Country topic
Visas in Spain
The Schengen rule lets visa-exempt visitors stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across the whole Schengen area; longer stays follow national visa rules. The Spanish consulate in Washington says US passport holders can stay in Spain without a visa on this basis, and Canada’s travel advice says the same for Canadian citizens. We have not checked an official source for Australian or New Zealand passports here. [Visas V1] [Visas V2] [Visas V3] Spain’s telework (digital nomad) visa is for remote work or professional activity for companies located outside Spain. Employees may work only for companies outside Spain; freelancers may serve a Spanish company for up to 20% of their professional activity. You need a degree or postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution, or at least three years of professional experience. The visa does not allow work for individuals, government agencies, universities or non-profits. It is valid for up to one year, or the length of the work period if shorter. [Visas V2] [Visas V4]
What we found
The research, with its sources.
Research information, not advice. Rules change, so check the source before you act on one.
- The Schengen rule lets visa-exempt visitors stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across the whole Schengen area; longer stays follow national visa rules. The Spanish consulate in Washington says US passport holders can stay in Spain without a visa on this basis, and Canada’s travel advice says the same for Canadian citizens. We have not checked an official source for Australian or New Zealand passports here. [Visas V1] [Visas V2] [Visas V3]
- Spain’s telework (digital nomad) visa is for remote work or professional activity for companies located outside Spain. Employees may work only for companies outside Spain; freelancers may serve a Spanish company for up to 20% of their professional activity. You need a degree or postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution, or at least three years of professional experience. The visa does not allow work for individuals, government agencies, universities or non-profits. It is valid for up to one year, or the length of the work period if shorter. [Visas V2] [Visas V4]
- The telework visa asks for income of 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage, which is €1,221 a month in 2026. The Washington consulate publishes €2,442 a month for a single applicant. The Canberra embassy counts the minimum wage over 12 payments rather than 14 (its page still shows 2025 figures); on the 2026 wage that method would give about €2,849 a month. The Ottawa and Wellington pages state only the percentage. To be safe, have more than €2,900 a month, and ask your consulate which figure it applies. [Visas V2] [Visas V5] [Visas V6] [Visas V7] [V8]
- A spouse or unmarried partner, financially dependent children and relatives in the ascending line under your care can apply for an accompanying family visa. On the Washington consulate’s 2026 figures you add about €900 a month for the first family member (75% of the minimum wage) and about €300 for each additional one, so a main applicant with one family member shows about €3,400 a month; to be safe, more than €3,400. Other consulates may work this out differently. [Visas V2]
- Before applying you need an NIE (foreigner identity number). Washington applications are made by appointment at the BLS visa centre; the legal deadline for a decision is 10 days, counted from when the consulate forwards the file rather than from your appointment, and longer if an interview or more documents are requested. The visa must be collected within one month of approval. The page lists a different visa fee for each passport; for US citizens it is $190 from 1 January 2026, revised quarterly. [Visas V2]
- The Washington list of documents includes proof of at least three months with your employer or clients, a certificate that the company has operated for at least a year, the NIE certificate, a criminal background check covering the past two years, and Spanish-authorised health insurance with no co-payment or limit (travel insurance is not accepted) unless you prove Spanish public Social Security coverage. It also asks for proof of coverage in the Spanish Social Security system. Other consulates list different documents. [Visas V2]
- The telework residence permit can last up to three years, against a maximum of one year for the visa, and is renewable in two-year periods. People who are legally in Spain, including US passport holders within their 90 days, can apply for it directly to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) without a prior visa; visa holders apply about two months before the visa expires. Spanish law gives long-term residence after five continuous years of legal residence. [Visas V2] [Visas V4] [V9]
- The non-lucrative visa is for living in Spain on your own means without working; the Washington consulate says it allows no work of any kind, including remotely. For 2026 it asks for 400% of the IPREM (€600 a month), which is about €28,800 a year for one applicant plus about €7,200 for each dependent family member; to be safe, more than €29,000 for one applicant. You apply for the TIE within one month of arriving, and the initial card is valid for one year. The Ottawa embassy says appointments can come several weeks after you request one; the telework visa itself needs no TIE while it is valid. [V10] [V11] [Visas V2]
The Fernshore Index
How the Index grades visas, by passport.
Each grade is against a published measure, with its source and the date we checked it. It is research information, not advice. Where we have no figure, the row says Unknown.
Visa, United States passport
85 of 100Strong
The telework visa lasts up to one year and is followed by a residence permit of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods (Law 14/2013). It needs no job offer from a Spanish employer, has no age minimum and asks for no deposit or investment. The income test is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage, about EUR 2,400 a month (Washington consulate), about US$32,800 a year at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026 (1.1208 US dollars per euro), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than EUR 2,500 a month. It needs a degree or three years of experience and a foreign employer or clients.
Source: Telework (digital nomad) visa; Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework); Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, Canada passport
85 of 100Strong
The telework visa lasts up to one year and is followed by a residence permit of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods (Law 14/2013). It needs no job offer from a Spanish employer, has no age minimum and asks for no deposit or investment. The income test is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage, about EUR 2,400 a month (the figure the Washington consulate prints; Ottawa states only the percentage; a private law firm reads it as about EUR 2,800 a month, about US$38,300 a year), about US$32,800 a year at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026 (1.1208 US dollars per euro), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than EUR 2,500 a month. It needs a degree or three years of experience and a foreign employer or clients.
Source: Remote work (digital nomad) visa, Ottawa; Telework (digital nomad) visa; Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework); Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, Australia passport
85 of 100Strong
The telework visa lasts up to one year and is followed by a residence permit of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods (Law 14/2013). It needs no job offer from a Spanish employer, has no age minimum and asks for no deposit or investment. The income test is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage, about EUR 2,400 a month (the Washington consulate figure for 2026) or about EUR 2,800 a month if Canberra applies the annual minimum wage over 12 months; the Canberra page still shows 2025 figures, about US$32,800 to US$38,300 a year at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026 (1.1208 US dollars per euro), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than EUR 2,500 a month. It needs a degree or three years of experience and a foreign employer or clients.
Source: Visa for digital nomads, Canberra; Telework (digital nomad) visa; Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework); Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar. Checked 15 October 2026.
Visa, New Zealand passport
85 of 100Strong
The telework visa lasts up to one year and is followed by a residence permit of up to three years, renewable in two-year periods (Law 14/2013). It needs no job offer from a Spanish employer, has no age minimum and asks for no deposit or investment. The income test is 200% of the 2026 minimum wage, about EUR 2,400 a month (the Washington consulate figure for 2026), or about EUR 2,800 if Wellington applies the annual minimum wage over 12 months, about US$32,800 to US$38,300 a year at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026 (1.1208 US dollars per euro), under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than EUR 2,500 a month. It needs a degree or three years of experience and a foreign employer or clients.
Source: Remote work visa, Wellington; Telework (digital nomad) visa; Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework); Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026; Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar. Checked 15 October 2026.
The country
More on Spain.
Topics
More about Spain.
Questions about Visas in Spain.
How long can I stay in Spain without a visa?
The Schengen rule is 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across all Schengen countries. The Washington consulate says US passport holders can stay on that basis, and Canada’s travel advice says the same for Canadians. We have not checked an official source for Australian or New Zealand passports.
How much income do I need for Spain’s digital nomad visa?
The telework visa asks for 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage. Washington and Canberra count it differently: about €2,400 to €2,800 a month for 2026. To be safe, have more than €2,900 a month, and ask your consulate which figure it applies. You also need a degree or three years’ experience.
Can my family come with me on Spain’s telework visa?
A spouse or partner, financially dependent children and relatives in the ascending line under your care can apply for an accompanying visa. Washington adds a monthly amount for the first family member and a smaller one for each extra one; with one, to be safe, more than €3,400 a month. Other consulates may differ.
Can I work remotely on Spain’s non-lucrative visa?
No. The Washington consulate says the non-lucrative visa allows no work of any kind, including remotely. It asks for a yearly amount in means for one applicant (400% of the IPREM), plus an amount for each dependent; to be safe, more than €29,000 a year. Remote work falls under the telework visa.
Do I need a residence card (TIE) in Spain?
On the telework visa, no: the visa is enough to stay and work while it is valid, up to a year. To continue, apply to the UGE for residence about two months before it ends; the TIE follows. On a non-lucrative visa, apply for the TIE within one month of arriving; appointments can take weeks.
Sources
Where each figure comes from.
Every figure on this page links to the page we read, with the date we checked it.
- [ES V1] Telework (digital nomad) visa, Consular Section, Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. Written for residents of D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. 2026: SMI EUR 1,221; 200% = EUR 2,442 a month for an applicant alone; remote work for companies outside Spain, up to 20% of professional activity for Spanish clients; degree or three years of experience; no minimum age stated. Used for the US passport and, for the euro figure, for CA, AU and NZ.
- [ES V5] Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework), Boletín Oficial del Estado (consolidated text). Checked 15 October 2026. Added by Law 28/2022, in force from 23 December 2022. Long-stay visas valid one year (or the length of the authorisation if shorter); residence authorisation for telework valid up to three years, renewable in two-year periods.
- [ES V6] Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026, Boletín Oficial del Estado. Checked 15 October 2026. EUR 1,221 a month (14 payments), EUR 17,094 a year, from 1 January 2026.
- [ES V7] Euro foreign exchange reference rate, US dollar, European Central Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 15 October 2026: 1.1208 US dollars per euro, used to convert the income test; EUR 2,442 x 12 = EUR 29,304 = about US$32,800; EUR 2,849 x 12 = EUR 34,188 = about US$38,300.
- [ES V2] Remote work (digital nomad) visa, Ottawa, Embassy of Spain in Ottawa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. In Spanish. For Ottawa and Gatineau; elsewhere Toronto or Montreal. Income of 200% of the minimum wage a month, no euro figure; degree or three years of experience; company at least a year old.
- [ES V3] Visa for digital nomads, Canberra, Embassy of Spain in Australia (consular section). Checked 15 October 2026. Financial means of at least 200% of the monthly minimum wage; the page still shows 2025 figures (minimum wage EUR 1,184 in 14 payments, EUR 1,381.33 over 12).
- [ES V4] Remote work visa, Wellington, Embassy of Spain in Wellington (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. In Spanish. For applicants resident in the Wellington district. Income of 200% of the minimum wage a month, no euro figure; degree or three years of experience.
- [Visas V1] Visa policy, European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs. Checked 15 October 2026. Page dated 23 June 2025: 90 days in any 180-day period; longer stays follow national procedures.
- [Visas V2] Telework (digital nomad) visa, Consular Section, Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. Written for residents of D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina; shows 2026 figures. Other US states apply at their own consulate.
- [Visas V3] Spain: entry requirements (Schengen area), Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca). Checked 15 October 2026. Canadian citizens: visa-free up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- [Visas V4] Ley 14/2013, articles 74 bis to 76 (international telework), Boletín Oficial del Estado (consolidated text). Checked 15 October 2026. Added by Law 28/2022, in force from 23 December 2022. Long-stay visas valid one year (or the length of the authorisation if shorter); residence authorisation for telework valid up to three years, renewable in two-year periods.
- [Visas V5] Real Decreto 126/2026, minimum wage for 2026, Boletín Oficial del Estado. Checked 15 October 2026. EUR 1,221 a month (14 payments), EUR 17,094 a year, from 1 January 2026.
- [Visas V6] Visa for digital nomads, Canberra, Embassy of Spain in Australia (consular section). Checked 15 October 2026. Financial means of at least 200% of the monthly minimum wage; the page still shows 2025 figures (minimum wage EUR 1,184 in 14 payments, EUR 1,381.33 over 12; EUR 2,762.66 a month).
- [Visas V7] Remote work (digital nomad) visa, Ottawa, Embassy of Spain in Ottawa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. In Spanish. For Ottawa and Gatineau; elsewhere Toronto or Montreal. Income of 200% of the minimum wage a month, no euro figure.
- [V8] Remote work visa, Wellington, Embassy of Spain in Wellington (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. In Spanish. For applicants resident in the Wellington district. Income of 200% of the minimum wage a month, no euro figure.
- [V9] Ley Orgánica 4/2000, article 32 (long-term residence), Boletín Oficial del Estado (consolidated text). Checked 15 October 2026. Long-term residence after five continuous years of legal residence.
- [V10] Non-working (non-lucrative) residency visa, Consular Section, Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C.. Checked 15 October 2026. 2026: annual means of 400% of the IPREM (IPREM EUR 600 a month), EUR 28,800 a year for one applicant, EUR 7,200 more for each dependent family member; no work allowed.
- [V11] Foreigner identity card (TIE), Embassy of Spain in Ottawa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. In Spanish; general rule for national visas, dated 15 December 2024. The telework visa has its own validity rules.