Living in Spain, working remotely, and maintaining cooperation with foreign companies is what the Digital Nomad program was designed to do.
It allows eligible applicants to obtain a residence permit for up to three years by filing documents directly from Spain while legally in the country.
We explain who the programme is for, the income evidence required and what UGE actually checks.
The essentials in one minute
- The program is suited to remote employees and independent professionals.
- An initial residence permit applied for within Spain may be granted for up to three years.
- The application may be filed during the lawful stay in Spain.
- The principal applicant’s financial threshold is 200% of SMI.
- Applications are reviewed by UGE; the legislative time limit is 20 days.
- When the requirements are met, a family residence permit may be issued.
Who can obtain a residence permit for a digital nomad?
The programme is intended for citizens of non-EU States engaged in international remote work using information technologies.
01
Remote employees
They work under an employment contract with a foreign company and can perform their duties remotely from Spain.
02
Freelancers
Provide services to foreign customers and can confirm professional relationships, activities and income.
03
Entrepreneurs
They conduct professional activity that can be performed remotely and meets the programme requirements.
04
Family members
The spouses, children and some other relatives can obtain residence when the conditions are met.
Important nuance:
Remote employees must work for a foreign company. Independent professionals may perform limited work for Spanish clients, within 20% of their total professional activity.
Basic requirements in 2026
In addition to sufficient income, UGE checks the applicant ‘s professional activities, qualifications, social insurance and migration status.
Company activity
Evidence must establish that the foreign company or group has genuinely and continuously operated for at least one year.
Professional relations
As a general rule, an employment or professional relationship lasting at least three months must be demonstrated.
Education or experience
Appropriate education or proven professional experience of at least three years is required.
Legal stay
For an application from Spain, the applicant must be lawfully present in the country.
What income is required for Spanish residence?
The financial requirements of the programme are linked to the Spanish minimum inter-professional wage, the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI).
How income is calculated
- Principal applicant: 200% of SMI.
- First accompanying family member: an additional 75% of SMI.
- Each further family member: an additional 25% of SMI.
As the SMI is being revised, a specific amount in euros should be calculated according to the current requirements at the date of submission.
It is important not only to meet the financial threshold, but also to correctly confirm the origin and regularity of income.
What will need to be prepared?
The documents depend on whether the applicant is an employee or provides services independently.
- Valid international passport.
- Legal residence documents in Spain.
- Employment contract or contracts with foreign clients.
- Confirmation of foreign company activities.
- Financial documents and income confirmations.
- Diploma or evidence of professional experience.
- Criminal-record certificate where required.
- Social security documents.
- Family documents if relatives are applying.
Please note:
Documents issued outside Spain may require an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation into Spanish.
How do you apply for residence from Spain?
1
Assess eligibility
We assess work, contracts, income, qualifications and personal circumstances.
2
Preparation of documents
We collect certificates, financial evidence, apostilles and the required translations.
3
Legal entry
The applicant enters Spain on a lawful basis and complies with the permitted-stay conditions.
4
Application through UGE
The application is filed electronically, through a duly authorised representative if required.
5
Processing
We monitor notifications, document requests and procedural deadlines.
6
Obtaining the TIE card
After approval, the physical foreign-resident card is obtained.
Why does even a well-prepared application need assessment?
Formally meeting the programme conditions does not mean the immigration authority will ask no further questions.
Particular attention may be paid to the confirmation of professional relations, social insurance, income documents and the legality of stay in Spain.
From our practice:
UGE may request additional documents even at a later stage. Monitor notifications and do not treat absence of a decision as a guarantee of approval.
Mechanism silencio administrativo
exists, but applying it requires checking the deadlines and individual circumstances.
Can family members obtain residence?
Yes. Subject to the requirements, the law allows residence for a spouse or partner, children and certain other relatives.
Family applications require proof of the relationship, sufficient income and compliance with the other applicable requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can you apply for a residence permit on a Schengen visa?
Yes, if the applicant is legally present in Spain and meets the requirements of the programme, the existence of a visa does not in itself guarantee a residence permit.
How long is the residence permit valid?
For an application from within Spain, the initial permit may be granted for up to three years. If the work arrangement is shorter, the permit may also be shorter.
Can a residence permit be issued without a diploma?
In the cases provided for by law, qualifications may be demonstrated through at least three years of professional experience.
How long is the application pending?
The legislative time limit is 20 days, and the rules for calculating time limits and possible procedural circumstances must be taken into account.
Can a representative submit the application?
Yes. Electronic submission is possible through a duly authorised representative.
Related reading
Related articles cover individual aspects of Spanish residence, from Schengen-visa entry to the application procedure.
How to apply for Spanish residence while visiting on a Schengen visa
Lawful entry, EES, proof of presence and applications through UGE.
On the website soon.
Silencio administrativo: Why is UGE silent?
Deadlines, additional document requests and possible refusals.
On the website soon.
Spanish residence for the whole family
Spouses, children, financial requirements and documents.
On the website soon.
WINDOW TO BULGARIA
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Official sources:
Ley 14/2013
·
UGE — Teletrabajadores
This material was prepared for 2026. Requirements and administrative practice are checked as of the application date.
