LiveWorkSpain's guide to the digital nomad visa covers everything I wish I knew before beginning the application process—without paying a lawyer by the quarter hour to answer your every question.
I know first-hand that wondering if—and exactly how—you move your life to Spain can be overwhelming, but now you can learn from my hours (okay, probably weeks) of obsession over every detail to make your own journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether it's been a long-time dream, or now just seems like a great time to get out of America, this guide covers everything you need to know about Spain’s digital nomad visa (DNV), from terminology and legal details, to a breakdown of timelines, costs, and international move logistics—so you can make your move with confidence.
In-depth answers to everything you’ve ever wondered about the DNV (plus what you didn’t know to ask)—before, during and after application.
Written from first-hand experience, you'll get all the hard facts and data, including how much everything costs, how long the process takes and what you can expect along the way.
Includes a step-by-step breakdown of exactly what you need to do, and in what order, to maximize your chances of a successful approval.
Unlock the ultimate guide to navigating Spain's digital nomad visa process containing first-hand secrets and advice for a fast approval. This 22-page guide breaks down the 3 key stages of applying for the DNV—preparing for your move, the actual application process, and settling into your new life in Spain.
Your purchase also includes detailed downloadable checklists that outline each document’s requirements and expected timeline, customized for each situation of applying for the DNV, whether applying from Spain, the U.S., as self-employed, or employed by an American company.
I ditched my soul-crushing corporate job and discovered how to transform my life abroad—want to learn how to turn your own remote career into a sustainable life in Spain? I offer expert resources, plus personalized coaching plans and packages if you're looking for extra 1-1 guidance.
The American's Guide to Spain's Digital Nomad Visa download -
22-page PDF guide covering move prep, the application process, your new life in Spain & more!
Printable checklists -
PDF downloads for various application circumstances
(applying from Spain; from US; self-employed; employed with company)
8 one-on-one custom coaching sessions to ensure progress and get your unique questions answered
Weekly accountability & action items based on your goals
Whatsapp support between calls
The American's Guide to Spain's Digital Nomad Visa download
Printable checklists -
PDF downloads for various application circumstances
/ per hour
30 minute or 1 hour coaching sessions as you need them, for personalized planning and extra guidance on your circumstances
The American's Guide to Spain's Digital Nomad Visa download
Printable checklists -
PDF downloads for various application circumstances
About the Author
I live in Barcelona, Spain with my partner under the digital nomad visa and love it! Since my first trip to Spain almost 10 years ago, I knew I had to experience its culture in an even deeper way, and it became one of my life goals to live in Spain. Unlike a fairly typical plan, I knew I didn’t want to wait until retirement age to make that dream come true—but getting sponsored by Spanish companies to work in Spain is notoriously difficult.
Enter the digital nomad visa enacted by Spain and my subsequent obsession to figure out how to leverage it. Our planning began in earnest in July 2024; we applied from within Spain in January 2025 and were approved and relocated in February 2025. Depending on your timeline, this can be done even faster.
This guide is written personally by me, a real person (not AI!), so you can benefit from all my research, knowledge and first-hand experience—streamlining the entire process of your own move from the US to Spain.
Roughly, the digital nomad visa is available to non-EU residents who work for companies outside of Spain, have a minimum stable income, have at least 3 years of work experience and a clear criminal record. However, required application components vary based on personal circumstances—download the complete guide to plan your path.
If your job is fully remote, chances are this visa can work for you! It is possible to apply for Spain's digital nomad visa as a contractor (1099 employee in the US) or as a full-time employee (provided your employer is willing to work with you). Generally the contractor route is seen as "easier" or more in line with the intent of the visa, but that path has some complications of its own. W-2 employees can also apply, although you may have seem some back and forth on topics related to social security and approvals. It's best to consult an expert or others' recent first-hand experiences on this point. You can find more details on this distinction in the guide.
Spain is generally affordable compared to the U.S. and other western European countries, with a comfortable lifestyle for a single person potentially ranging from €1,000 to €2,500+ monthly. Overall costs vary heavily by location, with popular areas and cities costing much more than more remote areas. Expect to pay less for groceries and eating out, but potentially more for some utilities like heating.
You need to earn 2x the Spanish minimum wage for a single applicant, then a sliding scale applies based on the additional number of dependents covered under the visa. As the minimum wage changes yearly, the minimum income required also varies slightly per calendar year.
Residency for dependents (spouse/partner, children, dependent parents) can also be granted under this visa, and their right to stay in Spain is linked to the primary visa holder’s status. Dependents 16+ (e.g. spouse or partner and older children) have full employment rights in Spain, meaning that they can work for Spanish employers, as self-employed from Spain or start/continue working remotely for foreign companies. Children of digital nomad visa holders get free primary and secondary education, and if unmarried and financially dependent, access to study at Spanish universities.
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