If you are planning to live and work legally in Spain, two of the most attractive immigration options for professionals are the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and the Highly Qualified Worker Visa. Although both allow you to reside and work in Spain, they cater to very different professional profiles and lifestyles. Below we explain the key differences, requirements, benefits, and which one might be the best fit for you.
Understanding the Two Pathways
Spain offers two main residency routes for skilled professionals:
- Highly Qualified Worker Visa (also known as Visa PAC): Designed for professionals with a university degree, postgraduate studies, or at least three years of relevant experience, who have a job offer from a Spanish company.
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Aimed at remote workers and freelancers who provide services to companies located outside Spain. It allows them to live in Spain while continuing their international work remotely. Read Spainguru’s in-depth guide about the Spanish DNV.
Both visas grant legal residence and work authorization, but their conditions, application procedures, and tax implications differ significantly.
Requirements for the Highly Qualified Worker Visa
To apply for the Highly Qualified Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a university or postgraduate degree, or have at least three years of experience in your professional field.
- Have a formal job offer from a Spanish company, usually with a salary exceeding the national average (around €40,000 annually for technical roles, higher for managerial positions).
- Provide a criminal record certificate from your country of residence, duly apostilled.
- Present documentation from the Spanish employer, such as tax and social security compliance certificates.
- For regulated professions (e.g., medicine), a recognized and homologated qualification is required.
You can apply for this visa in Spain during your first 90 days as a tourist or through the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the International Teleworker Visa, targets professionals who work remotely for companies based outside Spain.
To qualify, you must:
- Demonstrate a contractual or freelance relationship with one or more foreign companies for at least three months before applying.
- Provide a criminal record certificate and proof of sufficient income — at least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) (around €2,600 monthly in 2025).
- If you are self-employed (freelance), sign a sworn declaration committing to pay taxes in Spain once residency is granted.
- Optionally, you may work with Spanish clients, provided this work does not exceed 20% of your total income.
This visa can be requested either from within Spain (during the 90-day tourist period) or at the Spanish consulate abroad.
Duration and Renewal
- Highly Qualified Worker Visa: Initial residence permit of three years, renewable for two more years as long as the work relationship continues.
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa: If applied for from Spain, it also grants a three-year residence as long as the provided contract is indefinite, renewable for two years. Applications made through a consulate generally start with a one-year visa, which can then be extended.
Both visas can lead to Spanish citizenship after two years of continuous residence for Latin American citizens or ten years for others.
Benefits and Limitations
Highly Qualified Worker Visa
Advantages:
- Direct pathway to permanent residence and nationality.
- Eligibility to reunite family members (spouse, children, and dependent parents).
- Full access to public healthcare and education.
- Stability through a formal employment contract.
Limitations:
- You must maintain an active job offer with a Spanish employer.
- Job loss requires quick action to maintain legal status.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Advantages:
- Great flexibility and geographical freedom.
- Ideal for freelancers or employees of foreign companies.
- Allows family reunification under the same law.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
Limitations:
- High income requirement (minimum €2,600 per month).
- Must maintain ongoing contracts with foreign clients.
- Renewal depends on proof of continued work and income.
Which Visa Fits Your Profile?
- Choose the Highly Qualified Worker Visa if you plan to build a long-term career in Spain, have a job offer from a local company, and wish to integrate fully — including applying for Spanish citizenship.
- Opt for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa if you value flexibility, already work remotely for foreign companies, or want to experience living in Spain without being tied to one employer.
For example:
- Diego, a Colombian mechanical engineer with a job offer in Madrid, chooses the Highly Qualified Worker Visa, allowing him to bring his family and later apply for citizenship.
- Luisa, a web developer serving U.S. and Peruvian clients, relocates to Valencia with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, working from coworking spaces and enjoying coastal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between the two visas later?
Yes. As long as you meet the requirements and maintain legal residence, switching is possible.
Can I bring my family to Spain?
Yes. Both visas allow family reunification under Spain’s Entrepreneur Support Law.
Do I pay Spanish taxes under both visas?
Yes, though tax obligations differ. Employees under the Highly Qualified Worker Visa pay through payroll, while Digital Nomads register as self-employed or under a special tax regime for remote workers.
Conclusion
Both the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and the Highly Qualified Worker Visa offer legal, stable, and attractive pathways to live and work in Spain. Your choice should depend on your professional situation, lifestyle goals, and long-term plans. If your aim is integration and stability, the Highly Qualified Worker Visa may be ideal. If flexibility and remote work freedom matter most, the Digital Nomad Visa will suit you better.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Spain Digital Nomad Visa | Highly Qualified Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Target Profile | Remote workers and freelancers who provide services to companies outside Spain. | Professionals with a university degree or 3+ years of experience hired by a Spanish company. |
| Type of Employment | Remote work for foreign companies or freelance work with limited Spanish clients (up to 20% of income). | Formal employment contract with a registered Spanish company. |
| Minimum Income | At least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Wage (approx. €2,600/month in 2025). | Salary must meet the threshold for highly qualified roles (around €40,000/year or higher). |
| Application Location | In Spain during the first 90 days as a tourist, or through a Spanish consulate abroad. | In Spain within the first 90 days as a tourist, or through a Spanish consulate abroad. |
| Duration of Initial Residence | 1 year if applied via consulate, 3 years if applied from Spain. | 3 years. |
| Renewal Period | Renewable for 2 more years. | Renewable for 2 more years. |
| Path to Spanish Citizenship | Possible after 2 years for Latin Americans (or 10 for others). | Same — 2 years for Latin Americans (or 10 for others). |
| Family Reunification | Allowed under the same law (spouse, children, and dependent parents). | Allowed under the same law (spouse, children, and dependent parents). |
| Social Security & Taxes | Freelancers must register as autónomos and pay taxes in Spain. Employees may qualify for special tax regimes. | Employees pay social security and taxes through their Spanish employer. |
| Healthcare & Education Access | Full access to Spain’s public healthcare and education systems. | Full access to Spain’s public healthcare and education systems. |
| Advantages | Flexible, location-independent work. Ideal for digital professionals. | Stable, structured employment. Direct route to long-term residency. |
| Limitations | High income requirement and dependency on foreign contracts. | Must maintain a Spanish job contract; losing employment affects residency. |
| Best For | Remote workers, freelancers, or entrepreneurs seeking freedom and lifestyle balance. | Skilled professionals seeking long-term stability and integration in Spain. |
