At a glance
E-visa available
No
Visa-free countries
8 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
Spain launched its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023, allowing 1-year initial residency (renewable up to 5 years) for high-earning remote workers. The Spanish Golden Visa (real estate investment EUR 500,000+) was abolished in April 2025. EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 (EUR 7). Schengen visa fee increased to EUR 90 in June 2024.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa-Free Entry | 90 days within 180-day period | Free | Valid passport | On arrival |
| ETIAS Authorization (Q4 2026) | 3 years | EUR 7 | Online application before travel | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Up to 90 days | EUR 90 | Application, passport, photo, financial proof, insurance | 15-30 business days |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 1 year, renewable to 5 years | EUR 90 application + EUR 80 residence card | EUR 2,762/month income proof, foreign employer or remote-work contract | 20-30 business days |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | 1 year, renewable to 5 years | EUR 80-120 | EUR 33,150/year passive income proof | 30-60 business days |
Visa-free countries (8)
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, 60+ other countries.
Spain Visa Overview 2026
Spain operates under the Schengen Area visa policy. The Digital Nomad Visa launched January 2023 has become the most popular Spanish residency route for remote workers. The Golden Visa was abolished in April 2025.
The Schengen 90/180 Rule
Citizens of 60+ countries can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Free. The 90 days are cumulative across all 27 Schengen countries.
ETIAS Coming Q4 2026
EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 rollout. EUR 7. Valid for 3 years. Apply online before travel at travel-europe.europa.eu. Mandatory for Schengen entry once active.
Digital Nomad Visa (Launched January 2023)
Spain's flagship remote-worker visa. Requirements: EUR 2,762/month income proof from a foreign employer or remote-work contract (the income cannot come from a Spanish employer; this is strictly enforced); proof of remote work qualification (university degree or 3+ years of professional experience); private health insurance covering Spain; criminal background check.
Initial 1-year visa renewable in 2-year increments up to 5 years total. EUR 90 application + EUR 80 residence card. Includes spouse and minor children as accompanying visa holders.
Tax benefit: eligible for the Beckham Law (24 percent flat tax on Spanish-source income for the first 6 years). For visa holders whose income comes from foreign sources, the tax treatment is favorable; specifically, no tax is paid on foreign-source income for the first 6 years if you elect Beckham Law treatment.
Golden Visa Abolished
The Spanish real estate Golden Visa program (EUR 500,000+ property purchase for 10-year residency) was abolished in April 2025. The Spanish government cited housing-market pressure. Other Golden Visa investment categories remain technically available:
- EUR 1 million bank deposit
- EUR 2 million Spanish government bonds
- EUR 1 million Spanish company shares
- Business investment creating Spanish jobs
These are now heavily reduced in popularity; most Golden Visa applicants used the real estate route, which is no longer available.
Non-Lucrative Visa
The traditional path for retirees, remote workers, and others wanting to live in Spain without working for Spanish companies. EUR 33,150/year passive income proof (Social Security, pensions, investments, rental income). EUR 80-120 application. Initial 1-year visa renewable. The visa explicitly prohibits work; for remote work, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate path.
Practical Notes
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is exteriores.gob.es. The Spanish Immigration Office site is sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. The Digital Nomad Visa portal is part of the regional immigration office (UGE - Unidad de Grandes Empresas) for major cities; Madrid and Barcelona have dedicated processing centers.
Spain tax-residency rules apply to anyone in Spain 183+ days per year. The Beckham Law 24 percent flat tax requires election within the first year of Spanish residency; consult a Spanish tax advisor before applying. The 5-year Digital Nomad Visa cap is firm; after 5 years, transition to a different visa class or apply for permanent residency.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG Spain country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.