How much do I need to earn to become a Digital Nomad in Spain?

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Story of Alex: A Digital Nomad in Spain

Alex had always dreamed of traveling the world while continuing to work. As a freelance graphic designer, his clients were spread across different countries, primarily in the United States. However, his routine in New York had started to feel monotonous. Staying home all day, working from his desk, made him feel trapped. He wanted something more. He dreamed of a place where he could enjoy life, meet new people, explore different cultures, and continue his professional career without barriers.

One day, while browsing digital nomad forums, he came across life-changing news: Spain had created a special visa for remote workers. It was a unique opportunity to legally move to one of his favorite countries while continuing his work uninterrupted. Alex didn’t think twice and decided to research more about this permit.

The Big Discovery: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Spain, known for its high quality of life, warm climate, world-class cuisine, and vibrant international communities, had decided to open its doors to remote workers worldwide. Thanks to the Startup Law, passed in 2022, the country now offered a residency visa for digital nomads.

This visa allowed professionals working for foreign companies or as freelancers to live in Spain for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

Alex discovered that to be eligible, he needed to meet certain key requirements:

✅ Be a remote worker: He had to prove that he worked for a company outside of Spain or that his main clients were based abroad.
✅ Minimum income: His salary had to be at least 200% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI), which in 2025 amounted to €2,368 per month.
✅ Valid contract or stable activity: If employed by a company, he had to show a valid contract of at least three months of experience. If self-employed, he needed proof of stable income.
✅ Private health insurance in Spain.
✅ Criminal record certificate and proof that he had not resided illegally in Spain.

Additionally, he discovered a surprising tax benefit: He could take advantage of the "Beckham Law" regime, meaning he would only pay 24% tax on the first €600,000 of income. Compared to other tax schemes, this was a significant advantage.

The Action Plan: Gathering Documents

Excited, Alex decided to take the next step: preparing his application. He knew he needed to gather various documents and that the process could be complicated if not done correctly.

He contacted an immigration law firm, Visal Immigration, to ensure everything was in order. With our help, he gathered the following documents:

His employment contract with the agency in the United States.
Bank statements proving that his salary exceeded €2,368 per month.
His private health insurance in Spain.
His criminal record certificate, duly legalized and apostilled.
Proof of his professional experience and education.

Our legal team explained that he could apply for the visa from the Spanish consulate in New York or directly from Spain with a legal stay. Wanting to speed up the process, he opted to submit it from his home country.

The Approval and a Life-Changing Move

A few weeks after submitting his application, Alex received the long-awaited email: his visa had been approved. He couldn’t believe it. In just a few days, he would be traveling to Spain to start a new chapter in his life.

Upon landing in Madrid, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He settled in an apartment in the Malasaña neighborhood, known for its youthful vibe and cultural scene. On his first day, he joined a coworking space with views of Gran Vía, where he met other digital nomads from around the world.

Soon, his routine changed completely. No longer spending his days stuck at home, he worked from cozy cafés, explored the city in the afternoons, and enjoyed tapas and flamenco in the evenings.

His quality of life improved significantly:

Weekend getaways to Barcelona, Valencia, or Seville.
Discovering Spain’s rich gastronomy.
Expanding his professional network and new career opportunities.

You Can Make This Dream a Reality Too!

If, like Alex, you dream of living in Spain while continuing to work remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer, the digital nomad visa is the perfect opportunity.

At Visal Immigration, we make your goal a reality. We are experts in immigration procedures and ensure that your application is a success.

Our office is located at Paseo de Gràcia, 95, Barcelona, but we operate online across all of Spain.

Don’t miss this opportunity—start your new life in Spain with our help!