Spain Raises the Bar for Digital Nomads: New 2025 Income Rules for Foreign Applicants

In 2025, Spain continues to lead Europe in attracting global remote workers, entrepreneurs, and location-independent professionals. However, a recent change in the country’s digital nomad visa scheme has raised the income threshold for applicants—a move that signals both confidence and a strategic tightening of immigration policy. As the competition among countries to attract top-tier digital talent intensifies, Spain’s latest update aims to prioritize high-value applicants without discouraging serious expats.

This article explores what has changed in 2025, how the new income rules compare to other countries, and what digital nomads need to know before applying. With expert insight from Irene Martí Gispert, founder of NIM Lawyers, a fast-growing immigration law firm in Spain, we also outline what legal professionals are seeing on the ground and how foreign applicants can navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.

Understanding Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2025

Spain first launched its digital nomad visa in early 2023 as part of the broader Startups Law (Ley de Startups), designed to attract foreign investment and human capital. The program allowed non-EU remote workers, freelancers, and business owners to reside legally in Spain while continuing to earn income from outside the country.

The visa quickly became one of the most sought-after in Europe due to its relatively low entry barriers, attractive lifestyle offering, and fast processing times. Applicants could obtain a one-year residence permit, renewable up to five years, and bring family members along. Crucially, it allowed for access to Spain’s healthcare and education systems and opened the door to permanent residency or even citizenship.

But in 2025, the income requirements have increased—a move that has prompted many potential applicants to reassess their options.

What Are the 2025 Income Requirements?

As of January 2025, applicants for Spain’s digital nomad visa must now prove a minimum monthly income of €2,763, which corresponds to 200% of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI) based on 14 annual payments. For applicants bringing a spouse or dependent, the amount increases by an additional €890 per adult and €300 per child.

This change reflects Spain’s goal of aligning its immigration policies with rising living costs and maintaining quality control on visa applicants. It also serves to prioritize skilled professionals who can contribute to the economy without overburdening public services.

According to Irene Martí Gispert of NIM Lawyers, the changes are significant but not unreasonable.

“This update simply reflects the reality of Spain’s urban economy,” says Martí Gispert. “The government is filtering for committed, financially stable applicants. We’re still seeing strong demand, especially from professionals leaving high-tax environments in the UK, France, and the U.S.”

Why Spain Is Still a Top Choice for Digital Nomads

Despite the increased income requirement, Spain remains arguably the best digital nomad destination in Europe—and possibly the world. The reasons are structural, lifestyle-based, and legal.

First, Spain offers a much clearer and more formalized path to legal residency than many of its competitors. Its digital nomad visa is fully legislated, distinct from a tourist extension or freelancer permit, and provides a real bridge to long-term living in the EU.

Second, the quality of life in Spain continues to outshine competing markets. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga provide world-class infrastructure, abundant coworking spaces, a thriving startup culture, and high-speed internet. The cost of living remains significantly lower than in London, Paris, or Amsterdam, even with rising rents in some urban centers.

Third, Spain provides access to a territorial tax regime for qualifying remote workers under the Beckham Law—meaning that, under certain conditions, foreign-earned income can be taxed at favorable rates for up to six years.

Comparing Digital Nomad Visas: Spain vs Other Countries

Spain is not alone in offering digital nomad pathways. Countries like Portugal, Estonia, Croatia, and Greece also have similar programs, but few match Spain’s balance of accessibility, infrastructure, and long-term benefit.

Portugal’s digital nomad visa, for instance, requires a similar income threshold (around €3,040 per month), but recent changes in the Non-Habitual Residency regime have made its tax benefits less appealing. Additionally, delays in Portugal’s immigration processing system have frustrated applicants over the past year.

Estonia was an early mover in the digital nomad visa space but has seen diminished demand due to its smaller market size, cold climate, and more limited long-term residency options.

Greece and Italy, while attractive culturally, have more opaque visa processes and slower bureaucratic systems. In many cases, applications must be filed abroad and approved through multiple administrative layers, which delays relocation by months. Moreover, banking restrictions and inconsistent tax enforcement create additional uncertainty.

By comparison, Spain offers a balance of legal transparency, processing speed, quality of services, and cultural livability. The 2025 income adjustment does not diminish this appeal—it reinforces Spain’s image as a destination for serious, capable professionals.

Common Challenges Faced by Applicants

Despite the strong framework, applicants still face hurdles. Some common issues include:

• Insufficient or inconsistent income documentation (e.g. freelancers with variable income)

• Delays due to incomplete applications or missing apostilled documents

• Misunderstanding about the tax implications and Beckham Law eligibility

• Inability to prove that their remote income comes from outside Spain

To avoid these problems, immigration professionals emphasize the need for expert legal guidance.

“Applications are being reviewed more closely in 2025,” says Martí Gispert. “It’s not enough to simply meet the income requirement. Applicants need to present a full, properly translated dossier that proves remote employment, health insurance, criminal background clearance, and financial solvency. That’s where we step in—to ensure nothing is left to chance.”

The Role of Law Firms Like NIM Lawyers

NIM Lawyers, based in Spain, has emerged as a trusted partner for foreign nationals navigating the legal and procedural complexity of Spanish immigration. In just over a year, the firm has expanded rapidly, offering personalized service to digital nomads, investors, and family relocation cases alike.

What distinguishes the firm is its responsiveness, bilingual service, and clear pricing. For digital nomads who don’t speak Spanish or are unfamiliar with the local bureaucracy, this level of support is essential.

“There’s a lot of misinformation online,” Martí Gispert explains. “We see people arrive in Spain with the wrong expectations or who waste time with non-specialist advisors. Our role is to simplify the process and give them peace of mind.”

Preparing to Apply: What to Do in 2025

For applicants considering Spain in 2025, the following checklist can serve as a starting point:

1. Verify that your remote income is above €2763/month and comes from non-Spanish sources

2. Gather supporting documentation: contracts, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of employment

3. Obtain private health insurance with coverage in Spain

4. Prepare background checks and ensure they are apostilled

5. Work with a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer to ensure a full, error-free submission

Many applicants are now preparing their files months in advance to anticipate processing delays and to ensure smooth entry.

Final Outlook

Spain’s digital nomad visa may now carry a slightly higher financial bar, but the country continues to offer the most compelling package for remote workers seeking a long-term base in Europe. With cities that combine history and innovation, a legal system that supports entrepreneurial mobility, and a government that is actively shaping its immigration policy to attract global talent, Spain remains the undisputed leader in the digital nomad movement.

For those who meet the new income criteria, the path is still open—and the rewards, greater than ever.