Digital Nomad Visa Renewal in 2026

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign professionals to live in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients abroad. However, maintaining legal residence requires renewing the relevant authorisation on time and demonstrating continued compliance with the programme’s requirements.

In 2026, a Digital Nomad residence permit can be renewed for two years, provided the original eligibility conditions are still met.

Here is what you need to know about renewal deadlines, required documents and possible reasons for refusal.

How Long Can You Renew a Digital Nomad Visa For?

The duration of the initial authorisation depends on how it was obtained.

If you applied through a Spanish consulate, the visa is generally issued for up to one year. To continue living in Spain, you must obtain a residence authorisation.

If you applied directly from Spain, the initial residence permit may be granted for up to three years.

A residence permit can be renewed for two additional years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met.

After five years of legal and continuous residence, you may be eligible for long-term residence, subject to additional requirements, including limits on time spent outside Spain.

When Should You Apply for Renewal?

It is advisable to submit your application before your current residence permit expires.

Spanish law also allows applications within 90 days after expiry. However, late submission may result in administrative penalties.

Submitting a renewal application within the permitted period extends the validity of the previous authorisation until a decision is issued.

Important: A different procedure applies to holders of a one-year consular visa. An application for residence authorisation may be submitted during the 60 calendar days before the visa expires.

It is best to start preparing your documents early, especially if you need updated evidence from an overseas employer.

What Documents Are Required?

The main requirement is to demonstrate that you continue to meet the conditions of Spain’s Digital Nomad programme.

Depending on your circumstances, the following documents may be required:

• A valid passport and details of your current residence authorisation.
• The relevant application form and proof of payment of the government fee.
• An employment contract or service agreements with foreign clients.
• Evidence that you can continue working remotely from Spain.
• Proof of income, such as payslips, bank statements, invoices or payment records.
• Documentation confirming compliance with applicable social security requirements.
• Evidence of health coverage, where required.

This list is indicative. Immigration authorities may request additional documents. Foreign documents may also require official translations, apostilles or legalisation.

Income Requirements and Changing Employers

To renew your residence permit, you must demonstrate ongoing professional activity and sufficient financial resources.

The minimum income requirement is linked to Spain’s statutory minimum wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional, or SMI). For the main applicant, the threshold is generally 200% of the SMI. Additional financial requirements apply when family members are included.

As the SMI may change, it is important to check the applicable income thresholds before applying.

Can you change employers?

Yes. Changing employers does not necessarily prevent renewal, provided your new working arrangements continue to meet the programme’s requirements.

Employees must continue working remotely for a company established outside Spain.

Self-employed professionals may also work with Spanish clients, provided this activity does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.

If you change employers, become self-employed or substantially modify your working arrangements, you should check whether the competent authorities must be notified.

Social Security and Tax Obligations

Applicants must comply with the applicable social security requirements when renewing their residence permits.

These depend on whether the applicant is employed or self-employed and whether an international social security agreement applies.

In certain circumstances, continued social security coverage abroad may be accepted where permitted by the relevant agreement.

Tax obligations are a separate matter. Living in Spain may result in Spanish tax residency.

Holding a Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically exempt you from Spanish taxes or guarantee eligibility for a special tax regime.

Why Can a Renewal Application Be Refused?

The main reasons for refusal relate to no longer meeting the programme’s requirements or failing to provide sufficient supporting documentation.

Potential problems include:

• Termination of employment or professional relationships with foreign clients.
• Income falling below the required threshold.
• Changes in professional activity that affect eligibility.
• Failure to comply with applicable social security requirements.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation.

Not every change in circumstances automatically results in refusal. Each application must be assessed according to the relevant requirements and individual circumstances.

How Does the Renewal Process Work?

Applications are submitted electronically to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE), the Spanish government unit responsible for processing Digital Nomad residence authorisations.

The law establishes a decision period of 20 days. If no decision is issued within the applicable period, the rule of positive administrative silence (silencio administrativo positivo) applies. However, applicants must follow the appropriate procedure to obtain confirmation of the outcome.

After approval, a new Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or TIE) must be obtained where required.

Legal Assistance with Digital Nomad Visa Renewal

Renewing a Digital Nomad residence permit requires confirming that you still meet the conditions for legal residence in Spain.

This is particularly important if you have changed employers, become self-employed, experienced changes in income or are renewing together with family members.

At Lusa Legal, our legal team can review your documents, assess your eligibility and assist you throughout the residence permit renewal process.

Contact Lusa Legal for personalised legal advice on renewing your Digital Nomad Visa in Spain.