Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
How can I apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) along with my wife and kids? I am a U.S. citizen, and I work remotely for a U.S. company.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“The first thing to check is whether you qualify for the DNV with your current work setup. Key factors include:
- Are you W2 or 1099?
- Do you meet the minimum income requirement (varies based on dependents)?
- Has your employer been in business for at least a year?
- Do you have a relevant degree or at least three years of provable work experience?
- Does your company allow remote work from Spain?
- Is your job fully remote?”
“The biggest challenge with your situation is that you are a W2 employee. To get the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you must comply with Spain’s social security rules.
If you want to stay as a W2 employee, your employer needs to have a representative office in Spain and pay social security contributions here.
Employer social security in Spain is around 30% on the first €47,000.
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →
The alternative option is to switch to a 1099 independent contractor status and then register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain once you obtain the visa. You would need to provide at least three months of bank statements reflecting income under 1099 status.
Please note that the U.S. Certificate of Coverage is not acceptable for the DNV. Although some applicants managed to get through in 2023, it is no longer considered valid for remote work.”
“In addition to Google searches, check the group’s resources and files. They contain a lot of useful documentation. Hiring a lawyer could be beneficial, especially when applying with a family. A professional can guide you through the complexities and ensure you meet all requirements.”
“Many members in this group have successfully applied, but if you can afford it, hiring a professional—whether it’s an immigration attorney, relocation agent, or tax consultant—can save you time and hassle. They can help you navigate Spain’s complex legal and tax landscape.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa as a W2 employee presents challenges, primarily due to Spain’s social security requirements.
If your employer does not have a presence in Spain, transitioning to a 1099 independent contractor model might be the best approach to qualify.
Additionally, thorough documentation and professional guidance are recommended, particularly when applying with dependents.
Hiring an immigration attorney or relocation expert can help ensure a smoother application process and compliance with Spanish regulations.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spain Digital Nomad Visa group here!
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
