Working legally as a digital nomad in Madrid is an increasingly accessible option thanks to the implementation of the Visa for Digital Nomads in Spain. This visa allows professionals who work remotely to establish residency in the country while continuing to perform their duties for foreign companies or clients. Below are the requirements, benefits, and procedures for obtaining this visa and working legally in Madrid.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
He Visa for Digital Nomads It is an authorization that allows non-EU citizens to reside and work remotely in Spain for companies or clients located outside the national territory. This visa is part of Law 28/2022, designed to attract and retain international talent by encouraging remote workers and digital nomads to establish themselves in the country.
Requirements to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Employment or Professional Relationship with Foreign Companies
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Previous Employment Relationship: You must have a working or professional relationship with your foreign client or company for at least three months prior to applying.
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Company Age: The company must be incorporated at least one year before the application date.
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Authorization for Remote Work: A letter from the foreign company authorizing remote work is required. This letter must be signed by a company representative, whose identity must be clearly verified.
2. Academic Training or Professional Experience
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Academic Degree: Proof of being a graduate or postgraduate from prestigious universities, vocational training schools, or business schools.
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Professional Experience: If you do not have the aforementioned qualifications, you must demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in roles similar to the position you intend to perform.
3. Sufficient Economic Means
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Minimum Income: The applicant must demonstrate a monthly income of at least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). By 2025, this will be equivalent to approximately €2,646 per month.
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Accompanying Family Members: If traveling with family members, an additional 75% of the SMI is required for the first family member and an additional 25% for each of the remaining family members.
4. Health Insurance
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Health Coverage: It is mandatory to have private health insurance that provides coverage comparable to that provided by the Spanish National Health System. The insurance must be purchased from an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain and must remain active for the duration of the authorization.
5. Criminal Record and Medical Certificate
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Criminal Record Certificate: Present a criminal record certificate from the country or countries where you have resided for the past two years, duly legalized and apostilled. Also, a sworn statement confirming that you have had no criminal record in the past five years.
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Medical certificate: Proof of non-existence of any disease that may have serious public health implications, in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
6. Commitment to Social Security
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Social Security Obligations: A declaration of responsibility stating the commitment to comply with social security obligations prior to starting work or professional activity. If coverage is not provided by the international standard for the coordination of social security systems and employment, proof of the company's registration or justification for its application for registration with Social Security must be provided.
Procedure for Applying for a Visa
Application from Abroad
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Submission of the Application: Go to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to submit your visa application.
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Necessary Documentation: Complete and submit the application form, along with documentation proving compliance with the aforementioned requirements.
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Payment of Fees: Pay the fees corresponding to the visa process.
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Resolution Time: The resolution period is usually approximately 10 days.
Application from Spain
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Legal Stay in Spain: If you are already legally in Spain, you can apply for an international teleworking residency permit.
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Online Presentation: The application must be submitted electronically to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).
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Necessary Documentation: Provide documentation that proves compliance with the aforementioned requirements.
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Payment of Fees: Pay the fees corresponding to the authorization process.
Duration and Renewal of the Digital Nomad Visa
Once approved, the digital nomad visa in Spain allows you to:
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Reside and work in Spain for 1 year, provided that the conditions under which it was granted are maintained.
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Renew for a period of up to 3 more years, submitting the corresponding application 60 days before the expiration of the initial visa.
Renewal is subject to the applicant continuing to meet all requirements: remote employment with a foreign company, sufficient financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
What benefits does this visa offer for legal work in Madrid?
Settling in Madrid as a digital nomad with this visa has many advantages:
1. Enjoy life in a great European capital
Madrid offers a unique combination of climate, culture, safety, and connectivity. It has a vibrant expat community and a coworking network ideal for remote professionals.
2. Attractive tax regime
Digital nomads can benefit from the expatriate tax regime (known as the "Beckham Law"), which allows them to pay tax only on income generated in Spain at a reduced rate for the first five years of residence. Consult with a specialized tax advisor to see if you can access this regime..
3. Access to public services and the financial system
With this visa you will be able to:
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Open a bank account in Spain.
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Access a foreigner's identity number (NIE).
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Register with Social Security if you decide to work as a freelancer or with a Spanish employer in the future.
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Register with Madrid City Council to access public services.
4. Possibility of bringing your family
You can include your partner and children in the application as companions. They will also receive valid residence permits to live and, in some cases, work or study in Spain.
Recommendations to facilitate the process
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Prepare in advance: Make sure you have all documents translated and apostilled.
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Consult with an immigration lawyerWhile it is possible to complete the process on your own, regulations are still evolving, and it is advisable to seek legal advice.
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Choose good health insurance: that covers all medical and emergency needs, as required by law.
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Keep all evidence of your employment relationship: contracts, invoices, payments, emails, etc., as they may be required in the application or future renewals.
Where can you work in Madrid as a digital nomad?
Once you get your visa, you'll need a place to work comfortably and stay connected. This is where IL Coworking, a modern space in the center of Madrid, ideal for digital nomads looking for:
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Fast internet connection.
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Calm and productive environments.
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International community.
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Activities and events to meet other professionals.
You can reserve your spot by the day, week, or month and start building a network from day one.
Conclusion
Working legally as a digital nomad in Madrid is easier than ever thanks to the new law that allows you to obtain a specific visa for remote professionals. If you meet the requirements, you'll be able to enjoy everything the Spanish capital has to offer: culture, safety, connectivity, quality of life, and a thriving professional environment.
If you are thinking of taking the step, Madrid awaits you with open armsAnd if you're already looking for a place to settle, IL Coworking It can be the first step to building your new life as a digital nomad in Spain.