Since the Spanish Digital Nomad visa was launched in January 2023, many remote workers are now approaching their first renewal. Immigration lawyer Ainhoa Manero from Sterna Abogados explains how the renewal process works, what applicants must prepare, and how to plan for long-term residence or citizenship in Spain.
How the First Renewals of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Are Going
According to Ainhoa Manero, renewals for the Spanish Digital Nomad visa have been progressing smoothly. Most applicants who continue meeting the main requirements — maintaining remote work activity and demonstrating sufficient income — have not faced significant challenges.
However, Spanish authorities have become more meticulous over time. Initially, they did not request proof of payments, but now they often ask to verify that the applicant’s salary or freelance income is actually being deposited into their Spanish bank account.
Key Requirements for Renewing the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
There are two main categories of applicants: employees and freelancers.
- Employees (remote workers with a company contract):
Renewal depends on continuing employment with the same company and maintaining at least the same level of income. - Freelancers (self-employed or 1099 workers):
Renewals rely on invoices and tax declarations filed in Spain. Freelancers must be registered with Spanish tax authorities and social security. Changing clients is allowed, as long as the freelancer continues invoicing regularly and meeting income requirements.
Applicants can submit their renewal up to two months before the visa expires. Ainhoa recommends preparing at least one month in advance, especially if documents such as criminal records or apostilles are required.
How Strict Are the Authorities During the Renewal?
While the process is generally straightforward, the authorities have tightened checks on:
- Proof of ongoing work (employment contracts or invoices).
- Payment transfers into the applicant’s account.
- Accuracy and consistency of personal details across documents.
Minor discrepancies — such as mismatched names or missing apostilles — can delay or even jeopardize a renewal, so attention to detail is essential.
Common Mistakes That Put Renewal Applications at Risk
Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Changing employers without notifying immigration authorities.
For employees, changing companies requires a new application under the Digital Nomad program. - Failing to submit updated criminal records.
Applicants who spend significant time outside Spain may be asked to provide new criminal records, especially if they have been abroad for long periods. - Not meeting deadlines for document submission.
When authorities issue a requirement, applicants usually have 10 days to respond, which can be extended in some cases but not guaranteed.
Minimum Stay Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
Unlike other residence permits, there is no obligation to stay in Spain for at least six months per year to maintain the Spanish Digital Nomad visa. This flexibility makes the visa attractive to frequent travelers.
However, those planning to apply for long-term residency or Spanish citizenship should be aware of stricter stay requirements for those statuses.
What Happens If You Lose Your Job or Clients?
If you lose your remote job or your main client:
- Employees must inform immigration and apply for a new Digital Nomad visa with their new employer. This does not reset their residency “antiquity” (time accumulated toward permanent residence).
- Freelancers can continue their permit as long as they maintain active clients and meet income thresholds.
If neither condition applies, switching to another residence type — such as a non-lucrative visa — is often possible without leaving Spain.
Alternative Residence Options After the Digital Nomad Visa
After living legally in Spain for one year, Digital Nomad visa holders can transition to other residence permits, such as:
- Non-Lucrative Visa – for those with sufficient savings or passive income.
- Family Reunification – if the applicant’s spouse or partner is working in Spain.
- Student or Entrepreneur Visa – for those starting a business or studying.
The key is to maintain uninterrupted legal residence to preserve eligibility for long-term residence or citizenship.
Transitioning to Long-Term Residency or Spanish Citizenship
Time spent on the Spanish Digital Nomad visa does count toward both long-term residency (after 5 years) and Spanish citizenship.
For most nationalities, citizenship is available after 10 years, but certain countries — including those in Latin America, the Philippines, and Portugal — benefit from reduced residency requirements (2 years). Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces it to 1 year.
Applicants should monitor their travel patterns carefully:
- For long-term residency, absences from Spain cannot exceed 10 months within five years.
- For citizenship, the limit is three months per year.
Tax and Legal Considerations for Digital Nomads in Spain
From a tax perspective, remote employees under the Spanish Digital Nomad visa can often benefit from Spain’s Beckham Law (“Ley Beckham”), which allows them to be taxed at a flat 24% rate on Spanish income for up to six years.
However, freelancers may find it harder to qualify for this regime, as the law does not clearly define how self-employed remote workers fit within it. In such cases, personalized tax planning with a professional advisor is essential.
What to Expect in Future Renewals
Spanish immigration offices are becoming stricter with renewals. Applicants may increasingly be asked for:
- Apostilled and translated documents
- Proof of salary payments or client invoices
- Consistency between the role described in the initial application and ongoing work
If an application is denied, applicants should not panic — appeals or reapplications within three months are usually possible. In some cases, it may even be faster to reapply rather than appeal.
Long-Term Advice for Building a Future in Spain
The Digital Nomad visa can serve as an entry point to a long-term life in Spain. Whether you wish to start a business, retire, or eventually apply for citizenship, the key is to:
- Stay compliant with immigration rules.
- Notify authorities of any job or status change.
- Plan your residence timeline carefully.
As Ainhoa Manero advises, “Your situation can change, but that doesn’t mean you’ll lose your permit — as long as you follow the right process.”
This article is not legal advice. Make sure to contact our expert immigration lawyers to plan the best strategy for your Spanish Digital Nomad visa renewal or transition to long-term residency.
