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Spain Digital Nomad Visa Guide: Golden Visa Alternative for Residency in 2025

Wondering if you can still live in Spain after the cancellation of the Golden Visa? The answer is yes! Spain offers a range of attractive residency options, and one of the top alternatives is the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is designed for foreign nationals planning to live in Spain as residents while working remotely for a company based outside of Spain. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa - from its requirements and benefits to how it compares to the Golden Visa.
The cancellation of Spain’s Golden Visa program marks a significant legislative shift in 2024. During the transition period, applications and procedures for the Golden Visa will continue to be processed under the existing regulations.

This decision officially ends all Golden Visa pathways, including the widely-used real estate investment route, which required a minimum investment of €500,000. The cancellation is part of Spain’s broader strategy to reduce speculative property purchases and refocus on more sustainable and impactful residency options, such as the Entrepreneur Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Guide: Golden Visa Alternative

Introduced in January 2023, the Digital Nomad Visa caters to non-EU citizens working remotely for non-Spanish companies, providing a flexible and efficient residency option for those seeking to live in Spain while maintaining their professional ties abroad.

Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

1) Remote Employment:
  • Applicants must work remotely for companies based outside of Spain or be self-employed with clients predominantly located outside of Spain.

2) Employment Certification:
  • Applicants must provide proof that they have been working for at least 3 months for a foreign company. The certification issued by the company should include the contract length, salary details, and, most importantly, explicit consent for the applicant to work remotely from Spain.

3) Health Insurance:
  • Applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain, ensuring adequate medical protection during their stay.

4) Clean Criminal Record:
  • Applicants must provide a clean criminal record from both Spain and any previous countries of residence.

Who Can Apply Alongside You?

Spouses and dependent children can accompany the main applicant, provided the additional income requirements are met. In addition, the following family members may also obtain the Digital Nomad Visa:
  • The spouse or unmarried partner.
  • Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who are part of the family unit.

How Long is the Visa Valid?

The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years, contingent upon the applicant maintaining eligibility throughout the period.
The cancellation of the Golden Visa does not mark the end of your opportunities to live and work in Spain. The Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent alternative, providing a flexible residency option for those working remotely for foreign companies. With clear requirements and a straightforward application process, it’s a viable pathway to establishing long-term residency in Spain.

At UTRUST, we specialize in helping individuals navigate Spain’s residency processes, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and facilitating smooth transitions.

Contact us at info@utrust.es to schedule a complimentary consultation and explore the best residency options for your circumstances.