Spain Digital Nomad Cost 2025
Spain has rapidly positioned itself as one of the most attractive European destinations for digital nomads. With the Digital Nomad Visa introduced under the Startup Law, the country now combines Mediterranean lifestyle benefits with a structured legal framework for remote professionals. But how much does it actually cost to obtain and maintain this visa in 2025?
1. Core Documentation Requirements
To apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must prepare both personal and corporate documentation:
2. Minimum Income Threshold
Perhaps the most critical financial condition is demonstrating sufficient stable income.
For 2025, the threshold is €2,800 per month (the figure must ultimately be justified in euros, even if the income is originally in another currency such as USD or TRY).
Additional amounts are required if dependents are included in the application (typically 75% of the base amount for a spouse and 25% for each child).
3. Professional Service Fees
Most applicants retain professional assistance from law firms or immigration advisors to avoid procedural pitfalls.
Average legal & advisory fees: €2,800 – €3,000
Additional official bar/consular fees: ~€73 – €150
Payment structure: 50% upfront, 50% upon approval
Translation and notarization costs are billed separately.
4. Ancillary Costs
Applicants should budget for ancillary but unavoidable expenses such as:
Translations & notarizations: €200 – €400 (depending on volume)
Health insurance: €60 – €120 per month (mandatory for the application)
Accommodation proof: rental agreement or hotel booking, typically €500 – €1,200 per month depending on city
Apostille/legalization: €100 – €200
5. Total Cost Estimate (2025)
| Item | Average Cost (€) | Notes |
| Legal & Advisory Services | 2,800 – 3,000 | Visa file preparation |
| Official Fees | 73 – 150 | Bar / consular charges |
| Notary & Translations | 200 – 400 | Per document basis |
| Health Insurance | 60 – 120 / month | Mandatory |
| Accommodation | 500 – 1,200 / month | Varies by city |
| Total (Year 1) | ≈ €3,800 – €5,000+ | Excluding ongoing rent |
📌 Note: This calculation reflects the cost of the application process itself. Living expenses (housing, utilities, transport, food) in cities like Barcelona or Madrid can push monthly budgets above €1,500, while smaller cities like Valencia or Málaga remain more affordable.
6. Autonomo Taxes – A Consideration
While the visa allows digital nomads to work remotely for foreign companies, some applicants choose to register as autónomos (self-employed professionals) in Spain to work with Spanish clients. In that case:
Social security contributions: starting at around €230 per month under the reduced progressive scheme, rising with income.
Income tax (IRPF): progressive, ranging from 19% upwards depending on total taxable income.
VAT (IVA): generally 21% unless services are exempt or provided to foreign clients.
This means that although the Digital Nomad Visa can initially be used to maintain foreign tax residency in many cases, those who remain longer-term or engage with local clients should factor in Spain’s autónomo tax regime.
7. Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa in 2025 requires not only preparation of documentation but also careful budgeting. The minimum income requirement of €2,800 per month sets the baseline, while the full process—including legal assistance, health insurance, and translations—usually totals around €2,000–€3,000 in upfront costs, plus accommodation and living expenses.
For professionals seeking both EU residency and a Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain remains one of the most accessible yet structured options. But applicants should carefully consider whether they will remain under foreign tax residency or eventually fall into the Spanish autónomo regime, which adds further financial obligations.
