Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
What happens if I have a Spain digital nomad visa and now I am an EU citizen?
I came to Spain with a nomad visa. Just this week I was granted my EU citizenship. I do not have a TIE or anything. I want advice on how to proceed to benefit taxes, residency in Spain, etc.
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These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“An EU citizen cannot be a Spain digital nomad; it goes against the requirements. If you have dual passports of EU and non-EU nationality, you could justify staying on the Digital Nomad Visa with the non-EU passport and should only use that passport in Spain.
It is recommended to apply for the EU Certificado de Registro, which grants permanent residency.”
“I know someone in a similar situation who is a Digital Nomad in Spain as an employee and who is going to become an EU citizen. Should he inform the UGE of his change in status before attending the appointment to register as an EU citizen?” -“No, wait until they receive the EU residency.”
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Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, obtaining EU citizenship while on a Digital Nomad Visa changes your legal status in Spain.
Since EU citizens do not qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applying for an EU Certificado de Registro is the recommended path to obtaining permanent residency.
Those with dual citizenship (EU and non-EU) may have the option to maintain their Digital Nomad Visa by using their non-EU passport when dealing with Spanish authorities.
However, switching to EU residency is generally more beneficial, especially regarding taxation and long-term stay options.
Additionally, tax implications should be carefully considered, as EU residency may open up new tax options. Consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable to navigate the transition smoothly and optimize tax benefits.
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