The digital nomad visa Spain introduced in 2023 lets non-EU professionals live in Mallorca while they keep working remotely for an employer or for clients based abroad. Its official name is the residence for international teleworking. It is a solid option for founders, consultants and employees of foreign companies, but the authorities look closely at the employment or client relationship, the company behind it and Social Security, not only at income. This page explains the conditions as they stand in 2026 and how we prepare a file.
The legal basis of the remote work visa
International teleworking was added to Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs (articles 74 bis to 74 quinquies) by Law 28/2022, known as the Startup Act. It sits within the special regime for skilled profiles, which is why applications made from Spain are decided by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) rather than by a local immigration office.
The idea is straightforward: you live in Spain, but the work you do is for a business located outside Spain. Employees may work only for foreign companies. Self-employed professionals may take on Spanish clients, provided that work does not exceed 20 % of their total professional activity.
Digital nomad visa requirements
A well-prepared application usually demonstrates each of these points:
- A real foreign business. The employer or main client must have been operating for at least one year, shown with a commercial registry certificate or equivalent.
- A prior relationship of at least three months with that company or those clients before the application, and written permission to work remotely from Spain.
- Qualifications or experience. A recognised university degree or postgraduate qualification, or at least three years of professional experience in the relevant field. Regulated professions also need recognition of the qualification.
- Financial means of 200 % of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). With the SMI for 2026 set by Royal Decree 126/2026, that is 34,188 euros a year for the main applicant. Family members add 75 % of the SMI for the first person and 25 % for each additional one.
- Health insurance with an insurer authorised in Spain, unless you are covered by Spanish Social Security.
- Social Security position. Either registration in the Spanish system, or a certificate showing that your home country’s system continues to apply under an international agreement.
- A clean criminal record for the countries and period the authority requires, apostilled and with a sworn translation.
Applying from abroad or from Mallorca
There are two ways in. You can apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate for your place of residence. The visa is normally issued for one year, and you then obtain your foreigner’s identity card (TIE) in Spain. Alternatively, if you are already in Spain lawfully, for example within your visa-free stay, you can apply directly to the UGE-CE for a residence authorisation of up to three years, without first obtaining a visa.
Applying from Spain gives a longer first permit, but timing is critical: the application must be lodged while your stay is still lawful, and you should not start working in Spain informally before the authorisation is granted. Family members can apply together with you, or join you later, for the same period as your authorisation.
Once approved, you register on the municipal census (padrón) in Mallorca, collect your TIE at the police office that handles foreigners’ affairs and complete your Social Security formalities.
Renewal and the road to long-term residence
The authorisation can be renewed while the conditions continue to be met; renewals are currently granted for two years. You will need to show that the remote relationship, the income and the Social Security position remain in place. After five years of continuous legal residence you can apply for long-term residence, and later, depending on nationality and other requirements, for Spanish nationality.
Changes during the permit matter. A new employer, a switch from employee to freelance, or a growing share of Spanish clients can affect the renewal. We recommend reviewing any change before it happens rather than at renewal time.
Tax: the Beckham regime and Spanish residence
Once you live in Mallorca for most of the year, you will generally become resident for Spanish tax purposes. Some international teleworkers can opt for the special regime for workers moving to Spain, commonly called the Beckham law. It is not automatic: you must meet its own conditions and exercise the option within a strict six-month window that runs from the start of your activity in Spain, as shown in the Social Security records. Missing that deadline cannot be fixed later.
Your residence status, your tax position and any property you buy should be planned together. Our page on tax residency when moving to Spain covers the wider picture.
Digital nomad or non-lucrative visa?
The two routes are often confused. The non-lucrative visa is for people who will not work at all and live on savings, pensions or investment income. The digital nomad visa is for people who will continue working remotely. Using the non-lucrative route while working for foreign clients exposes you to refusal at renewal, so the choice must reflect what you will really do in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for the digital nomad visa?
The threshold is 200 % of the Spanish minimum wage. With the 2026 minimum wage, that equals 34,188 euros a year for the main applicant, with additional amounts for each family member. The figure changes whenever the minimum wage is updated, so we always check the one in force on the application date.
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Employees must work only for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may work for Spanish clients, but that work cannot exceed 20 % of their total professional activity.
Does my employer need to register in Spain?
Not necessarily. If an international Social Security agreement applies, a certificate of applicable legislation from your home country can be used. Otherwise, the employer or you, as a self-employed worker, must register with Spanish Social Security.
Can I buy a property in Mallorca with this visa?
Yes. Anyone can buy property in Spain, and many applicants buy a home on the island. You will need an NIE number and a full legal review of the property before you commit.
Next steps
If you want to move to Mallorca on the digital nomad visa for Spain, write to info@raso.law. Describe your nationality, where you live now, who you work for and since when, how you are paid, who would move with you and whether you plan to buy property. Each enquiry is reviewed individually and answered in writing.