Spain
Living or working in Spain: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a digital nomad visa if you work remotely and earn at least €2,000 per month; otherwise consider the long‑stay work visa for a job offer or the working‑holiday scheme for citizens of eligible countries – start the application 3 months before travel.
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GuideSpain
Key facts
- Digital nomad visa minimum incomecheck
- €2,000 per month
- Digital nomad visa feecheck
- €80
- Long‑stay work visa feecheck
- €60 (application) + €30 (residence card)
- Working‑holiday visa feecheck
- €60
- Processing timecheck
- 3–6 weeks
- Validitycheck
- Digital nomad: 1 year, extendable; Work visa: up to 2 years; Working‑holiday: 12 months
Quick answer
If you earn at least €2,000 monthly and work for a non‑Spanish employer, the digital nomad visa lets you stay up to 12 months and work remotely. If you have a Spanish job offer, apply for a long‑stay work visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand can use the working‑holiday scheme for up to a year.
Step‑by‑step process
1. Check eligibility: income, job offer, or nationality for working‑holiday.
2. Gather documents: passport, proof of income or employment contract, health insurance, clean criminal record, completed application form.
3. Submit online or at the Spanish consulate in your country; pay the fee.
4. Wait for approval (3–6 weeks).
5. Upon arrival, register at the local police station or foreign nationals office within 30 days to obtain the residence card.
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months
- Health insurance covering Spain
- Proof of income (bank statements, payslips) for digital nomad
- Employment contract and work permit for work visa
- Criminal record certificate
Costs and timelines
Fees are paid in euros and are non‑refundable. Processing times vary by consulate but generally take 3–6 weeks after a complete submission.
| Visa type | Fee (EUR) | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad | 80 | 3–4 weeks |
| Long‑stay work | 60 + 30 (card) | 4–6 weeks |
| Working‑holiday | 60 | 3–5 weeks |
Fees are 2026 estimate; check official consulate site for updates.
Important notes
The digital nomad visa does not allow you to take a Spanish‑based job; you must keep foreign employment.
Work visas require a Spanish employer to apply for a work permit before you can obtain the residence card.
Working‑holiday visas are limited to 12 months and may have age caps (usually 30‑35).
All visas require health insurance that covers the Schengen area.
After 90 days you must register your address with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento).
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Spain?
Three options exist: digital nomad (remote work, €2,000 monthly income), long‑stay work (Spanish job offer), and working‑holiday (eligible nationals, up to 12 months). Each needs a passport, insurance, and a consular application.
How much does it cost?
Digital nomad €80, long‑stay work €60 plus €30 for the residence card, working‑holiday €60. Fees are paid in euros and are non‑refundable.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application at least three months before your intended travel date to allow for document gathering and processing.
Can I work for a Spanish company on a digital nomad visa?
No. The digital nomad visa requires you to remain employed by a non‑Spanish employer while residing in Spain.
Do I need a separate health insurance for each visa?
All visas require proof of health insurance covering Spain and the Schengen area; the same policy can be used for any of the three visa types.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Spain guide
Ask about Spain
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