Spain’s Digital Nomad Residence: Income, UGE-CE Route and Renewals
Spain's permit for remote workers is set out in the entrepreneurs law. Here is how the income rule is calculated in 2026, how in-country applications work and what happens at renewal.
Spain’s digital nomad permit is the residence for international teleworkers in Ley 14/2013, added by the 2022 Startups Law. Applicants work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain and show income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI). With the 2026 SMI of €1,221 a month in 14 payments, that is about €2,442 a month as of November 2026.
Who qualifies as an international teleworker?
The rules are in articles 74 bis and following of Ley 14/2013. In summary, you qualify if you:
- work remotely, using computer and telecom tools, for a company or clients located outside Spain;
- have worked with that company or those clients for at least three months before applying, and the company has existed for at least one year;
- have a university degree or professional qualification related to the job, or at least three years of relevant experience;
- if you are self-employed, earn no more than 20% of your professional income from Spanish clients;
- have health insurance, a clean criminal record and are not in Spain irregularly.
Employees of a foreign company usually need a certificate from the employer authorizing remote work from Spain and a Social Security arrangement: either coverage under a bilateral agreement with the home country or registration in the Spanish system.
How much income do you need in 2026?
The thresholds are percentages of the SMI. Real Decreto 126/2026 set the 2026 SMI at €1,221 a month in 14 payments, which is €17,094 a year or €1,424.50 a month if spread over 12 payments.
| Household | Rule | Monthly amount on 14-payment basis (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | 200% of SMI | About €2,442 |
| First family member | +75% of SMI | About €916 |
| Each additional family member | +25% of SMI | About €305 |
Spanish consulates publish the 14-payment figures. Some advisers calculate on a 12-payment basis, which gives about €2,849 for a single applicant. Because the method matters at the margin, check the figure used by the office handling your application, and show stable income rather than one-off payments.
Should you apply from Spain or from a consulate?
| From Spain (residence permit) | From abroad (visa) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos) | Spanish consulate for your place of residence |
| Who can use it | People in Spain legally, for example as visa-free visitors | Anyone applying from their home country |
| How to file | Online, with a digital certificate or through a representative | At the consulate, following its booking rules |
| First period | Up to 3 years | Visa up to 1 year, then switch to a residence permit in Spain |
The UGE-CE is a national unit, so the application from Spain does not go through the Madrid immigration office. The law sets a 20-working-day deadline for decisions, and silence counts as approval under Ley 14/2013, but the office can pause the clock to ask for documents. Visa applicants should read the requirements published by their consulate on exteriores.gob.es.
After approval, holders in Madrid book the police appointment for cards under Ley 14/2013; see how to get the TIE card in Madrid.
Can family members come too?
Yes. A spouse or registered partner, children and dependent parents can apply together with the main applicant or join later. Each adds the income amount in the table above. Family members get permits linked to the main holder’s and can work in Spain.
What health insurance is accepted?
Applicants need public or private health cover in Spain. Private policies should be from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain and give full cover similar to the public system. People registered in Spanish Social Security, or covered through a bilateral agreement, have public cover.
How does the permit relate to the Beckham law?
International teleworkers can opt for the special tax regime for people who move to Spain, known as the Beckham law (article 93 of the income tax law). Under it, employment income up to €600,000 a year is taxed at a flat 24% for the year of arrival and the next five, as of November 2026. You must not have been tax resident in Spain in the previous five years and must opt in within six months of starting the activity. Self-employed teleworkers face extra conditions. The details are in the Beckham law in Spain; for your own case, consult an asesor fiscal.
How do renewals work?
Permits can be renewed for periods of two years as long as the conditions still apply: the remote work, the income, health cover and a clean record. Apply within the 60 days before expiry; late renewals within 90 days after are possible but may bring a fine. After five years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence, and the years count toward nationality.
Bottom line
Plan the Social Security part first: it is the step most often missing from applications from employees of foreign companies. If you are comparing routes, our guide to the non-lucrative visa covers the option for people who will not work at all.
FAQ
Can I work for Spanish clients?
Self-employed teleworkers can, up to 20% of their professional activity. Employees must work for the foreign company.
Do I need to live in Spain full time?
The permit is for residence, and tax residence follows if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain.
Is the digital nomad permit available to EU citizens?
No. EU citizens do not need it; they register under the EU rules.
Do I need to translate documents?
Documents not in Spanish need an official translation, and foreign public documents usually need an apostille.
