Digital Nomad Visa

Yes. If you are already legally present in Spain (e.g. on a Schengen tourist entry), you may apply directly at a local immigration office for a 3-year residence permit instead of the 1-year visa. This is typically faster, as you avoid the consular queue in your home country.

Yes, but with a strict cap: income from Spanish clients or Spanish-based entities must not exceed 20% of your total global gross billing. Exceeding this threshold technically reclassifies your status and may expose you to full Spanish social security and tax obligations as a self-employed resident.

Yes — digital nomads are explicitly included in Spain's Special Tax Regime for Inpatriates (commonly called the 'Beckham Law' after David Beckham's original use of it). This allows qualifying income to be taxed at a flat **24%** on the first **€600,000** of annual income, and **47%** on income above that threshold, instead of the standard progressive rate. It applies for the first **6 tax years** after establishing Spanish tax residency. **Eligibility:** You must not have been a Spanish tax resident at any point in the **5 years prior** to arrival in Spain. **Critical deadline:** You must file **Form Modelo 149** within **6 months of your social security registration date**. Missing this window permanently disqualifies you from the regime for that residency period — there is no extension or late-filing option.

The A1 is a portable document issued by your home country's social security authority (e.g. HMRC for UK, SSA for US) confirming you are covered by your home country's social security system while working abroad. Without it, Spain requires you to register as a resident freelancer (autónomo), which carries monthly contributions of approximately €300–€400 and mandatory RETA registration.

The initial visa is valid for 1 year. It can be renewed up to 3 additional times (each renewal for 2 years), giving a potential residency of up to 7 years under this route. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you may apply for long-term EU residence status.

You must demonstrate existing, proven income — not just a future offer. Bank statements or payslips for the past 3 months showing the required threshold, along with your employment contract or client service agreements, are the standard evidence. The consulate will assess the consistency and verifiability of your income stream.