Since the Spanish Digital Nomad visa was first introduced in January 2023, the first applicants have started facing their renewal process. Immigration lawyer Ainhoa Manero from Sterna Abogados shares her insights on how these renewals are progressing, the most common pitfalls to avoid, and what applicants should do to maintain legal residency and plan for long-term stay or Spanish citizenship.
How the First Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Renewals Are Going
According to Ainhoa Manero, the initial renewals of the Spanish Digital Nomad visa have been smooth. Spanish immigration offices are generally not creating major problems, although they are becoming slightly stricter with documentation and verification of income payments.
Initially, authorities did not request proof of actual payments. Now, however, they increasingly ask for bank statements to confirm that applicants are still receiving income as declared during their first application.
Key Requirements for a Successful Digital Nomad Visa Renewal
Renewal requirements vary depending on whether the applicant is an employee or a freelancer (autónomo):
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Employees: Must continue working for the same company (or a new one with proper notification) and maintain the same or higher salary.
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Freelancers: Must remain registered in Spain and demonstrate ongoing activity through invoices and tax declarations.
For freelancers, changing clients is not an issue as long as the work remains consistent. However, if you were approved as an employee and change employers, you must file a new Digital Nomad visa application, not just a renewal.
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Renewal Problems
Several errors can put a renewal at risk:
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Changing employers without notifying immigration.
Employees who fail to report a job change risk rejection of their renewal. -
Lack of criminal records when required.
While digital nomads are not obliged to stay in Spain for six months per year, those who spend long periods abroad may be asked for updated criminal records. -
Missing deadlines.
When immigration requests additional documents, applicants typically have only 10 days to respond. Delays—especially when waiting for documents from abroad—can jeopardize the process.
When and How to Apply for Renewal
Applicants can submit their renewal applications up to two months before the expiration date of their current residence card. It is recommended to start preparing at least three months in advance to allow time for obtaining necessary documents, such as criminal records or apostilles.
Minimum Stay Requirements for Renewal
Unlike other residence permits, the Spanish Digital Nomad visa does not require applicants to spend six months per year in Spain. A Supreme Court ruling confirmed that digital nomads are exempt from this obligation. However, those aiming for long-term residency or Spanish citizenship should still be cautious, as those processes have stricter presence requirements.
What to Do If You Lose Your Job or Clients
If an applicant loses the job or contract that supported their original application:
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Employees must notify immigration immediately and apply for a new digital nomad permit with details of the new employer.
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Freelancers can continue as long as they maintain active clients and meet minimum income levels.
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If income stops completely, applicants can switch to another residence type—most commonly the Non-Lucrative Visa—as long as they can prove sufficient financial means.
Alternatives for Those Who Don’t Meet Renewal Requirements
Applicants who do not qualify for renewal still have several options to remain legally in Spain, provided they have lived there legally for at least one year:
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Switch to a Non-Lucrative Visa (based on savings or passive income).
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Become a family member dependent if a spouse or partner is working.
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Apply for a student or entrepreneur permit if applicable.
All these changes can be done from within Spain without returning to the applicant’s home country.
Maintaining Continuous Legal Residency
Continuous legal residency is essential for those planning to apply for long-term residence or Spanish citizenship later.
Ainhoa advises informing immigration authorities immediately about any major changes—such as job or client changes—rather than waiting for the renewal period. Modifying your permit when necessary does not cause you to lose accumulated residency time (“antigüedad”).
Counting Time Toward Long-Term Residency and Citizenship
Time spent under the Spanish Digital Nomad visa counts toward both long-term residency (after 5 years) and Spanish citizenship eligibility.
For citizenship, applicants generally must have resided legally in Spain for ten years, though citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, and the Philippines may apply after just two years. Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces the requirement to one year.
Tax and Legal Considerations for Digital Nomads
Tax status is a crucial part of long-term planning. Spain offers a special tax regime known as the “Beckham Law”, which allows qualifying remote employees to be taxed at a flat 24% on Spanish-sourced income.
However, freelancers face more uncertainty since this regime is not as clearly defined for them. Applying for it involves some risk, as authorities may later reject the application, requiring retroactive tax adjustments.
Future Changes and Stricter Renewals
Authorities are expected to tighten their review process for Digital Nomad visa renewals in the coming months. Applicants report that apostilles and more consistent documentation are now being required.
Still, even if a renewal is denied, there are solutions: applicants have up to three months to modify their residence to another permit or reapply. The key is to act quickly and have a professional immigration lawyer assess the best strategy.
Planning for a Long-Term Future in Spain
For digital nomads intending to settle in Spain permanently, the Digital Nomad visa can be a stepping stone. Even if career circumstances change, you can switch to another permit without losing your legal residency continuity.
The most important advice is to stay proactive, keep documentation updated, and inform immigration authorities about any changes promptly.
If your goal is permanent residency or Spanish citizenship, a long-term strategy from the start will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Contact Sterna Abogados at info@sternaabogados.com for expert guidance on your Spanish Digital Nomad visa renewal or to plan your long-term residency strategy in Spain.