Spain Digital Nomad Visa vs Work Permit: Requirements, Pros & Cons

Foreigners looking to live and work in Spain often face a crucial choice: apply for a traditional Spanish work permit or take advantage of the more recent Spain Digital Nomad Visa. While both options open doors to residency and professional opportunities, they differ significantly in requirements, processing times, and long-term implications. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you determine which path may suit you best.

Main Types of Spanish Work Permits vs the Digital Nomad Visa

Spain offers two main categories of traditional work permits:

• Cuenta Ajena (employee work permit): for foreigners hired by a Spanish company.

• Cuenta Propia (self-employed work permit): for entrepreneurs and freelancers establishing their own business or freelance activity in Spain.

Alongside these, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign employers or clients. Up to 20% of income may come from Spanish clients, but the bulk must be from abroad.

Can You Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Spain?

It depends on the type of permit. Certain permits, such as the Highly Qualified Worker Visa, can be applied for from inside Spain, even while on a tourist visa. Regular employee permits (Cuenta Ajena), however, typically require that the applicant has already been in Spain for at least one year or applies from a Spanish consulate abroad, unless special circumstances apply.

Regular Work Permit vs Highly Qualified Worker Visa

The Highly Qualified Worker Visa is designed for professionals with a university degree or master’s degree and a high salary offer (around €42,000 annually for applicants over 30, or €32,000 for those under 30). This visa is processed quickly—within 20 working days—and allows family members to join with work rights.

In contrast, a regular Cuenta Ajena permit is tied to a job offer meeting only the minimum wage requirements. However, applicants must prove that no Spanish or EU candidates could fill the role, making approval more difficult.

How Difficult Is It to Get a Regular Work Permit?

Obtaining a regular work permit is often challenging. Americans, British citizens, and other non-EU nationals may only succeed if they already reside in Spain legally, have been there for over a year, or qualify under exemptions. The Highly Qualified Worker Visa, by comparison, offers a far clearer route to success.

Employer Obligations in Sponsoring a Foreign Worker

Spanish employers must meet specific conditions to sponsor a foreign worker:

• They must have no outstanding debts with the tax authorities or social security.

• They must demonstrate financial capacity to cover the salary.

There is no requirement for a minimum number of employees, but small or financially weak companies often face greater scrutiny.

The Self-Employed Work Permit (Cuenta Propia)

Applying for a self-employed work permit is one of the most complex immigration routes in Spain. While a business plan is essential, immigration authorities place greater emphasis on proving real clients or contracts. For brick-and-mortar businesses such as cafes, pre-lease agreements and supplier contracts are often required before approval. Sole freelancers without employees can be approved, but must show financial viability.

Duration and Renewal of Work Permits

Most initial work permits are granted for one year. Upon renewal, they are usually extended for four years. Importantly, after the first year, holders of either employee or self-employed permits may switch categories (for example, from freelance to employed).

For renewal, applicants must demonstrate stable income. Freelancers should aim to invoice at least €1,500 per month in the months leading up to renewal, as they are responsible for their own social security payments. Flexibility exists, and authorities may accept evidence of business efforts even if income falls short.

Requirements for Work Permits vs the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Key differences include:

• Health Insurance: Digital Nomad applicants often require private health insurance, unless covered by a social security agreement. Work permit holders are covered by Spain’s public system.

• Family Members: The Digital Nomad Visa allows family inclusion from the start. Standard self-employed permits do not.

• Financial Thresholds:

  • Work permits: at least the minimum salary, plus social security for self-employed.

  • Highly Qualified Workers: €32,000–€42,000 depending on age.

  • Spain Digital Nomad Visa: around €2,800 per month for the main applicant (200% of the Spanish minimum wage).

Proving Remote Work for the Digital Nomad Visa

Applicants must provide solid evidence of remote employment or freelance activity. Employees should show contracts, payroll records, and proof of social security contributions abroad. Freelancers must demonstrate consistent client payments, ideally via bank transfers. Authorities may be reluctant to accept payment records from alternative platforms such as PayPal.

Processing Times

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is resolved within 20 working days, benefiting from “positive silence” (automatic approval if no decision is made in time). By contrast, traditional work permits can take months, with no automatic approval mechanism, especially for self-employed permits.

Common Reasons for Denial

• Digital Nomad Visa: unclear or insufficient proof of payments from foreign clients.

• Self-Employed Work Permit: weak or unrealistic business plans, lack of evidence of Spanish clients or commitments, or business proposals not meeting criteria set by authorized review bodies.

Path to Long-Term Residency and Spanish Citizenship

All of these permits count towards long-term residency and eventually Spanish citizenship, provided residence requirements are met. However, Digital Nomad Visa holders should note that while renewal does not always require six months of presence per year, Spanish citizenship applications require stricter physical presence—no more than three months outside Spain annually.

Applying for Both Permits

In some cases, applicants may be eligible for both the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and a self-employed work permit. Lawyers often recommend applying for both, as the Digital Nomad Visa is usually processed faster and can serve as a backup while waiting for a decision on the freelance permit.

Which Option Is Better?

The best choice depends on your situation:

• Digital Nomad Visa: ideal if you need fast processing, plan to bring family, or have stable foreign income.

• Self-Employed Work Permit: suitable if most of your clients are in Spain or you expect income above the 20% local threshold allowed under the Digital Nomad scheme.

• Highly Qualified Worker Visa: best for professionals with strong job offers and high salaries.

A long-term immigration strategy is essential. Applicants should consider not only initial approval but also renewal requirements, family circumstances, and future plans for residency or Spanish citizenship.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa vs Work Permit in a Comparison Table

Here’s a clear comparison table outlining the main differences between the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and the two traditional work permits (Cuenta Ajena and Cuenta Propia):