This is Why Our Family Decided to Pursue the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

(and the Steps I Wish I Knew Beforehand)

When our family first considered moving to Spain, the idea of a digital nomad visa seemed like the perfect fit. As parents who work remotely and value cultural immersion, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offered an exciting opportunity to live in a beautiful country while continuing building our business online. However, navigating the process wasn’t as seamless as we had hoped. And if I’m honest, this is why it took me so long to begin the legal process of realizing my life long dream to move to Europe.

Looking back, there are so many things we wish we had known before diving in. In this post, I’ll share the steps we took, the lessons we learned, and why we believe hiring a lawyer and an insurance agent in Spain is non-negotiable. If you’re considering the digital nomad visa for yourself or your family, this guide will help you avoid the pitfalls we encountered and make your move much smoother.

Why Spain?

Spain is a dream destination for many remote workers, and for good reason. With its mild Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, incredible food, and family-friendly environment, it ticks all the boxes. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced as part of Spain’s Startup Law, provides an opportunity for remote workers to live and work legally in the country while enjoying these perks.

For us, the appeal was clear: a slower pace of life, access to world-class education for our kids, and the chance to explore Europe while maintaining our careers. But the process of securing the visa was far more complex than the brochures suggested.

Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Before diving into the details, let’s highlight why this visa is worth pursuing:

1. Long-Term Residency: The visa allows you to stay in Spain for up to five years, with the option to bring your family.
2. Tax Advantages: You’ll benefit from a reduced tax rate of 15% for the first four years, provided you meet the requirements.
3. Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependents can be included in your application, making it a great option for families.
4. EU Access: Living in Spain provides easy access to travel across the European Union.

Steps to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Here’s a breakdown of the steps we took, along with tips we wish we had known from the start:

1. Determine Eligibility for the digital nomad visa in Spain

To qualify, you must:

• Work remotely for a company outside of Spain or operate a remote business.
• Prove you’ve been employed for at least three months and that your company allows remote work.
• Earn at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (roughly €2,520/month in 2023).

Tip: Double-check the income requirement, as it may vary depending on family size.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Some essential documents include:

• A valid passport
• Proof of remote employment or business ownership
• Proof of income meeting the minimum requirement
• Criminal background check, apostilled and translated into Spanish
• Health insurance policy from a Spanish provider

What I Wish I Knew: Apostille and translation timelines can be unpredictable. Start this process as early as possible.

3. Secure a Health Insurance Policy and ensure your digital nomad visa for Spain application goes as smooth as possible

One of the visa’s key requirements is private health insurance from a Spanish provider. This was a big deal for us because coming from the US where insurances are so complex, we wanted to make sure we understood everything before committing. Our lawyers recommended THE BEST insurance brokers in Spain, and I can’t begin to tell you how glad I am I went with Gidea Insbrok. This policy must offer full coverage, including hospital stays, without copayments.

What makes health insurance in Spain so wildly amazing, is that once you pay your insurance fee, everything is covered: no co-payments, or extra hidden fees etc.

Our Experience: We worked with Gide Insbrok, who made the process incredibly easy. Our agents walked us through the requirements and ensured our policy met all visa criteria. They sent a form ( which you’ll get to directly from clicking HERE) and afterwards guided me every step of the way. Most importantly, they are familiar with US insurances, and with visa requirements so that you don’t end up getting the wrong thing. If you need a reliable insurance agent in Spain, I highly recommend them. Their support team is excellent, we absolutely loved all they’ve done to help us make this process less of a headache.

4. Hire a Lawyer if you’re serious about getting the digital nomad visa for Spain

This step is where we learned the hard way. The application process involves legal intricacies that can be overwhelming, especially when navigating a foreign bureaucracy. Hiring a lawyer familiar with Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa saved us time, stress, and potential mistakes.

I realized after starting our process with Jessica from Carbray International that: 1- I’d never moved forward with the process of applying for a visa abroad because eberytime I started, the complexities of legal forms was too overwhelming. 2- once you have a lawyer, there is almost nothing that can’t be worked out. If you are confused, have a complex case, don’t know how to make sure all the requirements are met, or have a family coming with you: GET A LAWYER. Trust me when I tell you their fee is worth it a million times over.

Why It’s Essential: Our lawyer Jessica ( from Carbray International) helped us:

• Ensure all documents were correct and complete.
• Communicate with Spanish authorities on our behalf.
• Navigate last-minute changes to regulations ( this almost made me quit the process all together and had I not had Jessica and her team, I would have not been able to finish our visa process).

If you’re looking for legal assistance, I can’t recommend Carbray International enough.

5. Submit Your Application

Applications can be submitted either at a Spanish consulate in your home country or within Spain if you’re already there on a tourist visa. The processing time varies but generally takes 20-60 days. I highly suggest applying from within Spain because then you are granted 3 years for your first residency permit instead of 1.

Tip: Applying from within Spain may expedite the process, but ensure your tourist visa doesn’t expire while waiting. I submitted my application on the LAST DAY of my 90 day Schengen visa limit, again because lawyers know what they’re doing- I would’ve never been able to do this on my own.

6. Prepare for Your Move

Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to:

• Apply for a TIE (foreign identity card) within 30 days of arrival.
• Register your address in Spain.
• Enroll your kids in school, if applicable.

Lessons We Learned (the Hard Way)

1. Start Early

The process takes time, especially when dealing with apostilles, translations, and insurance policies. Starting early will save you a lot of stress.

2. Double-Check Requirements

Visa requirements can vary slightly by consulate, so verify the specific documents needed for your application.

3. Don’t Skimp on Professional Help

Working with a lawyer and an insurance agent in Spain was the best decision we made. They ensured our application met every requirement and provided peace of mind during a stressful process.

4. Be Patient

Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace. Delays are common, so try to stay flexible and patient.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Families: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income requirement for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

As of 2026, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa requires a monthly income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage. The Spanish minimum wage in 2026 is €1,184 per month, which means the DNV income threshold is approximately €2,368 per month (around $2,600 USD). For each additional family member added to the application, you need an additional 75% of the minimum wage per adult and 25% per minor child. So a family of four would typically need to demonstrate roughly €3,500 to €4,000 in stable monthly income.

Can children be included in the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the main applicant’s DNV as family unit members. Children will receive authorization to reside in Spain and can enroll in the Spanish public school system. This is one of the most compelling aspects of the visa for families: your kids get full access to Spanish public education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities from day one.

How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application take?

Processing times vary by consulate location and can range from 4 to 12 weeks after submission. The preparation phase, gathering apostilled documents, income proof, health insurance, and the application itself, typically takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on your situation. Build in at least three to four months from deciding to apply to having your visa in hand. Working with a lawyer or specialist (like PUENTE) significantly reduces errors that cause delays.

Do I need to speak Spanish to get the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

No Spanish language requirement exists for the visa application itself. All documentation can be submitted in English with certified translations into Spanish. However, once you are living in Spain, day-to-day life and school enrollment for your children will involve Spanish, so some preparation before you arrive makes the transition much smoother.

Why Families Should Consider the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

The Digital Nomad Visa isn’t just for solo travelers. It’s an incredible option for families seeking a new lifestyle. Spain offers:

• Affordable childcare and education options.
• A warm, welcoming culture for children.
• Opportunities for immersive language learning.
• A safe environment with a high quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain was one of the best decisions our family has made, but it came with challenges we weren’t fully prepared for. By sharing our experience, I hope to make your journey smoother and stress-free.

If you’re considering this visa, my top advice is to invest in a knowledgeable lawyer and insurance agent. Carbray International and Gidea Insbrok were invaluable to us, and I’m confident they can help you too.

Spain has so much to offer families, from vibrant cities to serene coastal towns. With the right preparation, the Digital Nomad Visa can be your ticket to a new and fulfilling adventure.

If you have any questions about the process or need recommendations, feel free to reach out in the comments below. I’m happy to help!

Thinking about actually making the move to Spain?

Can I be honest with you? I dreamed of living in Europe from the time I was sixteen, when I studied abroad in Germany and completely lost my heart to it. Then I waited almost twenty years, because it felt so overwhelming and so far out of reach, like there was some requirement I could never quite meet and no one I trusted to tell me the truth. In 2024 I finally sat down with a lawyer, and one conversation changed everything. Within a month I understood that there is almost always a legal path to move, as long as you have the right person helping you find it. A few months later, my family was living in Spain.

That is exactly why we built Puente, which means bridge. Grants and cheap houses are wonderful, but they do not move your family or sort your visa. Puente does. We give you a real roadmap for your move and connect you, based on your specific situation, with the vetted team you actually need: an immigration lawyer, a tax advisor, a relocation expert, help with schools and cities and real estate, and we stay with you until you are settled. It all starts with a free live webinar, Make Spain Home Without the Guesswork. Come save your free seat: www.puenterelocation.com.

What family travel insurance actually costs

We never travel or live abroad without it. Here is the live price from SafetyWing:

🇮🇹 Want to experience Italian village life before committing to the move? ROOTS Italy brings worldschooling families to Ormea, Piedmont for 10 immersive days, cook with a local nonna, enroll the kids in Italian activities, slow down. Learn about ROOTS →

📥 Free 2026 Grants Guide: Verified programs in Spain, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and more, download it free here →

For everything we actually travel with for kids ages 2-8, browse our Worldschooling Supplies list on Amazon, curated from real trips to Spain, Italy, Japan, and Peru.

Building your life in Spain with kids? Our Spain Life with Kids list on Amazon covers our actual Málaga day-to-day essentials.