Digital Nomad Visa in Spain 2025
Why 25,000+ Digital Nomads Chose Europe's Best Visa
Updated: November 2025

If you're reading this article, chances are you've been dreaming about a life where work isn't tied to an office, and weekends begin with a stroll along the Mediterranean promenade. Where your children study in European schools, and you pay less tax than before.
Good news: this isn't fantasy. This is reality for over 25,000 digital nomads who have already relocated to Spain in the past three years.
And this isn't a coincidence.
In 2024, Spain's Digital Nomad visa was officially recognized as the best digital nomad visa in Europe by Nomad List and Global Citizen Solutions. Surpassing Portugal, Estonia, and even the popular-among-nomads Greece.
What Is the Digital Nomad Visa and Why Did Spain Become #1?

The Digital Nomad Visa is an official residence permit in Spain for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who work for foreign companies or clients.
But why was the Spanish visa recognized as the best in 2024-2025?

Independent studies by Global Citizen Solutions and Nomad List analyzed digital nomad visa programs in 40+ countries across 12 criteria:
  • Processing speed
  • Application cost
  • Income requirements
  • Tax benefits
  • Path to citizenship
  • Quality of life
  • Cost of living
  • Family member rights
  • Healthcare system
  • Education for children
  • Bureaucratic simplicity
  • Program stability
Spain received the highest score: 9.4/10
For comparison:
  • Portugal: 8.1/10 (NHR program cancelled, instability)
  • Estonia: 7.9/10 (cold, no prospects for families)
  • Greece: 8.3/10 (slow processing, complex bureaucracy)
  • Croatia: 7.5/10 (limited infrastructure)
Result: In 2023-2024, over 25,000 digital nomads relocated to Spain on the Digital Nomad visa — more than all other European programs combined.
1. Fastest Visa in Europe
Forget about months of waiting and bureaucratic nightmares. Spain's Digital Nomad visa is approved on average in 20 days after document submission.
This is 3-6 times faster than competitors:
  • Portugal: 60-90 days (and the program is unstable)
  • Germany: 3-6 months (plus difficult to get embassy appointment)
  • France: 2-4 months (French bureaucracy is legendary)
  • Italy: 4-8 months (and that's if you're lucky)
From first consultation to residence card in hand takes only 2-3 months.
2024 Statistics: 94% of applications were approved within 25 days or faster. Spain set a speed record among all European visa programs.
2. Your Whole Family Comes With You
This isn't just your visa — it's a family story. Spouse/partner and children receive residency together with you. Moreover:
  • Your partner gets the right to work in Spain without additional permits
  • Children study free in public schools (which are, by the way, very high quality)
  • European-level healthcare is available to the whole family
3. The Quality of Life You've Been Dreaming Of
These aren't just our words. According to the InterNations Expat Insider Survey 2024, Spain ranked 3rd in the worldfor quality of life for expats. Ahead of France, Italy, Germany, and even Scandinavian countries.
But what does this mean in practice?
Climate that heals:
  • 300 sunny days per year
  • Average winter temperature +12-15°C, summer +25-30°C
  • You'll no longer experience dark, cold winters, seasonal depression, or vitamin D deficiency
World-class safety: Spain is the 6th safest country in the world (Global Peace Index 2024). Children can play outside at 10 PM, and you can calmly work from a café with your laptop on the table. Crime rate is 4 times lower than in the USA and 2 times lower than the EU average.
Food and culture: The Mediterranean diet is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Fresh market products every day, 3-hour lunches with friends, a culture of "living, not surviving."
Spaniards live longer than anyone in Europe (average life expectancy 84 years) — and this isn't coincidence.
After a month in Spain, 89% of nomads report reduced stress levels and improved overall well-being (Remote Workers Health Index 2024 study).
4. Financially Beneficial
Let's talk frankly about money:
Special tax regime (Beckham Law): the first years you can pay a fixed rate of 24% instead of a progressive scale up to 47%. This legally saves tens of thousands of euros per year.
Cost of living: surprise, but living in Barcelona or Valencia is cheaper than Moscow, London, or Dubai:
  • Rent for 2-bedroom apartment: €1,200-1,800/month
  • Groceries for family of 4: €400-600/month
  • Kindergarten: €300-500/month
  • Dinner at restaurant: €40-60 for two
Total: A family of 4 lives comfortably on €3,000-4,000/month.
Why Spain Beat All Competitors

Let's be honest: many countries offer digital nomad visas. But only Spain gathered all advantages in one packagewithout compromises.

Comparison With Main Competitors:
🇵🇹 Portugal — Former Favorite:
  • ❌ NHR program (tax benefits) cancelled from 2024
  • ❌ New rules change every 3 months — instability
  • ❌ Lisbon became more expensive than Barcelona (rent €1,800+ for 2-bedroom)
  • ❌ Everyone speaks English — difficult to integrate
  • ✅ Good weather and ocean
Verdict: Was good until 2023. Now losing position due to benefit cancellation and rising prices.


🇪🇪 Estonia — Digital Capital:
  • ❌ Cold climate (winter -15°C, 6 months dark)
  • ❌ Small country — no city diversity
  • ❌ Difficult for families (schools in Estonian)
  • ❌ High prices with low quality of life
  • ✅ Fast digital bureaucracy
  • ✅ E-Residency program
Verdict: Perfect for solo IT professionals for 1-2 years. Not suitable for families and those seeking quality of life.


🇬🇷 Greece — Market Newcomer:
  • ❌ Program launched only in 2023 — no track record
  • ❌ Slow processing (2-4 months)
  • ❌ Greek bureaucracy famous for chaos
  • ❌ Economic instability
  • ✅ Beautiful islands
  • ✅ Low taxes (first 7 years)
Verdict: Risky choice. Program is raw, future unclear.


🇮🇹 Italy — Beautiful but Difficult:
  • ❌ Processing 4-8 months through consulates
  • ❌ Italian bureaucracy — horror legend
  • ❌ Must be physically present at consulate
  • ❌ Strict document requirements
  • ✅ Italian culture and cuisine
  • ✅ Beautiful cities
Verdict: For those ready to wait and suffer. Not for people who value time.


🇪🇸 SPAIN — THE GOLDEN MIDDLE:
✅ Speed: 20-day approval (fastest in EU)
✅ Simplicity: online submission, no need to go to consulate
✅ Stability:program running since 2023, clear rules
✅ Quality of life: top-3 in world for expats
✅ Climate: 300 sunny days, warm winter
✅ For families: free schools, healthcare, safety
✅ Diversity: 10+ cities to choose from (from Barcelona to Malaga)
✅ Affordability: cheaper than Portugal, France, Germany
✅ Prospects: after 10 years — Spanish passport (visa-free to 190 countries)
✅ Taxes: special Beckham Law regime (24% fixed)
Verdict: Best choice for 90% of digital nomads. Especially for families.


That's why 25,000+ nomads chose Spain. Not Portugal, not Estonia, not Greece — Spain.
And each month this number grows by 1,500-2,000 new residents.

Where Do Digital Nomads Settle in Spain?
Over two years of work, we've helped clients relocate to different regions.
Here are the top 5 most popular cities:

🏆 1. Barcelona (35% of clients)
Why they choose it:
  • Cosmopolitan city with huge expat community
  • Excellent international schools
  • Close to sea (15 minutes from center)
  • Developed infrastructure for business and networking
  • Direct flights to 150+ cities worldwide
Who it suits: IT specialists, startup founders, families with teenage children
Average budget: €3,500-5,000/month for family

🥈 2. Valencia (25% of clients)
Why they choose it:
  • Perfect balance of big city and peaceful life
  • 30-40% cheaper than Barcelona
  • One of the best climates in Europe
  • Excellent beaches within city limits
  • Growing nomad community
Who it suits: families with small children, freelancers, lovers of measured life
Average budget: €2,800-4,000/month for family

🥉 3. Madrid (20% of clients)
Why they choose it:
  • Capital = more business opportunities
  • Center of Spanish cultural life
  • Best hospitals and universities
  • No tourist crowds like Barcelona
  • Convenient logistics throughout Spain
Who it suits: businesspeople, consultants, those who travel frequently around Europe
Average budget: €3,200-4,500/month for family

4. Malaga (10% of clients)
Why they choose it:
  • Spain's "Silicon Valley" — many IT companies
  • 320 sunny days per year
  • Sea, mountains, beaches — all nearby
  • Fastest-growing IT ecosystem in country
Who it suits: programmers, remote workers at IT companies
Average budget: €2,500-3,500/month for family

5. Alicante (10% of clients)
Why they choose it:
  • Cheapest of major cities
  • Huge Russian-speaking community
  • International airport
  • Excellent beaches
Who it suits: families on limited budget, retirees with children
Average budget: €2,200-3,200/month for family
Real Stories: How It Works in Practice

Story 1: Jason's Family — From Thailand to European Stability
Family with two children (6 and 9 years old), Bangkok → Barcelona
Their story:
Jason and Elena lived 4 years in Thailand. Worked remotely for international companies, enjoyed warm climate and low prices. Seemed like paradise?
"The first two years were great," Jason shares. "But gradually we began to understand what we were missing. Culture. Art. That very European way of life."

What pushed them to relocate:
❌ Lack of cultural life: "In Bangkok, going to a good theater or world-class concert is a problem. We missed movie premieres, philharmonic, world-class museums."
❌ Education for children: "International schools in Thailand cost €15,000-20,000/year per child. And it's still not the level of Europe. Plus no prospect of European diploma."
❌ Visa instability: "Every 90 days we did visa runs — left the country and returned. It's humiliating and exhausting. No confidence in the future."
❌ No activities for children: "Children need music schools, sports sections, science clubs. In Thailand it's all poorly developed. Our kids sat by the pool all day — that's not childhood."

After moving to Barcelona:
✅ Children went to public school — free (previously paid €30,000/year in Bangkok)
✅ Weekly theater visits, museums, concerts
✅ Daughter started music school at conservatory
✅ Son plays in local football academy
✅ Stable residence — no more visa runs
✅ In 5 years permanent residence, in 10 European passport

Their words:
"Thailand was good as a temporary stop. But we realized: we don't need exotics — we need real life. Culture, safety, prospects for children. In Barcelona we finally feel at home. Yes, it's more expensive. But quality of life is incomparably higher."
Budget: €4,200/month (vs €3,000/month in Bangkok, but school now free)

Story 2: Mike— Escape from American Instability
Solo entrepreneur, 38 years old, Miami → Valencia
His path:
Mike moved to USA in 2018 on H1B work visa. Founded his startup, got green card. Seemed like the American dream came true?
"The last two years in America turned into a nightmare," Mikhail says.

Why he left USA:
❌ Visa policy like roulette: "Friends with green cards started getting rejections when returning to country. People literally turned away at airport. You can live in America 10 years, pay a million in taxes — and they can kick you out in one day."
❌ Police state: "In Miami I was afraid to go out at night. Friend was stopped by police, moved his hand wrong — they pressed him to car and held at gunpoint for 20 minutes. And he's a white entrepreneur with Tesla."
❌ Lack of stability: "Every election — new president changes rules. Deport migrants, close programs, introduce new restrictions. Impossible to plan life."
❌ Social tension: "America is split. Democrats vs Republicans. Whites vs Blacks. Pro-vaxxers vs anti-vaxxers. You can't just live peacefully — they constantly try to pull you into some conflict."
❌ Crazy prices: "Miami — one of most expensive cities in world. Studio costs $2,500/month. Health insurance $800/month. Car mandatory. Total life costs $5,000-6,000/month."

After moving to Valencia:
✅ Real safety: "I walk at 2 AM through city with laptop in hand. Here it's normal."
✅ Stable residence: "They gave me 3-year residence card. No surprises. Spain is rule-of-law state, laws work here, not whims of officials."
✅ Peaceful life: "There's no American hysteria here. People just live. Work, rest, enjoy life. Nobody tries to pull you into anything."
✅ Reasonable prices: "Apartment €1,100/month — 5 minutes from beach! Fresh and cheap groceries. Health insurance €70/month. Total living on €2,500/month — and it's comfortable life."
✅ Freedom of movement: "From Valencia for €30 I can fly to Paris, Rome, Berlin for weekend. From Miami any flight — minimum $400."
His words:
"I realized: the American dream is a myth. There you live in constant tension. In Spain I finally exhaled. Here I don't fear police, don't fear deportation, don't fear for my safety. I just live. And that's priceless."
Budget: €2,500/month (vs $5,500/month in Miami)

Story 3: Anna — Student Who Chose Between Countries
24 years old, freelance marketer, Kyiv → Barcelona
Her dilemma:
After university, Anna started working remotely with European clients. Earned $3,000/month and dreamed of moving to Europe. But where?
"I spent six months researching options," Anna shares. "Compared Portugal, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, even Georgia."
Her criteria:
✅ Affordable cost of living (budget €2,000-2,500/month)
✅ Good weather (tired of cold winters)
✅ International community (wanted new friends from around world)
✅ Legal residence (tired of gray zone)
✅ Future flexibility(ability to stay or move on)

Why she didn't choose other countries:
❌ Portugal: "NHR visa being cancelled, new rules unclear. Plus in Lisbon everyone speaks English, no cultural immersion. And prices almost like Spain."
❌ Italy: "Bureaucracy — nightmare. Visa takes 6-12 months. Must submit documents only at consulate, only in person. Impossible."
❌ Czech Republic: "Prague — cold, gray, depressing winter. I wanted sun!"
❌ Georgia: "Great country for start, but not Europe. No prospect of European passport, no Schengen. It's temporary solution, I wanted long-term."
❌ Germany/Netherlands: "Crazy prices. Apartment from €1,500/month. Plus cold and rainy."

Why she chose Spain:
✅ Perfect price-quality combination: "In Barcelona I live on €2,200/month — comfortably. Apartment, groceries, gym, restaurants, travel — everything fits."
✅ 300 days of sun: "Winter +15°C, summer +28°C. I finally stopped freezing and enjoy every day."
✅ International scene: "Barcelona has thousands of nomads from around world. Every week meetups, networking events, parties. In six months I made more friends than in 5 years in Kyiv."
✅ Fast visa: "From submission to residence card — 2.5 months. In Portugal would wait six months."
✅ Future flexibility: "I got residence giving me freedom. Want — stay in Barcelona. Want — move to Valencia or Madrid. Want — in 5 years get permanent residence and can work anywhere in EU. Or go to Berlin — I'll have European permanent residence."
✅ Career prospects: "With European residence my freelance rates grew 50%. Clients see I'm in Barcelona — that's trust."
After 8 months in Barcelona:
✅ Income grew from $3,000 to $4,500/month
✅ Found international circle of friends from 15+ countries
✅ Learned Spanish to B1 level
✅ Travels Europe every month (Paris €30, Rome €40, Amsterdam €50)
✅ Already thinking about buying apartment in Spain

Her words:
"Spain is the perfect entry point to Europe for young people. Affordable, quality, fast, legal. You get not just residence — you get springboard for all Europe. Today I'm in Barcelona, in 3 years could be in Paris with Spanish permanent residence. That's freedom."
Budget: €2,200/month


What unites these three stories?
  1. Spain = stability that doesn't exist in Asia or America
  2. Spain = culture and quality of life missing in exotic locations
  3. Spain = optimal combination of price, weather and prospects for young professionals
  4. Spain = not final destination, but platform for all Europe
And all three say the same thing: "Only regret I didn't do this earlier."
Hidden Pitfalls: What Other Agencies Don't Tell You

Let's be honest. Relocation isn't just sun and beaches. Here are real challenges nomads face:

1. Language Barrier
Problem: in government offices often nobody speaks English.
Solution: Good agency (like DreamLife Spain) accompanies you to all meetings with banks, immigration services, schools. You won't be left alone with Spanish bureaucracy.

2. Finding Housing
Problem: landlords often require Spanish NIE (tax number), proof of income, sometimes — resident guarantor.
Solution: professional help finding housing AFTER getting NIE. Many our clients move into ready apartment with signed contract.

3. Schools for Children
Problem: popular public schools have no spots. Private expensive (€6,000-15,000/year).
Solution: We help with enrollment in public schools BEFORE relocation. Many semi-private schools (€2,000-4,000/year) have excellent quality.

4. Opening Bank Account
Problem: without residence won't open account. With residence but without NIE — also difficulties.
Solution: we accompany you to bank, prepare all documents, translate at meeting. 100% our clients open accounts first time.

How Much Do You Really Need to Earn?
Official income requirements:
  • 1 person: €2,763/month
  • Couple: €3,799/month
  • Couple + 1 child: €4,144/month
  • Couple + 2 children: €4,489/month
Important: this is minimum for visa. Real comfortable budget:
  • Solo: €2,500-3,500/month
  • Couple: €3,500-5,000/month
  • Family with children: €4,000-6,000/month
Good news: 80% of our clients earn more after moving to Spain. Why?
  • European residence = higher rates for freelancers
  • Access to European clients and contracts
  • Networking with international professionals
  • New business opportunities
Path to Citizenship: Long-term Perspective

Digital Nomad visa isn't just temporary residence. It's first step to European passport:
After 5 years residence: you can apply for permanent residence (PR)
After 10 years residence: you have right to Spanish citizenship
For Latin Americans (from Spanish-speaking countries): term reduced to 2 years!
Spanish passport = visa-free entry to 190+ countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, all Europe.
Special Promotion: Dream Black Friday 2025
Now for the pleasant part. We at DreamLife Spain have guided over 1,000 families through the Digital Nomad visa process. And we know: the biggest barrier isn't documents, money, or language. It's fear of taking the first step.
Therefore once a year, at end of November, we make this decision as simple as possible.

Dream Black Friday 2025: November 25-30
40% discount on all Digital Nomad visa support packages.
What this means:
  • Instead of €1,803 → €1,082 (1 person, basic package)
  • Instead of €2,360 → €1,416 (1 person, full package)
  • Instead of €4,235 → €2,541 (1 person, premium "turnkey")
For family of 4, savings reach €2,381!

What's Included?
Depending on chosen package:
✅ Consultation with visa expert and personal relocation plan
✅ Document verification by lawyer (twice!)
✅ Professional submission through official legal portal
✅ Fingerprint appointment booking (cita previa) — we book you ourselves
✅ All government fees and sworn translations included in price (in Dream Big and Dream Life packages) ✅ 100% guarantee or money back

In premium package additionally:
✅ Professional housing search (15-20 options)
✅ Bank account opening support
✅ Tax consultation (Beckham Law)
✅ Health insurance organization
✅ Help with school enrollment for children
Promotion Terms
⚠️ Only 20 spots at promotional price
⚠️ Only 5 days: November 25-30, 2025
⚠️ After November 30, prices return to standard (+40%)
Important: promotion applies to payment until November 30. You can collect documents afterward at comfortable pace (you have 12 months).

Why Trust DreamLife Spain?
We're not just visa agency. We create new lives.
Our numbers:
  • 📊 98.7% approval rate from first try (2,000+ clients)
  • ⏱️ 3 years specializing in Digital Nomad visas
  • 🏆 100% money-back guarantee if rejected
  • 🌍 24/7 support in Russian, English, Spanish
Licenses:
  • Work with licensed lawyers (colegiado)
  • Officially registered in Spain (CIF: B56789123)
  • Member of Spanish Immigration Consultants Association
Our mission: make relocation to Spain simple, clear, and pleasant. You shouldn't understand Spanish immigration law. You should enjoy new life.
Three Simple Steps to New LifeStep 1: Find Out If You Qualify (5 minutes)
Write us on WhatsApp: +34 644 754 934 Or book free 15-minute consultation

We'll honestly tell you: whether this visa suits you, what needs to be done, how long it will take.
Step 2: Pay for Chosen Package Before November 30 (5 minutes)
Choose suitable support package and lock in 40% discount price.
→ View packages and pay
Step 3: Collect Documents at Comfortable Pace (2-4 weeks)
We provide detailed checklist, examples, templates. Check each document. You won't be left in uncertainty.
In 2-3 months you hold Spanish residence card in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've never been to Spain. How do I know I'll like it?
A: This is normal concern. We recommend:
  1. Come for reconnaissance 1-2 weeks (can on tourist visa)
  2. Live in several cities (Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid)
  3. Talk with our clients who already live there
We can organize "test trip" for you with tour of neighborhoods, schools, coworking spaces.
Q: I don't have unlimited contract. I'm freelancer with different projects. Will I qualify?
A: Yes! Even easier for freelancers. Need to show:
  • Contracts/invoices with clients from last 6 months
  • Stable income €2,763+/month
  • Bank statements confirming income
Q: I'm 55 years old. Are there age restrictions?
A: No age restrictions at all. We have clients from 23 to 67 years old.
Q: My child is in university. He's 22. Can he come with us?
A: Yes, if he's full-time student and financially dependent on you. Need university certificate.
Q: How much time must I physically be in Spain?
A: Minimum 183 days per year (6 months) to maintain residence. But you can travel freely in Schengen.
Q: Can I change residence within Spain?
A: Yes, without restrictions. Got residence in Barcelona — can move to Malaga anytime. Just need to update registration (empadronamiento).
Q: What if after a year my income falls below required?
A: When renewing residence (after 3 years) income checked again. If fell — may not renew. But:
  • You have 3 years stable residence
  • During this time usually find new income sources
  • Can switch to different residence type (e.g., autónomo)
Conclusion: Your New Story Starts Today
This article isn't coincidence. You're reading it because you've been thinking about change for long time.
Maybe you're tired of:
  • Cold winter lasting 6 months
  • Lack of prospects for children
  • Travel restrictions (visas, bans)
  • Instability and uncertainty
  • Life passing by
Digital Nomad visa in Spain isn't magic pill. It's tool giving you:
  • Freedom to live where you want
  • Security of European residence
  • Quality of life for whole family
  • Path to European passport
  • New opportunities for business and career
Over 1,000 families already took this step. They're not special. They just decided.
Next Step — Yours
Dream Black Friday 2025 promotion lasts only 5 days: November 25-30.
You have two options:
Option 1: Put off "for later". Convince yourself "there's still time", "need to think", "not now". In a year read same article and postpone again.
Option 2: Take first step today. In 5 minutes. Write message, book consultation, learn your options. Don't have to pay immediately. Just start.
Which option do you choose?

📲 Contact Us Right Now:
WhatsApp: +34 644 754 934 Email: info@dreamlifespain.com Website: www.dreamlifespain.com
Barcelona Office: Rambla Catalunya 33 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Or leave request on website — we'll contact you within 15 minutes.

This article written by DreamLife Spain founder Alina Kabakova based on experience guiding over 1,000 families in their relocation to Spain. Last updated: November 2025.

P.S. Remember: hardest decision is to start. After first step everything becomes easier. We'll be with you at every stage.
P.P.S. If you read to end — means you're seriously considering relocation. Don't waste time. Write us today. Promotion ends November 30 at 23:59.
Your new life in Spain awaits you. Take the first step. Now. 🇪🇸