capital is deposited.
- Visit a notary or business support center to officially register the company charter.
- Get a company identification number.
- Notify the tax authorities of the business launch and pay the relevant tax.
- Obtain a license if the business activity requires it (e.g., food service, veterinary care).
- Register with the social security system—mandatory if the business will have employees besides the founder.
Taxation
The obligation to pay taxes is one of the main downsides for digital nomads in Spain. According to the law, tax residents must pay taxes on their global income. Non-residents are only taxed on income earned in Spain. A digital nomad becomes a tax resident after 184 days of presence in Spain. From that point, they must pay income tax and contribute to the social security system.
The tax rate depends on income. Digital nomads are required to pay 24% tax on income up to €600,000 per year. For higher income, the rate can go up to 47%. However, digital nomads can apply for tax relief by filing with the Spanish tax office and may be considered non-residents for tax purposes for up to five years.
Nomads must also pay income tax in their home country. Double taxation can be avoided only if there’s a tax treaty between Spain and the nomad’s home country. Russia signed such a treaty with Spain in 1998, but parts of it were suspended in 2023. As a result, Russian nationals first pay the 13% income tax in Russia. Then, since Spain requires 24%, the remaining 11% must be paid to the Spanish tax authority.
Social Rights and Benefits
Before applying for a Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must secure health insurance covering their stay in Spain. The visa grants access to public healthcare at no extra cost. For access to private clinics, additional insurance costing up to €200 may be purchased. If the nomad has children, they can attend public schools in Spain for free. Every digital nomad must contribute at least €90 monthly to the Spanish pension fund. After 15 years of contributions, they become eligible for a Spanish pension.Housing and Accommodation
Spain’s real estate market offers many housing options: apartments, private rooms, and entire houses. It's best to rent through reputable agencies, which can help you choose the right location and price. As of 2024, rental prices have risen, averaging from €13 per square meter, depending on location and amenities.
For long-term stays, tenants must sign a rental agreement, which requires proof of income and a security deposit. If no damage is found upon move-out, the deposit is refunded. Some rental contracts include an option to purchase the property later.
Utility costs are rising, just like in many parts of the world. However, you can save on internet expenses thanks to free Wi-Fi in many public places. Non-residents can also buy property in Spain, as long as they have a foreigner identification number (NIE). Property owners must pay annual property taxes, similar to what is required in Russia.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain grants the right to:- Live with financially dependent family members;
- Receive tax benefits for up to 5 years;
- Access public healthcare services;
- Enroll children in public schools;
- Reside in Spain with the option to obtain permanent residency.
