It all started on a rainy afternoon in Vancouver, Canada. Emma Wilson, 34, a freelance digital marketing specialist, was chatting with her friend Lucas, a 36-year-old software developer, when she said, ‘Why don't we take advantage of our freedom to live in Spain and continue working remotely?’

A dream takes off

Emma had been working online for international clients for years. So had Lucas. What they needed was a place to settle down that combined quality of life, good weather, good food, culture and a stable legal framework. That's when they discovered that Spain offered a visa for digital nomads to non-EU residents who work remotely.

They contacted us and decided to take the plunge. Their goal: to obtain legal residence in Spain, work from there for their international clients and enjoy a new personal and professional stage in their lives.

Why Spain?

What does the digital nomad visa mean? Since 2023 (and consolidated in 2025), Spain has implemented a legal modality for remote workers that allows them to reside in the country if their professional activity is carried out for companies or clients outside Spain.

Some key points of this visa category:

• Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income, which in 2025 is around €2,762 per month as a reference.
• Applicants must demonstrate a current employment relationship or professional activity (of at least three months) and that the company or activity operates outside Spain. It will be necessary to check whether there is a social security agreement with the country where the company or employer is located.
• It is mandatory to have private medical insurance valid in Spain, with some exceptions.
• No criminal record and other standard immigration requirements.
• The initial visa is valid for one or more years (up to a maximum of 3 years, renewable), depending on the case, and can be renewed for periods of 2 years.

Emma's case: step by step

This is the process Emma followed with our help to obtain her residence in Spain:

1) Assessment and preparation of documents

First, we review your profile: foreign client, verifiable income, previous experience, contracts, invoices, insurance, higher education qualifications or work experience (minimum 3 years).

We help you organise:

• Contracts and evidence from external clients.
• Bank statements.
• Medical insurance with coverage in Spain.
• Criminal record certificates.
• Translation, apostille and legalisation of documents.
• Consulate form and appointment request.

2) Selecting a destination in Spain

Emma decided to settle on the Costa Brava, in the Girona region, because of its beauty, connectivity and quality of life. She spent a few weeks there beforehand to get to know the coastal towns, services, internet connectivity and local community.

During this phase, they visited towns such as Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell, Begur and the city of Girona. With our help, she evaluated access to coworking spaces, transport, schools (in case her family grew in the future), medical services and housing.

3) Submission of the application

We submitted the digital nomad visa application to the Spanish consulate in Canada, with all the documentation organised. The estimated processing time was 10 working days.

During this time, we were on the lookout for any additional notifications that the consulate might request (additional certificates, clarifications, etc.).

4) Approval and transition to residency

Once the digital nomad visa was approved, Emma travelled to Spain and applied for residence authorisation in Spanish territory, a process that must be completed within the established time frame (1 year).

This authorisation allowed her to reside in Spain, move freely within the Schengen area and continue to work remotely with her international clients.

The advantages Emma enjoys

• Legal certainty: she is no longer a “tourist” but a legal resident.
• Stability: she can renew her permit and, after five years, apply for permanent residence.
• Favourable taxation: you can benefit from the special regime (Beckham Law) that taxes your income at a reduced rate of 24% during the first few years (this should be analysed on a case-by-case basis with a tax expert).
• Quality of life: you enjoy the Mediterranean climate, local culture, nature, gastronomy and proximity to European destinations.
• Digital community: you have integrated with other nomads, co-workers and local networks.

Challenges and lessons learned

• Rigorous documentation: any error, omission or lack of legalisation can delay or deny your visa.
• Proof of income: maintain active contracts, international clients and proof of regular payments.
• 80% compliance from abroad: do not rely excessively on Spanish clients.
• Timelines and expectations: Although many visas are processed within weeks, the actual experience can take several months, depending on the consulate and its workload.
• Key local tip: Having legal advice in Spain helps avoid mistakes and respond to the specific requirements of the local consulate.

Recommendations for future digital nomads

1. Assess your profile before applying: check whether your clients, income and contract meet the visa requirements.
2. Make an exploratory visit: visit Spain for a few days or weeks to get to know the destination, services and possibilities.
3. Gather your documents in advance: apostilles, translations, insurance, contracts, but bear in mind that some documents have a limited period of validity.
4. Maintain consistency in your activity: it is essential to demonstrate consistency in your income and remote work.
5. Choose a balanced area: connectivity, services, the digital community and quality of life should be in harmony.
6. Check the tax system: after spending 183 days in Spain, you may have Spanish tax residence and tax obligations.
7. Don't rush: it is essential to be patient and follow the process.

Conclusion

Emma's story is a clear example that the digital nomad visa in Spain is not just a possibility, but a real opportunity for many remote professionals. With a good strategy, solid documentation, and expert advice, it is entirely feasible to obtain legal residency, stability, and quality of life in Spain.

If you also have a digital nomad profile (self-employed, remote worker for a foreign company, entrepreneur, etc.), we can help you depending on your situation (e.g. your country of origin, your current income or your preferred destination in Spain) and chart your own path to Spain. Our service also includes recommendations on how to avoid losing your residency once you have obtained it. We will help you renew your authorisation and also when the time comes to apply for British nationality.